Video: Mohamed Bamba makes the callLonghorns welcome in big man that is likely one-and-done in Austin.The wait is finally over for one of the few remaining prized recruits in high school basketball's Class of 2017.
Mohamed Bamba, regarded as the nation's No. 2-rated prospect by
247Sports, committed to Texas on Thursday. The 6-foot-11 shotblocker made the announcement in a story published by the
The Players' Tribune.
"I’ve decided to attend the University of Texas," Bamba wrote. "I will be heading there in early June to get to work."
Bamba chose the Longhorns over Duke, Kentucky and Michigan. The decision was a bit of a surprise as only 24 percent of the 247Sports Crystal Ball predictions had Bamba pegged for Texas. He became Shaka Smart's fifth 2017 pledge.
As a senior at
Westtown (West Chester, Pa.), Bamba helped the Moose go 32-2 and capture their second consecutive Pennsylvania independent schools title. He earned MaxPreps All-American honorable mention and Philadelphia Inquirer All-Southeastern Pennsylvania honors, averaging 14 points, 12 rebounds and eight blocked shots per game.
Bamba also participated in the McDonald's All-American Game and Nike Hoop Summit following the 2016-17 season.
Mohamed Bamba will look to help turn things around at Texas under head coach Shaka Smart coming off a disappointing 11-22 season.
Photo by: John Jones
