Video: Mo Bamba commits to Texas The Westtown phenom should be a Top 10 pick in the 2018 NBA Draft.
Mohamed Bamba might have the most potential of any player in the 2018 NBA Draft to be an elite impact defender at the next level. The 6-foot-11 shot blocker set an NBA combine record, recording a 7-foot-10-inch wingspan (previously held by Rudy Gobert at 7-8).
Combined with his defensively abilities, Bamba has always been an elite rebounder, averaging 10.5 rebounds and 3.7 blocks per game at Texas last season. The combination of rebounding and shot blocking should be enough to make him a starter in the NBA, however he will need to develop his offensive skill-set to reach his potential as an elite NBA big man.
In high school, Bamba was known for his unique ability to post point/rebound/block triple-doubles, eclipsing the rare accomplishment many times over the course of his three-year career at
Westtown (West Chester, Pa.). One example was against future Big 12 foe, Udoka Azubuike of Kansas, at the Hoophall Classic. Bamba held Azubuike to six points and nine rebounds, while posting a stat-stuffing 13 points, 16 rebounds, 10 blocks, five assists and five steals.
Read on to take a deeper look into the versatile big man's high school career.
Prospect Report Card — Mohamed Bamba High School Record: 80-16 in three seasons at Westtown.
Stats/Accomplishments: 2016-17 Pennsylvania Gatorade Player of the Year. Pennsylvania Independent School Athletic Association state titles in 2015-16 and 2016-17.
Outstanding Achievement: Led Westtown to a No. 7 finish in the 2016-17 Independent Top 10, anchoring the defense and controlling the backboards. He averaged 12.8 points, 9.3 rebounds and 3.4 blocks per game for the Moose during his senior season. His senior stats were slightly down from his 14 points, 11 rebounds and six blocks per game his junior year. Although his numbers dipped a bit, his impact on the court was certainly felt during his senior year, with his team's only two losses coming without Bamba in the lineup.
Needs Work: There are serious concerns surrounding the elite defender's offensive abilities. Never averaging over 14 points per contest in high school and scoring just 12.9 points per game in his freshman year at Texas. Bamba also needs to improve his strength by bulking up his slender frame.
Best Fit: Mo Bamba would be a good fit for any team lacking a young big man that is willing to wait on his development. The Atlanta Hawks, Dallas Mavericks, Orlando Magic, Chicago Bulls and Cleveland Cavaliers appear to be good possible destinations.
