2026 NBA Draft: Moustapha Thiam Scouting Report

Throughout the 2025-26 season, Babcock Hoops will provide comprehensive scouting reports on top 2026 NBA Draft prospects, analyzing their strengths, weaknesses, and potential at the next level. Our reports offer an in-depth look at each player's development and draft outlook.

Moustapha Thiam

Position: Center

College: Cincinnati

Class: Sophomore

Height/Weight: 7'2", 250 lbs

Birthdate: February 21, 2006

Previous College: Central Florida

High School: DME Academy (FL)

Player Overview

Moustapha Thiam is a long, mobile center with intriguing defensive tools and budding offensive skills. A reclassified freshman at Central Florida last season, Thiam showed advanced instincts on the defensive end, projecting as a rim protector and versatile anchor. His length and timing allow him to disrupt shots, while his mobility suggests he could eventually guard in space.

Offensively, Thiam has stretched his game beyond the paint, flashing the ability to hit outside shots and space the floor. He has soft hands on the catch and has grown more comfortable as the season progressed. While still raw, he has the framework of a modern stretch big with upside as both a rim runner and potential pick-and-pop threat.

Strengths

• Defensive Instincts: High-level timing, mobility, and awareness for his size.

• Length & Rim Protection: 7’6” wingspan makes him a natural shot-blocker and deterrent.

• Floor Stretching Potential: Comfortable stepping out to shoot the three; projects as a stretch big.

• Soft Hands: Catches cleanly, making him a reliable target in the paint or on the roll.

  
  

Concerns

• Physical Frame: Still thin; can be pushed off spots on both ends of the floor.

• Offensive Identity: Lacks a go-to move or consistent scoring option.

• Conditioning: Needs to continue building strength and endurance for sustained impact.

• Rebounding Toughness: Must pursue boards with more force and physicality.

  
  

Questions

• Can he defend effectively without fouling as competition level rises?

• Will adding muscle affect his fluidity and mobility?

• Can he establish a reliable scoring move and improve shooting consistency away from the basket?

  
  

Bottom Line

Moustapha Thiam is a high-upside big man with rare size, length, and defensive instincts for his age. His ability to protect the rim, cover ground, and potentially stretch the floor gives him a modern, versatile profile. While still raw offensively and physically, he has the tools to develop into an impact frontcourt player at the college level and beyond. His progress will depend on filling out his frame, sharpening offensive consistency, and learning how to maximize his defensive tools without foul trouble.