#4 C Texas Longhorns – Freshman
Age: 20
Height: 6-11
Wingspan: 7-9
Weight: 225lbs
2017-2018 Season Average:
| 30.2MIN | 12.9PTS | 0.541FG% | 0.5AST | 10.5REB | 0.8STL | 3.7BLK | 1.5TO |
Strengths
- Possesses unparalleled physical tools for a center standing at 6-11 with a wingspan of 7-9.
- Strong shot blocker, able to erase shots in the air (3.7BLK/game)
- Has shown strong rebounding instincts when defenders don’t pay attention to him after the shots goes up; makes use of offensive rebound to get easy points around the rim.
- Threatens opposing big-men with the three-point and mid-range shot; shooting is part of offensive arsenal.
- Fluid athlete; incredibly fast and agile in the open court
- Underrated ball handling ability; Has exhibited willingness to take pull-up jumpers, pointing to a much wider range of offensive skills.
- Incredible reach and lateral agility give Bamba strong advantage when switching onto smaller guards in pick and roll situations.
Weaknesses
- Offensively raw at this point; only projects as a strong roll man at the next level
- Doesn’t have strong scoring instincts at this point. Production predicates too heavily on hustle points; needs to exhibit a much more nuanced offensive skillset to threaten opposing NBA big men.
- Strength could prove to be an issue against stronger and more experienced big man who can neutralize Bamba’s shot-blocking prowess.
- Smaller players in college basketball have already given Bamba some difficulty scoring the basketball; expect this to continue at the next level.
- Does not possess the strength needed to perform high-level low post maneuvers, often times spinning or shooting away from the basket.
- While shot is essentially impossible to alter effectively, Bamba has not been able to knock down long-range shots efficiently; shoots with a hitch.
Observations
- Has hinted underrated offensive potential with a handle and shot; however, his ability to translate these skillsets to the next level remains yet to be seen.
- Could realistically become the next shot-blocking and three-point shooting NBA “unicorn”.
- At this point, it is difficult seeing Bamba becoming a consistent threat on a night to night basis but is projected to be a strong defensive specialist.
Notable Performances
Vs. Kansas 22PTs (9-16) (1-2 3PM/3PA) 15REB 8BLK 4PF 0TO
Vs. Ole Miss 25PTS (6-8) (12-13 FTM/FTA) 15REB 4BLK 1PF 0TO
Vs. Tennessee State 4PTS (1-8) 7REB 4BLK 3PF 1TO
