Ryan Odom has secured the Virginia Cavaliers’ first commitment in the class of 2027, tapping back into his international pipeline to land Malian big man Mahamadou Landoure on Tuesday evening.
A 6-foot-10, 260-pound
center, Landoure is an intriguing interior force with a near-mythical background. The 17-year-old Mali native most recently appeared in games for Dar City in Tanzania in the Basketball Africa League and has made previous stops at the NBA Academy Africa and with Real Madrid in Spain.
Landoure, who will be relocating to the United States to play for Bridgton Academy in Maine this upcoming season, gained international attention in 2023 after scoring 56 points and grabbing 33 rebounds in an otherworldly championship game performance at the Minicopa Endesa, Spain’s most highly regarded U14 tournament.
Already 6-foot-9 at just 13 years old, Landoure was an overwhelming force on the junior circuit, catching the attention of many in the basketball world with his Wilt Chamberlain-esque numbers at the Minicopa. Though he’s continued to dominate, Landoure hasn’t grown much over the past few years, and his early size advantage has limited the development of certain aspects of his game.
Nevertheless, Landoure is more than capable of making his mark on college basketball while at Virginia. A low-post bruiser with a developed frame and solid footwork for a young player of his stature, Landoure makes his money around the basket with dunks and strong drop-steps. Though his hands and touch around the basket will need to be improved, Landoure is already making strides as a shooter.
Landoure joins a growing list of international prospects that Odom has brought to Grounds. Thijs De Ridder (Belgium), Johann Grunloh (Germany), and Ugonna Onyenso (Nigeria) were each pillars of Virginia’s run last season, while Martin Carrere (France) and incoming freshman Favour Ibe (Nigeria) each have the potential to be future stars of Virginia’s frontcourt.
Odom has been busy in the recruiting department this offseason, landing a trio of transfers in Arkansas State guard Christian Harmon, UC Irving wing Jurian Dixon, and Saint Louis forward Kalu Anya, along with the freshman Ibe out of Mt. Zion Prep. Stay tuned to Streaking the Lawn as the ’Hoos round out their 2026-27 roster and continue building for the future.
