Recruiting Report: Florent Thamba (2018)
When Florent Thamba says he’s only been playing basketball for 5 years, it’s unbelievable to see how good he has become in such a short time. The long & lanky 6’10 big man, who is featured on a young &…
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Continue ReadingWhen Florent Thamba says he’s only been playing basketball for 5 years, it’s unbelievable to see how good he has become in such a short time. The long & lanky 6’10 big man, who is featured on a young & talented team at Mountain Mission, is quickly developing into a significant two-way force.
“I’m an all around player. Wherever the team would need me the most is where I’d be beneficial,” said Thamba, who said he models his game after LaMarcus Aldridge. “But I like to crash the boards most of the time.”
When we first saw Thamba at the Phenom Showcase last fall, his upside was quite clear. In just over twelve months, his progress has been simply awesome. Thamba has evolved from strictly a defensive player into a potent and confident offensive threat.
“I’ve improved at posting up, going to the hoop,” Thamba began. “Last year I was more of a defender, block shots. This year I can put the ball on the ground.”
Thamba has received scholarship offers from Pitt and Wichita State. He visited the campus at Pitt this winter. Virginia, West Virginia, and Oklahoma are among the other programs reportedly involved in his recruitment.
“Most people say for a big man I tend to go low and guard the ball,” said Thamba about the most underrated aspect of his game. “Some guys don’t really notice that.”
Admittedly, Thamba’s mid range game has improved a lot, so he believes it would be beneficial if he can extend his game to the perimeter.
What can coaches who are interested in recruiting Thamba expect him to bring to a college program?
“I’m the type of player that will work on whatever the coach would need me to do.”