The college recruiting game moves fast at every level, but when a 6’8″ junior like Moussa Kamissoko starts drawing comparisons to versatile NBA wings, coaches pay attention.
What sets the Long Island Lutheran standout apart isn’t just his size or athleticism — it’s the specific trait that has Will Wade and other top coaches circling his recruitment like sharks around fresh bait. What did the new NC State coach see in the 2027 recruit?
What Makes Moussa Kamissoko So Appealing to Will Wade and NC State?
Moussa Kamissoko has established himself as one of the premier prospects in the 2027 class. His combination of elite size and defensive versatility has caught the eye of multiple high-major programs.
The 6’8″ wing, who suits up for Long Island Lutheran in Glen Head, New York, and runs with the PSA Cardinals AAU program, brings a rare combination of length and mobility that translates across multiple positions.
“While most of the talent at Crossroads fell under the category of yet to be discovered or relatively new to the scene, Moussa Kamissoko is a player that has been gracing the pages of 247Sports for well over a year,” 247 Sports noted.
Currently ranked No. 13 nationally by 247Sports and holding the No. 7 spot in On3’s 2027 rankings, Kamissoko has earned recognition as the top small forward and highest-ranked player in New York. His five-star rating reflects consistent production and the type of upside that attracts offers from programs like Louisville, Syracuse, Villanova, NC State, Virginia Tech and Duke, among other programs.
However, it’s his defensive range that has coaches most excited. Speaking with On3, Kamissoko revealed what NC State’s Will Wade values most in their conversations:
“With NC State, it’s Will Wade; he’s a great coach. They play really hard. They like how I can guard one through five, really. I was speaking to the assistant coach — we talk a lot.”
That defensive versatility represents the modern basketball ideal — a player who can seamlessly switch from guarding speedy guards on the perimeter to banging with physical centers in the paint.
For Wade, who has built his coaching reputation on aggressive defensive schemes, finding a player who can execute multiple defensive assignments within a single possession makes Kamissoko invaluable.
How Are Other Programs Pitching Moussa Kamissoko?
While NC State emphasizes his defensive range, other programs have highlighted different aspects of Kamissoko’s game. Syracuse coach Adrian Autry and his staff, led by assistant coach Alex Kline, focus on fit within their established winning culture.
“They got Coach (Adrian) Autry as their coach. I’ve been speaking to the assistant coaches, the general manager a lot, Coach Alex Kline. They have a winning program,” Kamissoko explained.
Villanova’s coaching staff has taken a more comprehensive approach, recognizing his ability to impact every facet of the game. Their pitch centers on his basketball IQ and complete skill set.
“They’ve reached out to me a few times, the assistant coaches. They really like how I can do everything on the court, play, make, rebound, get others involved, and create my own shot.”
Virginia Tech has focused its recruitment on his motor and competitive fire. After watching him during an open gym at Long Island Lutheran, the Hokies’ coaching staff came away impressed with his approach on the defensive end.
“They came to our open gym in LuHi. They’re talking about, they like my defensive intensity,” Kamissoko noted.
The variety of selling points from different programs shows how Kamissoko’s skill set translates across different systems and philosophies. Whether a coach wants a versatile defender, a complete offensive player, or an intense competitor, Kamissoko provides the foundation for multiple approaches.
His recent performances at elite camps have only reinforced what college coaches already knew. At the Crossroads Elite Invitational, Kamissoko entered as the highest-ranked player and delivered on expectations by earning camp MVP honors while leading his team to the championship.
His combination of efficient scoring, court vision, and positional defense showed why multiple programs view him as a cornerstone recruit for their 2027 class.