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Michael Kalu Men's Basketball Commitment Graphic

Men's Basketball adds Kalu to 2026-27 recruiting class

by Cedric Gillette

CASTINE, Maine — The Maine Maritime Academy Men's Basketball program is excited to announce the addition of Michael Kalu to its 2026 recruiting class, the second under Head Coach Cedric Gillette.

Kalu, a 6'7" forward from Doha, Qatar, joins the Mariners after spending the past two seasons at Santa Monica College. During his sophomore campaign, he averaged 3.0 points and 3.0 rebounds per game. Michael was an everyday starter and the backline of the Corsairs defense as he recorded 25 blocked shots on the season. 

Before arriving in the United States, Kalu built an impressive basketball résumé internationally. He began his career with the Qatar Foundation before playing with the Al Sadd Club in Qatar at just 15 years old. While competing in Qatar, Kalu established himself as one of the top young players in the country, leading the Qatar League in both scoring and blocked shots while earning First Team All-League honors. He later attended Bull City Prep, where he helped lead his team to the 2024 Big Shots Prep Championship and earned the program's Best Teammate Award. Earlier in his career, Kalu was also recognized as his league's Player of the Year in 2018.

Away from the court, Kalu enjoys spending time with family and friends and playing Fortnite. He chose Maine Maritime Academy because of the competitive basketball culture being built within the program and plans to major in International Business & Logistics at Maine Maritime.
What They're Saying About Michael Kalu
 
Cedric Gillette, Head Coach, Maine Maritime:
"We are really excited to welcome Michael to our program. He's an unbelievable athlete and one of those guys that makes you stop and watch every time he steps on the floor. He can flat-out jump out of the gym, and that athleticism leads to highlight-reel dunks and blocks that can completely change the momentum of a game. But what really sold me on Michael was his relentless competitive nature.

Michael is one of the best rim runners I've ever watched. He puts so much pressure on the defense because he sprints the floor every single possession and never takes a play off. We had the opportunity to watch one of his practices at Santa Monica Community College, and that really confirmed everything we thought about him. He defended, rebounded, communicated, ran the floor, and did all of the little things that impact winning. Those are the types of players we want to build our program around.
The other thing that really stood out was the kind of person Michael is. He's incredibly easy to connect with, humble, genuine, and someone who fits the culture we're building at Maine Maritime. He's the type of young man who is not only going to make our basketball team better, but he's also make our campus community better. I think our fans are going to love watching him play, and I can't wait to coach him."

DaybyDay Champ Training Director:

DayXDay Champ, Michael shows tenacity enthusiasm discipline perseverance and has a virtuous character.
 
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