MOHAMED BAMBA



Mohamed Bamba 2018 NBA Draft Scouting Report

COLLEGE: TEXAS

HEIGHT: 7‘0″



WEIGHT: 220 POUNDS



POSITION: CENTER



CLASS: FRESHMAN

PROJECTED DRAFT POSITION: TOP 5 PICK (CHANCE TO GO NUMBER 1 OVERALL)



SCOUTING REPORT



Length, athletic ability, leaping ability, size. Mohamed Bamba has all of these attributes and much more. The Texas freshman is one of the most impressive looking defensive players that we have evaluated in the past 3 years. He seems to improve every time that we watch him play. The former 5-star recruit is perhaps the best shot-blocker and most intimidating big-man in college basketball. Blessed with a 7-9 wingspan and a 9-6 standing reach, Mohamed Bamba dominates on the defensive end of the floor. He shows the skills and potential to eventually become a premier NBA defender.

Through the first 11 games of the 2017-18 season, the center is averaging 4.2 blocks and 9.8 rebounds, while scoring 11 points per game. Bamba has impressed us with his knowledge of the game. He shows a good basketball IQ on the court. When he makes a mistake, he has the athleticism to get back into the proper position to make plays. His defensive ability already has NBA scouts salivating. He fits the modern NBA game perfectly as athletic big-men are in and the old-school plodding centers are fading away. However, the New York native has shown that he is more than just a dominating defensive player. We are encouraged with the improvements he is making on the offensive end.

In high school, Mohamed Bamba scored the majority of his points on put-backs and thunderous dunks. While this will always be a part of his offensive game, the Texas coaching staff has done a very good job at improving his overall offensive repertoire. He runs the floor like a guard as opposing defenders simply can’t keep up. If and when Bamba plays with a constant motor his game will go to another level.

The seven-foot center has improved his shooting stroke, although he needs to become more consistent with his form. This should come with repetitions and practice. His range is expanding further away from the basket at a rapid pace. Bamba has shown he can hit the mid-range jumper and has range out to the college 3-point line, although he is inconsistent from there. We would like to see the big-man play down in the post more instead of settling for jump-shots. Developing a few low post moves will benefit him greatly for when he gets to the NBA. His foul shooting percentage is solid for a big-man, which is a good indicator that his shooting form will continue to become more consistent.

The former McDonald’s high school All-American has above average ball-handling and passing ability for a player his size. Bamba will need to get stronger for the next level. Getting into the weight room should be a main priority for him between now and the 2018 NBA Draft in June. He has a very good work ethic and wants to be great.

In our opinion, Mohamed Bamba has the talent to become an NBA star. He isn’t as far along as some of the other top 2018 prospects. However, his ability and potential is right up there with Marvin Bagley III, DeAndre Ayton, Luca Doncic, Michael Porter Jr., and a few others. Barring a major injury, Bamba will likely be a top 5 pick in the June NBA Draft with a solid chance of being the first overall pick.

HIGHLIGHTS OF MOHAMED BAMBA

What are your thoughts of Mohamed Bamba?

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