Tambedou Commits to the Terrapins
Live today on the CBS Sports YouTube channel, RI Elite and Putnam Science forward Adama Tambedou committed to the Maryland Terrapins of the Big Ten Conference.
Tambedou, a native of Senegal, has been one of the fastest-rising prospects in both the New England region and on the national level in the past year, going from unranked in the class of 2026 to a four-star, ranked number 122 in the nation by 247Sports.
His true upside was shown throughout the grassroots season playing on the PRO16 circuit with RI Elite as the Maryland-commit served as the team's primary option. We got an early glimpse of how the team operated with Tambedou as the go-to guy at the Northeast Hopps Festival this past April.
He stands around six-foot-seven, and brings truly elite athleticism to the floor. In the lane, Tambedou is a tough matchup as his blend of strength and pop to get above the rim makes him a lethal threat to throw down highlight-reel dunks at any moment.
While he can really dunk the ball, Tambedou has great mobility to move around the floor and cover players at different positions. His developed body and power allow him to compete with guys on the interior, but the speed and motor he plays with make him a competent switch onto wings and guards.
On a loaded Putnam Science team that took home it's fifth National Prep Championship this past season, Tambedou was of course, a notable name in their five-man rotations, adding to the lineup versatility that led to them winning 38 games from November to March, and only dropping two on the way.
In the National Prep Championship final, Tambedou contributed five points of his own, but his defensive athleticism and rebounding were key factors in the win. He finished with eight rebounds and one block while contesting many shots throughout the game.
Overall, in his time in New England, the Senegalese native picked up offers from the likes of LaSalle, Albany, Bryant, Fairfield, George Mason, Creighton, Arizona State, St. Bonaventure, Florida A&M, UT Martin, Oklahoma State, Iowa State, Texas State, and his eventual choice, Maryland.
His game may still have a ways to go, but the upside is truly there, and one that earned him both national recognition and made him a coveted recruit in the class of 2026.
Adama Tambedou