Mo Bamba

Bamba was born on May 12, 1998, in Harlem, New York to Lancine Bamba and Aminata Johnson, who both emigrated from the Ivory Coast.^[2][3][4] Bamba's grandparents were born and brought up in present-day Mali.^[3] His older brother, Sidiki Johnson, played college basketball at Arizona, Providence, and Wabash Valley.^[5] Another member of his family, estranged brother Ibrahim Johnson, also played college basketball at multiple universities, including both Farmingdale State and Montevallo.^[6][7] Bamba first became interested in basketball at age six, inspired by the game's popularity in his hometown.^[3]

In eighth and ninth grade, Bamba attended Cardigan Mountain School, an all-boys boarding school in Canaan, New Hampshire.^[3]

After graduating from Cardigan, Bamba went on to Westtown School in Westtown, Pennsylvania.^[3][8] As a junior he averaged 14 points, 11 rebounds, and six blocks per game. He played in the 2017 McDonald's All American Game and the Nike Hoop Summit.^[9][10]

Bamba was rated as a five-star recruit and was ranked among the top recruits in his class.^[11][12] His final four schools were Kentucky, Duke, Texas and Michigan.^{[13][14][15][16]} Ultimately, Bamba chose to play for the University of Texas for his college career. Before playing a single game for Texas, his half-brother Ibrahim Johnson posted a 22-minute-long video on Facebook Live, talking about how there were some illegal benefits from a Michigan-based investor involved during the decision-making and that he was reporting the information to the NCAA.^[17] However, the NCAA reported that nothing involved there would ultimately affect Bamba's eligibility for his freshman season.^[18]

More information Name, Hometown ...

College recruiting information

Name	Hometown	School	Height	Weight	Commit date
Mo Bamba C	Harlem, N.Y.	Westtown School	7 ft 1 in (2.16 m)	216 lb (98 kg)	May 18, 2017
	Recruit ratings: Scout:    Rivals:    247Sports:    ESPN:    (96)
Overall recruit ranking:   Scout: 2, 1 (C)    Rivals: 2, 1 (C)    ESPN: 3, 2 (C), 1 (NY)
Note: In many cases, Scout, Rivals, 247Sports, On3, and ESPN may conflict in their listings of height and weight. In these cases, the average was taken. ESPN grades are on a 100-point scale. Sources: "Texas 2017 Commits". Rivals. "2017 Team Ranking". Rivals. "Texas 2017 Commits". 247Sports.

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Bamba made his official college debut on November 10, 2017, against Northwestern State, recording 15 points and eight rebounds in a blowout win that night. Eight days later, he recorded 13 points, 10 rebounds, and five blocks in a blowout win against Lipscomb. On December 30, Bamba recorded a season-high 22 points, 15 rebounds, and eight blocks in a loss to Kansas. On New Year's Day 2018, Bamba would record a then-season-high 16 rebounds with 10 points in a 74–70 overtime win over Iowa State. He would record a new career-high in points scored with 25 points scored with 15 rebounds in an 85–72 win over Ole Miss on January 27, 2018, five days after recording his previous high of 24 points in a win over Iowa State. On February 17, Bamba would record a new career-high of 18 rebounds with 10 points scored in a 77–66 win over #23 ranked Oklahoma, five days after tying his previous career-high of 16 rebounds with 16 points in a close 74–73 double overtime loss to Baylor. At the end of the regular season for Texas, Bamba was named a member of the Big 12's All-Newcomer Team and All-Defensive Team, as well as being named a member of the All-Big 12 Second Team. He averaged 12.9 points, 10.5 rebounds, and 0.5 assists per game.

Following Texas's loss in the 2018 NCAA men's basketball tournament to Nevada, Bamba announced his intention to forgo his final three seasons of collegiate eligibility and declare for the 2018 NBA draft, where he was expected to be a lottery selection.^[19]

At the 2018 NBA combine, Bamba measured at 7 ft 0 in (2.13 m) tall and measured a 7 ft 10 in (2.39 m) wingspan,^[20] breaking the record previously held by Edy Tavares.^[21] At a private workout, Bamba reportedly ran faster than most of the NBA, including MVP Russell Westbrook, since he had a 3.04 3/4 court sprint.^[22] Bamba refused to work out with the Memphis Grizzlies before the draft, and told them not to draft him.^[23]

Because of his Ivorian heritage, Bamba was eligible to play for the Ivory Coast national team. He was on the preliminary roster for the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup.^[52] Bamba was also selected to be on the Olympic Qualifying Tournament roster for the 2024 Summer Olympics.^[53] However, Bamba did not make his debut.^[54]

During his time growing up in Harlem, Bamba was friends with rapper Sheck Wes. Their relationship would eventually inspire the hit single "Mo Bamba".^[55]

In October 2020, Mo Bamba's brother, Ibrahim Johnson, was murdered.^[56]