Mouhamed Gueye Bio
Mouhamed Gueye (born 9 November 2002) is a Senegalese professional basketball player for the Atlanta Hawks of the National Basketball Association (NBA). Standing 6 feet 11 inches tall, he plays as a forward and center, bringing length, rebounding, and shot-blocking to a young Hawks roster. After a standout college career at Washington State, Gueye entered the NBA in 2023 and continues to develop his game at the professional level.
Early Life and Background
Mouhamed Gueye was raised in Dakar, Senegal, as the youngest of four siblings in a sporting family. He has cousins who have played for the Senegalese national basketball team and who also played professionally in Europe, giving him an early connection to the sport at a competitive level. Growing up, Gueye initially played soccer, but his mother encouraged him to switch to basketball because of his tall frame. He has also credited watching his older brother play basketball as an early influence on his decision to pursue the sport seriously.
Despite the basketball pedigree within his extended family, Gueye had limited formal training in the sport during his early years in Senegal. His tall stature and athletic background, however, made the transition to basketball a natural one once he received structured coaching.
Path to Basketball
Gueye’s personal coach, Mamadou Cisse, connected him with Philippe Doherty, the head coach of Prolific Prep Academy in Napa, California. At age 16, Gueye moved from Dakar to the United States to enroll at Prolific Prep, a move that set the course for his basketball future. He had never played organized basketball before arriving at the program, making his rapid development there all the more remarkable.
During his time at Prolific Prep, Gueye emerged as a four-star recruit and a top-50 recruit in the country. He completed his academic requirements early and reclassified to the 2021 class before committing to play for the Washington State Cougars over several other high-major offers. The decision to move to the United States as a teenager marked the beginning of his ascent through the American basketball system.
Mouhamed Gueye Career
Early Career (2021–2022)
Gueye joined the Washington State Cougars for the 2021–22 season and adjusted quickly to the college game. He averaged 7.4 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 0.5 assists per game during his freshman year, earning selection to the Pac-12 All-Freshman team for his contributions. Following the season, he declared for the 2022 NBA draft but later withdrew after receiving feedback from NBA teams. He also explored the transfer portal before ultimately electing to return to the Cougars for his sophomore season.
Washington State Cougars Breakthrough (2022–2023)
Gueye’s role with the Cougars expanded significantly during the 2022–23 season following the departure of key pieces of their front court. He also played primarily as a center rather than his natural power forward position, showcasing his versatility. Head coach Kyle Smith reinforced throughout the season that the team “plays through Gueye,” making him the centerpiece of the Cougars’ offense. On 2 February 2023, he scored a career-high 31 points against the USC Trojans, signaling his readiness for the next level.
Across the 2022–23 campaign, Gueye averaged 14.3 points, 8.4 rebounds, and 1.9 assists per game. His strong play was recognized with a selection to the All-Pac-12 first-team, cementing his status as one of the conference’s top big men. On 4 April 2023, Gueye declared for the 2023 NBA draft and was later invited to participate in the NBA draft combine.
Atlanta Hawks Era (2023–Present)
Gueye was selected by the Charlotte Hornets in the second round as the 39th overall pick of the 2023 NBA draft. His rights were traded to the Boston Celtics and then to the Atlanta Hawks on draft night. On 3 July 2023, Gueye signed his rookie contract with the Hawks, officially beginning his professional career.
His rookie season was disrupted on 12 November 2023, when he was ruled out for a month after suffering a right lower-back stress fracture, causing him to miss most of his first year. Gueye returned from injury with several stints for the Hawks’ NBA G League affiliate, the College Park Skyhawks, both as a rookie and a sophomore. On 11 April 2025, he recorded a career-high 18 rebounds and scored 10 points during a 124–110 win over the Philadelphia 76ers, marking a significant milestone in his young NBA career.
Playing Style and Strengths
Gueye’s 6 feet 11 inches frame gives him the length to contest shots, protect the rim, and finish around the basket. He has demonstrated the ability to play both power forward and center, providing his team with frontcourt flexibility. His rebounding instincts and willingness to play through contact have made him a reliable interior presence as he continues to refine his offensive skill set.
Notable Events and Milestones
Among Gueye’s most memorable moments are his 31-point performance against the USC Trojans in February 2023 and his 18-rebound, 10-point double-double against the Philadelphia 76ers in April 2025. Being named to the All-Pac-12 first-team as a sophomore and hearing his name called in the 2023 NBA draft also stand as defining achievements in his early career.
Mouhamed Gueye Career Wins
While individual game victories are not formally tracked in Gueye’s early professional résumé, his college career featured a number of standout performances that contributed to Washington State’s success. His role as the offensive focal point during the 2022–23 season helped the Cougars compete in one of the strongest basketball conferences in the country.
Washington State Cougars Highlights
During his sophomore season, Gueye was the centerpiece of the Cougars’ offense and posted averages of 14.3 points, 8.4 rebounds, and 1.9 assists per game. His selection to the All-Pac-12 first-team confirmed his standing among the conference’s elite players. The 31-point outburst against USC in February 2023 remains his career high at the collegiate level.
Other Wins and Performances
As a freshman, Gueye earned Pac-12 All-Freshman team honors, an early indication of his long-term potential. His contributions at Prolific Prep helped establish him as a four-star recruit and one of the top-50 prospects in his class before he committed to Washington State.
Mouhamed Gueye Family
Family Background and Basketball Lineage
Gueye was raised in a sporting family in Dakar, Senegal, as the youngest of four siblings. Several of his cousins have represented the Senegalese national basketball team and have played professionally in Europe, giving the family a deep connection to the sport. His mother played a pivotal role in redirecting him from soccer to basketball because of his height, while his older brother also served as an early influence through his own play.
Personal Life
Gueye moved from Dakar to the United States at age 16 to pursue basketball at Prolific Prep Academy, a transition that required significant personal sacrifice and commitment. Details about his personal relationships, marital status, and children are not publicly documented in verified sources.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season represents an important stretch in Mouhamed Gueye’s development with the Atlanta Hawks. After spending time with the College Park Skyhawks in the NBA G League to gain experience, he has returned to the Hawks’ rotation with renewed confidence. His 18-rebound, 10-point double-double against the Philadelphia 76ers in April 2025 stands as a clear sign of his growing impact at the NBA level.
As the Hawks continue to build around a young core, Gueye’s combination of size, rebounding, and defensive potential makes him a player to watch. His ability to contribute in stretches at both power forward and center gives Atlanta valuable frontcourt depth heading into the remainder of the season.
With another offseason of development ahead, Gueye is positioned to take on a larger role in the Hawks’ rotation. Continued improvements in his perimeter game and consistency on the defensive end could elevate him from a rotation piece to a more permanent starter in the years to come.