Bamba has the potential to go #1 in the draft, an observation that surprises no one. He is the perfect candidate to follow in the footsteps of Anthony Davis. His path to #1 is 12 rebounds and 4 blocks a game. Points don't matter as long he drags the defense by being a constant lob threat. His job is to master every element of the game within six feet of the rim, and truly dominate in that space. Cal understands that with only six months to market himself, there is no time for Mo to risk anything more.
My concern is that Bamba is too smart for his own good. Every tall guy wants to be the next Kevin Durant or Giannis, because that's where the highest earnings potential is. In the games I've watched Mo play, he puts the ball on the deck when he shouldn't, and shoots jumpers he has no business taking. I've watched Bamba individually squander at least twenty of his team's otherwise perfect offensive possessions in this manner. I hope for his sake as well as ours that he puts his trust in Cal and Kenny Payne, commits to Kentucky, and plays within his range of mastery. If he does, he will dust guys like Porter and Ayton on draft day.
My concern is that Bamba is too smart for his own good. Every tall guy wants to be the next Kevin Durant or Giannis, because that's where the highest earnings potential is. In the games I've watched Mo play, he puts the ball on the deck when he shouldn't, and shoots jumpers he has no business taking. I've watched Bamba individually squander at least twenty of his team's otherwise perfect offensive possessions in this manner. I hope for his sake as well as ours that he puts his trust in Cal and Kenny Payne, commits to Kentucky, and plays within his range of mastery. If he does, he will dust guys like Porter and Ayton on draft day.
