Arkansas State University men’s basketball head coach Ryan Pannone has announced the addition of two standout players, Kyle Blair and Abdoulaye Samoura Jr., to the team’s 2027-28 roster.
Blair, a 6-foot-10 center from Ozone Park, New York, was named the 2025-26 2A District 11 Player of the Year after leading The First Academy to a 19-11 record and a trip to the 2A State Quarterfinals. Blair averaged 12.6 points and 6.6 rebounds over 26 games during the season. Noted for his defense, he was previously recognized as Defensive Player of the Year in his sophomore season.
“Blair is a dynamic, high-motor frontcourt prospect who impacts winning through his elite physical tools, exceptional rim protection, and relentless activity on the glass,” said Pannone. He added that Blair’s combination of a long wingspan, lateral mobility, and shot-blocking ability make him a defensive anchor for the Red Wolves. Offensively, Blair excels in screen-and-roll situations and transition play.
Joining Blair is Montreal's Abdoulaye Samoura Jr., a 6-foot-10 forward who competed at Collège St-Jean-Vianney and later with Montreal Prep. Samoura Jr. also showcased his skills on the 2026 Nike Elite Youth Basketball League (EYBL) Circuit and earned First Team All-Region honors for the 2025-26 season.
Pannone described Samoura Jr. as a “versatile, modern stretch forward” with a seven-foot wingspan and the ability to dominate on both ends of the court. “Offensively, he comfortably operates with an outside-in skillset that stretches opposing defenses and allows him to sink perimeter three-pointers while maintaining lethal efficiency at the rim,” Pannone said. He noted that Samoura Jr.'s agility and length enable him to guard smaller perimeter players while serving as a rim protector and strong rebounder.
The additions of Blair and Samoura Jr. are expected to bolster Arkansas State's frontcourt and provide significant two-way versatility for the coming seasons.