A native of Egypt who is playing his senior season at Orlando (Fla.) West Oaks, the seven-foot tall Mahmoud became one of the most highly sought after prospects throughout the course of the winter.
During January, Mahmoud took an official visit to Louisville and after additional visits to Georgia Tech and Minnesota he pulled the trigger for Pitino and the Cardinals on Monday.
Over the past few months, several coaches that have been in to see Mahmoud have raved about his ability to Rivals.com. Coaches laud his skill level, his ability to shoot the ball with range and how well he runs the floor. He is skinny and will need to add weight, but the tools to become a very effective player at the high major level are all there.
Billed by some close to him as a perimeter player, Mahmoud won't be playing the wing in college. Consider him a faceup type five man who can stretch defenses and pull the opposing big man away from the hoop to open up driving lanes for Louisville's guards.