Atiki signs to play for BYU in 2021-22
PROVO, Utah — BYU men’s basketball head coach Mark Pope announced today that Atiki Ally Atiki has signed a scholarship agreement to play for the Cougars.
“We are incredibly excited to announce Atiki as the newest member of the BYU basketball family," Pope said. "Growing up in Tanzania, Atiki will bring to our team a fresh world view and added diversity in our continued pursuit of the best locker room in America. He is humble, hungry and has an overwhelmingly-special work ethic that Cougar Nation will fall in love with. He is a gifted athlete with length, athleticism and touch around the rim. He is sure to become a fan favorite and have a major impact on BYU basketball and our entire community for years to come.”
From Mwanza, Tanzania, growing up Atiki would have to travel 45 minutes to play basketball at the nearest court. He moved to Ontario, Canada in 2018 to finish high school and play basketball at the London Basketball Academy, where he was coached by Angelo Provanzano.
Atiki was ranked as the No. 5 college basketball prospect in Canada by Canada's National Preparatory Association. He averaged 19 points and 12 rebounds in his junior season. His senior season was heavily impacted by COVID-19 as Canada had limited athletic events during the pandemic.
Atiki is a center who stands at 6-foot-11, with a 7-foot-2 wingspan, and weighs in at 220 pounds.