Seton Hall’s men’s basketball program announced the addition of Abdulai Fanta Kabba, a 7‑foot‑5‑wingspan center who spent the last two seasons at Western Carolina University before transferring to Denver University for the 2024‑25 campaign. The Sierra Leone native arrives in New Jersey weighing 235 pounds, offering a rare combination of height, mass and athleticism for the Pirates’ frontcourt.
During his most recent season at Western Carolina, Kabba posted averages of 4.7 points and 5.8 rebounds per game while shooting 65.8 percent from the field and 29.2 percent from the free‑throw line. His offensive skill set leans heavily toward lob finishes and put‑back opportunities, traits that complement the more perimeter‑oriented aspects of the team’s attack.
A Strategic Fit for the Post
Head coach Shaheen Holloway has indicated plans to platoon Kabba alongside Devin Williams, a wiry rim protector whose presence has long anchored the Hall’s interior defense. The duo is expected to give the Pirates a more formidable presence in the paint, allowing the coaching staff to experiment with larger lineups without sacrificing mobility.
The move comes as Seton Hall looks to increase the overall size of its frontcourt. Last season’s interior group featured players ranging from 220 to 265 pounds, a range that the coaching staff believes was insufficient for the physical demands of the Big East conference. Kabba’s addition pushes the upper bound of that spectrum and provides the depth needed to maintain intensity throughout a grueling schedule.
Beyond the immediate on‑court impact, the signing underscores the program’s broader recruitment strategy. With four roster openings still available, the Pirates are prioritizing size and versatility, aiming to build a more balanced squad that can compete against both domestic and international competition.
Kabba’s journey to the East Coast has been marked by international exposure, having been born in Sierra Leone before navigating the U.S. college landscape through stops in Denver and now South Orange. His multicultural background adds another layer of diversity to a roster that continues to evolve under the guidance of its dedicated coaching staff.