Texas freshman Mohamed Bamba has elected to enter the 2018 NBA draft, a source tells Evan Daniels of 247Sports. While Daniels’ report doesn’t specify whether or not Bamba will hire an agent, the young center has confirmed the decision himself and said he won’t be returning to school, so he’ll forgo his remaining college eligibility (Twitter link via Adam Zagoria of ZagsBlog.com).
Bamba, long viewed as a potential top-five pick in the 2018 NBA draft, averaged a double-double during his lone college season. In 30 games for the Longhorns, he recorded 12.9 PPG, 10.5 RPG, and an impressive 3.7 BPG.
Jonathan Givony’s most recent mock draft at ESPN.com has Bamba coming off the board at No. 5 to the Kings. Noting that every NBA team is looking for a big man capable of anchoring a defense, Givony suggests Bamba has that potential, pointing to his “rare combination of length, shot-blocking instincts and offensive promise.”
Bamba is the second probable lottery pick to announce his intent to go pro today, along with Oklahoma’s Trae Young. We’re tracking all of the early entrants for the 2018 NBA draft right here.
I believe he has the biggest bust potential of the entire 18 draft class. He could surprise, but I have a feeling he will not make much of an impact.
I totally agree with you. I saw Texas play in the tournament in Nashville and he got in foul trouble early, wasn’t strong enough the score and really looked out of place even in that college game against good competition. I wouldn’t pick him until the twenties to be honest. I’d rather have a nice Wing or shooting guard that can play and help out now.
Can’t deny his length tho and he’s young enough to where you can expect him to fill out and get stronger. 7’6” wingspan or something like that
I hear what you’re saying, but no core strength. He’s easily pushed aside by the big asset guys with strong thighs and core. He’s like a guy on stilts with no stability or strength. He’ll block shots but like I said, he got in foul trouble the other night and wasn’t much of a factor. Imagine how he’ll do in the pros, even after 3 years of G league and NBA camps and specialized coaching. I’m not seeing it and I wouldn’t use a high pick on him.
They say Dallas wants him. Reminds me of Nerlens Noel.
I was going to say he reminds me a lot of Noel. He was slated to go #1 before he got hurt and fell to 6, but still warranted Jrue Holiday in a trade. (That was also a very weak class). I like him as a role player but I don’t think he’s worth a top 5 pick.
Bamba is a better fit than Ayton in some places, maybe even Phoenix
I am sorry but saying he will be a bust is ridiculous! We’re taking about a 19 year old true post player who doesn’t want to spend time poaching around the three point line.
He may not be an impact player for 2+ years but with some mentoring from a veteran player or coach, the adding of 20 pounds of muscle and work on his footwork and hands, he will be a factor for years. There is not one GM who wouldn’t love to have him on their roster. I just hope he isn’t drafted onto a team that expects him to be the centerpiece of the franchise next year.
The same could have been said about Hasheem Thabeet.
He’s Capela 2.0. When he enters the league he’ll have the longest wingspan of any NBA player ever.(7’9”) He’s perfect for what the NBA has become. He’ll gain muscle as he matures.