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Bowling Green State University Athletics
Falcon Men’s Basketball Adds 6-Foot-11 Freshman Leek Ateny
May 20, 2026 | Men's Basketball
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Ateny Ranked As No. 1 Center In Kentucky By Next Up Recruits
BOWLING GREEN, Ohio - The Bowling Green State University men's basketball program and head coach Todd Simon announced the signing of incoming freshman center Leek Ateny. A 6-foot-11 center from Anyidi, South Sudan, Ateny will join the Falcons after being ranked as the 11th best player, and the number one center, in the state of Kentucky by Next Up Recruits after playing for Danville Christian.
A two-time All-State honoree, Ateny led his team to a 52-12 cumulative record over his final two seasons. As a senior, he averaged 17.9 points. 9.8 rebounds and 5.5 blocks per game while maintaining a 55-percent mark from the floor. In addition to his high overall shooting percentage, Ateny shot 39-percent from beyond the arc and 82-percent at the free throw line.
During his high school career, Ateny put together a long list of accolades, including three-time All-Region and three-time All-District honors. He also was a member of the Kentucky Junior All-Star Team as well as the Kentucky All-Star Teams against both Ohio and Indiana. As for the team, Ateny aided Danville Christian to two District titles, two Regional titles and two appearances in the KHSAA State Finals, including a Sweet 16 appearance at Rupp Arena and a 2025 KHSAA All "A" State Championship.
"Leek is a long and versatile big with tremendous upside," said Simon. "His ability to protect the rim, rebound and switch onto guards are defensive strengths that fit us. Offensively, he can shoot the three, pass and make plays from the perimeter. He's an exceptional offensive rebounder. His character is off the charts and he'll be a great fit for our culture."
Follow the Falcons
Be sure to follow the Falcons' men's basketball team on social media
Twitter - @BGSU_Athletics and @BGSUMBB
Instagram - 'bgfalcons' and 'bgsumhoops'
Facebook - 'BGSU Athletics'
YouTube - 'Falcon Athletics'
A two-time All-State honoree, Ateny led his team to a 52-12 cumulative record over his final two seasons. As a senior, he averaged 17.9 points. 9.8 rebounds and 5.5 blocks per game while maintaining a 55-percent mark from the floor. In addition to his high overall shooting percentage, Ateny shot 39-percent from beyond the arc and 82-percent at the free throw line.
During his high school career, Ateny put together a long list of accolades, including three-time All-Region and three-time All-District honors. He also was a member of the Kentucky Junior All-Star Team as well as the Kentucky All-Star Teams against both Ohio and Indiana. As for the team, Ateny aided Danville Christian to two District titles, two Regional titles and two appearances in the KHSAA State Finals, including a Sweet 16 appearance at Rupp Arena and a 2025 KHSAA All "A" State Championship.
"Leek is a long and versatile big with tremendous upside," said Simon. "His ability to protect the rim, rebound and switch onto guards are defensive strengths that fit us. Offensively, he can shoot the three, pass and make plays from the perimeter. He's an exceptional offensive rebounder. His character is off the charts and he'll be a great fit for our culture."
Follow the Falcons
Be sure to follow the Falcons' men's basketball team on social media
Twitter - @BGSU_Athletics and @BGSUMBB
Instagram - 'bgfalcons' and 'bgsumhoops'
Facebook - 'BGSU Athletics'
YouTube - 'Falcon Athletics'
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