Spiders Receive Basketball Commitment From Versatile Harlem Forward

The Richmond Times reports that the University of Richmond received a basketball commitment Tuesday night from 6-foot-8 Souleymane “Sal” Koureissi, a forward from Iona Prep in New York who announced his college decision via Twitter.

Koureissi, a 180-pounder who lives in Harlem, N.Y., picked the Spiders over Minnesota and Seton Hall, among several others. Many A-10 schools were interested, as were Ivy League members. He has developed from strictly a post player to a forward with very good ballhandling ability that allows him to get to the basket from the perimeter.

This is Richmond’s first oral commitment from the Class of 2018. Koureissi can make his pledge official when the early-signing period opens Nov. 8.

UR coach Chris Mooney, who is prohibited by NCAA rules from commenting on commitments until their signed national letters of intent are received by Richmond, has several young guards in his program. The Spiders were targeting taller players from the Class of 2018.

Koureissi is known for his offensive versatility, which aligns with a Richmond system that emphasizes all players being able to handle the ball, pass and shoot. Koureissi wasn’t a highly recruited player early in his high school career, but greatly improved his stock in the past year.