Ladji Kante is a versatile, high-upside freshman forward for NIU
In the 2025-26 season, Ladji Kante is giving Northern Illinois a useful all-around forward profile, averaging 2.8 points and 1.2 rebounds in 9.1 minutes per game, with a career-high 28-point outing showing real scoring upside when he gets going.[1][2][5][7] He’s notable for his playmaking background from Élan Chalon U21, where he posted 11.4 points, 4.0 rebounds and 4.2 assists per game, which hints at a more skillful, connective frontcourt piece than a typical wing prospect.[7] For a team, the appeal is upside: size, ball skills, and room to develop into a multidimensional contributor rather than just a spot-up role player.[7]
