CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Queens University of Charlotte head men's basketball coach Grant Leonard is excited to welcome Christian Kouame to the 2026 recruiting class on Wednesday afternoon. Kouame, a native of Ontario, Canada, comes to the Queen City from Tri-City Prep Academy.
 
"Christian comes from a program, Tri-City Prep, that we are very familiar with," said head coach Grant Leonard. "His game will remind Queens fans of Bryce Cash and Isaiah Henry. He plays with such force and physicality and is an elite defender. His toughness will make all Queens fans root for him throughout his career in Myers Park."
 
Kouame, a three-star prospect according to Verbal Commits, brings exceptional versatility on both sides of the ball. The 6'5" guard with a 6'8" wingspan is a disruptive defender and has proven his ability to compete against the best. Earlier this season, Kouame held five-star prospect Isaiah Hamilton to a 2-for-12 shooting clip from the field and three turnovers. Kouame countered with 19 points, six rebounds, four assists, and three steals in a marquee matchup.
 
At the Beach and Ball Classic in December, Kouame helped Tri-City Prep to a perfect 4-0 weekend and was named a Second Team All-Star from the event. Kouame held multiple opponents with Division 1 offers to under eight points. In an 84-61 victory over Jordan Christian Prep, Kouame was named the MVP of the game after netting 12 points and putting on a defensive clinic.
 
"I'm extremely blessed for this opportunity and excited about being a part of this Queens Royals basketball team," said Kouame. "I'm truly looking forward to building something great with my teammates and the entire coaching staff. I'm ready to work and compete at a high level in pursuit of another championship."
 
Kouame becomes the second player from Tri-City Prep Academy to join the Royals. Former Queens standout Maban Jabriel spent two seasons in the Queen City and helped the Royals capture their first ASUN Tournament title before transferring this offseason to the University of Maryland.
 
Kouame will join a Royals program that is coming off its first ASUN Tournament Championship and first appearance in the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament. The historic season saw the Royals post a 21-14 record, marking the second straight season with at least 20 wins. Queens clinched the third seed in the ASUN Tournament before defeating top-seeded Central Arkansas in overtime in the title game.
 
The 2026-27 season will be here quickly, and fans interested in season tickets are encouraged to fill out the form here.
 
Be sure to follow Queens Men's Basketball on Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok for news and updates throughout the season. Fans are also encouraged to follow Queens Athletics on social media to stay up to date on all the Royals sports in action.