After three seasons that felt more like a mystery novel than a highlight reel, Yaya Keita has officially closed the chapter on his Oklahoma journey—and opened a bold new one with the Albany Great Danes. For Sooner fans, it’s a bittersweet goodbye to a player whose potential was always just one healthy season away from exploding.
The Mali-born big man, known for his raw athleticism and shot-swatting presence, came to Norman with high expectations and an even higher vertical. But between injury setbacks and limited minutes, Keita became something of an enigma. Jokes like “Did Yaya play?” started floating around the OU fan base—not out of disrespect, but out of genuine curiosity. When he was on the floor, he showed flashes of ferocity: hustle plays, rebounds in traffic, and the kind of defense that made opponents uncomfortable. Unfortunately, consistency and court time were hard to come by.
Now, it seems the real transformation is happening in Albany, where Keita has not only cracked the rotation but is dominating it. With more freedom, more touches, and a fresh environment, he’s playing like the player Sooner Nation always hoped he’d become—a rebounding machine with a rim protector’s soul and a forward’s hunger to grow.
Reports out of Albany’s camp say Keita has taken on a vocal leadership role, pushing younger players and anchoring the paint like a veteran with something to prove. And let’s face it—he does. After three years in the shadows, the “Mali Muscle” is finally unleashed, and the Great Danes are barking a little louder because of it.
Oklahoma, meanwhile, finds itself both cheering him on and shaking its head at what could have been. In an era of transfer portals and second chances, Yaya Keita’s story is one of resilience, reinvention, and revival.
So while Sooner fans may not have gotten the full Yaya experience in crimson and cream, they’ll now be watching from afar—wondering if this new Keita could’ve been their secret weapon all along.
From Norman to New York, Yaya’s not just moving schools—he’s moving mountains.
