Mouhamadou Gueye

Gueye is an American forward who reached the NBA after an unconventional path that included junior college, a breakout defensive season at Stony Brook, and a final year at Pittsburgh. Undrafted in 2022, he worked his way through the G League before signing with the Chicago Bulls.

Born Mouhamadou Gueye on July 6, 1998, in Staten Island, New York, he is the son of Senegalese parents Ababacar and Souwadou. His father moved to Staten Island from Senegal in 1987 with $100 and worked in construction. Gueye attended Curtis High School and started as a 5-foot-9 guard before growing 10 inches over four years. He did not play on the school's varsity team during his junior or senior seasons due to disciplinary measures arising from truancy.

Gueye was discovered by Monroe College through an AAU highlight reel uploaded by a teammate to YouTube. At Monroe, he debuted in the NJCAA during the 2016-17 season, averaging 2.1 points and 3.6 rebounds. He sat out the 2017-18 season due to academic issues but returned to average improved numbers as a sophomore.

He transferred to Stony Brook for the 2019-20 season and learned to play effectively within a system. In his second season, he was named America East Defensive Player of the Year, averaging 3.1 blocks per game and ranking in the top ten nationally in blocks. He had eight blocks against UMBC on February 7, 2021, one shy of the program record. He recorded 129 blocks in two seasons at Stony Brook, the second most in program Division I history.

With an extra year of eligibility due to COVID-19, Gueye transferred to Pittsburgh for the 2021-22 season, averaging 9.8 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 1.1 assists. On September 21, 2022, he signed with the Dallas Mavericks but was waived. He joined the Texas Legends and averaged 8.6 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 1.9 blocks before eventually signing with the Chicago Bulls.

Gueye is a long, athletic forward with shot-blocking instincts and defensive versatility. His rapid physical development and late start in organized basketball have given him a unique skill set centered on rim protection, rebounding, and transition finishing. He continues to refine his offensive game at the professional level.