NORFOLK, Va. – The Norfolk State men's basketball team continues to load its roster ahead of the 2025-26 season, signing nationally-touted junior college prospect Yel Deeng on Friday.
 
A 6-9 forward from Amarillo, Texas, Deeng has caused opponents fits on both ends the floor with his size and versatility. Averaging 10.0 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 0.9 blocks per game for Casper College last year, the sophomore standout is ranked as the No. 80 JUCO player in the 2025 class by JucoRecruiting.com.
 
Deeng led the Thunderbirds to a tremendous campaign, going 25-7 with a 10-2 mark in conference play. He produced a season-high 19 points in the team's regional semifinal matchup against Trinidad State, adding six rebounds and a block.
 
Playing his freshman season at Treasure Valley Community College, Deeng averaged 13.0 points and 6.8 rebounds per game while shooting 53.1 percent from the field and 46.1 percent from behind the arc. He led the Chukars to a postseason victory against Blue Mountain, recording 26 points, three rebounds, and a block.
 
Deeng chose Norfolk State over offers from Murray State, Charlotte, and Morgan State, amongst others.
 
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