Benjamin Ndour, a 6‑foot‑9 forward from Dakar, Senegal, has officially joined the Florida A&M University Rattlers, bringing a rare blend of size, athleticism and shooting range to the SWAC program.
The 22‑year‑old, who most recently suited up for Etrusca Basket San Miniato in Italy’s Serie B Interregionale, averaged 7.2 points over 29 appearances during the 2023‑24 campaign and earned a reputation as a two‑way player capable of dominating the boards, protecting the rim and stretching defenses with his three‑point shot.
His arrival follows a recruiting surge orchestrated by head coach Charlie Ward, who has already secured commitments from point guard Jayden Joseph and 6‑foot‑7 guard Cam Cooper. Both prospects chose FAMU over Power Five programs, underscoring Ward’s growing influence beyond traditional recruiting pipelines.
The Rattlers finished the previous season with a 15‑16 overall record and an 11‑7 mark in conference play, landing second in the preseason SWAC poll. Ndour’s signing is expected to reinforce the frontcourt and push the team toward a deeper run in the tournament.
Beyond the statistics, Ndour’s international experience adds a global perspective to the roster, reflecting a broader trend of HBCU programs tapping into overseas talent pools. Ward, a former NBA guard turned recruiter, sees the move as part of a strategic shift toward a more versatile, perimeter‑oriented style of play.
A New Chapter for the Rattlers
With the new additions, Florida A&M aims to translate its recruiting momentum into on‑court success. The coaching staff believes that the combination of Ndour’s length, Joseph’s playmaking and Cooper’s scoring punch can reshape the team’s identity.
Fans and alumni alike are eager to see how the new roster will gel, especially as the program looks to build on its recent preseason accolades. The excitement surrounding the recruiting class reflects a belief that the Rattlers are poised for a resurgence in the coming seasons.