The Cincinnati Bearcats basketball staff's European ties have paid off again, as they've added 6-foot-10 center Halvine Dzellat-Diakeno from France to the fold The Enquirer has learned. He has begun the process to be cleared by compliance and is in town.

Dzellat-Diakeno is 20 years old and was the captain of the French 20u FIBA team this summer that won gold and the 19u team the year before. He averaged 8 points and 4.4 rebounds in seven games in this year's competition.

Dzellat-Diakeno is not expected to be eligible this season but will serve as a key practice player for Aziz Bandaogo and Arrinten Page in the post. He is represented by Octagon Europe.

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Cincinnati Bearcats basketball French center Halvine Dzellat-Diakeno