Tennessee makes the top ten for five-star center Moussa Cisse

Tennessee is rolling under Rick Barnes on the recruiting trail. Looking to build off of a historic class in 2020, we’re starting to get some information on the 2021 class. Another top target has emerged, this time in the frontcourt.

Five-star center Moussa Cisse named what he called a ‘final ten’ on Sunday, including Tennessee on his list. Kentucky, Memphis, Alabama, Georgetown, USC, Illinois, Florida State, Georgia, Memphis and LSU joined Tennessee on his list.

Cisse is the 8th ranked player in the 2021 class, per 247Sports. He’s the top ranked player in the state of Tennessee, coming out of Memphis. For this reason, the Tigers have been the perceived favorite in his recruitment, currently sitting with three crystal ball projections.

The elite big man stands in at a slender 6-10, 220 pounds. He’s regarded as a high-level defender and rebounder who is still in the process of finding his offensive game. But he’s already on the NBA’s radar, thanks to that length and ability to defend.

Cisse has taken unofficial visits to Memphis, Kentucky and Florida State. John Calipari visited Cisse back in December.

Tennessee currently does not have a commitment in the class of 2021. They were able to land five-star guards Keon Johnson and Jaden Springer in the 2020 cycle, along with four-star wing Corey Walker. It was a continuation of momentum from the 2019 class, where they landed five-star guard Josiah-Jordan James.

The Volunteers are in the mix with a handful of elite prospects so far in this class. Five-star guard Kennedy Chandler leads the way, along with five-star forward Paolo Banchero. Jabari Smith and now Moussa Cisse are also names to keep in mind.