By JOSH NEWMAN
BURLINGTON, N.J. – Mohamed Bamba appears to be savvier then your average high-school junior.
When the 6-foot-11 2017 star out of Westtown (Pa.) School and the PSA Cardinals sees former Kentucky forwards like Karl-Anthony Towns and Willie Cauley-Stein having big years and going to the NBA Draft, he imagines himself doing the same thing.
“What’s appealing is the guys who went to Kentucky that are sort of like me,” Bamba said at Battle of the Borders Wednesday evening at Burlington City High School. “The stretch four, a 6-11 shot-blocker. What’s appealing is how those guys can have a really effective year and go right to the league.”
Dakari Johnson and Julius Randle are two more recent examples of John Calipari-coached players to not do four years in Lexington, but have a productive year or two and go on to be a millionaire.
As Bamba’s recruitment continues to take shape, Wildcats assistant coach John Robic watched Bamba here on Wednesday. That came four days after Calipari and assistant coach Tony Barbee watched Bamba at the PSA Cardinals-Albany City Rocks combine in Springfield, Mass, according to PSA Cardinals coach Terrence ‘Munch’ Williams.
“As far as the schools that came for Mohammed, I’m not exactly sure because there were so many schools, but obviously he has a ton of offers,” Williams told SNY.tv. “Maryland was there, UConn, St. John’s, Villanova, Kentucky came by to watch a couple of games.
“It was just a ton of schools. It was really good and I think it went well.”
Bamba said his latest offer came from the University of Washington a week ago as Huskies head coach Lorenzo Romar sat in the front row for all three games Wednesday. In the end, Bamba should be able to pick from any school he wants, but presently, he still wants, but does not have an offer from defending national-champion Duke.
“I want that offer as much as I have any other offer,” Bamba said. “Although they do have a really great program, it’s sort of, not a finishing point, but it would be a great accomplishment if I get that offer.”
Bamba was part of the massive recruiting weekend St. John’s had with 2016, 2017 and 2018 kids last month. That is the only unofficial visit he has taken and says no other visits are imminent right now.
