Previous Ranking: 85

-Mbuyamba put together a very strong senior year for the basketball team, dropping football to focus on the hardwood and it paid dividends. Mbuyamba gave 1st year HC Keith Urgo a sturdy wing defender that could body up with bigs on the low block while forcing guards to vulnerable spots on the floor in the corners or along the sideline to generate stops for the Purple Eagles. His blend of upper body strength and leaping ability allowed him to serve as an effective shot-blocker around the rim that doubled as an effective rebounder amongst the trees in the paint. The aggressive/assertive play forged on the gridiron carried over well to his role on the basketball team as a leader that played a big role in several upset victories during the course of league play.

One of the more improved players in the league this year, Mbuyamba simply refused to go down without a fight in Gonzaga’s eventual 4OT loss at the buzzer. The hybrid forward went for a monster stat line of 21 points and 20 boards, punishing an undersized O’Connell frontcourt with his blend of athleticism and physicality. He was effective attacking mismatches off the dribble to work his way to the rim while also stretching the floor out to 3 with moderate consistency. With seconds ticking down in both the first and second overtimes, he kept the Eagles alive with clutch buckets just before the buzzer, a catch-and-shoot 3 from the top of the key and a twisting drive to the cup. Mbuyamba tracks as a clear scholarship-level prospect despite being somewhat of a positional tweener.

Allen was a do it all play all type of players wearing a lot of hats for the Eagles and Coach Urgo.  I was really impressed with just how hard he played and competed on both ends of the floor. Defended, rebounded, and scored from all areas on the court. Possesses a strong body and frame! Which he showed throughout the 31 minutes he played finishing the game with 21 points on 7-12 from the floor, 2-6 from the 3pt line, 20 rebounds, and 2 blocks against Bishop O’Connell in the 4OT game.

The older brother of Dave, Allen brings the same sort of presence physically, but more fluidity as an athlete to be featured on the perimeter as a hybrid forward. He’s most effective getting downhill and finishing through contact or with time and space, can convert catch-and-shoots from three. He showed a little bit of everything in their win as he led Gonzaga with 20 points on an efficient 6-of-9 from the field, hauled in seven boards and had a couple of steals. A low-maintenance glue guy, Mbuyamba is the type that could impact winning at the college level right away.

Gonzaga boasts a roster filled with underclassmen who are going through valuable growing pains, but coming into this game against Mount St. Joe, had found their spark. As the senior leader, Mbuyamba has been the constant as he throws around his strong, 6-foot-4 frame inside to assert the presence of a 6’6″-6’7″ big. His relentless pursuit on the glass at both ends make him a guy who’s always involved in the action and acts as a major safety net for some illicit shots taken from others as he swoops in as the cleanup guy in many cases. When he wasn’t battling for position inside for boards, Mbuyamba was getting downhill and using his strength to create angles or separation for floaters off the glass. His style of play may not be the trending video on your IG feed, but he exudes winning, which will allow for opportunities to be valued at the next level. He’d finish with 11 points in the loss.

12p 8r 1a 2s 1b vs Bullis

-Mbuyamba really battled in this one as a physical presence in the paint at both ends of the floor that also gives the Purple Eagles a versatile defender on the back line. His impact on the glass was immediately felt with an and1 putback to start off the game and 4 offensive rebounds in the 1H alone. Mbuyamba came out hot with a personal 6-0 run with a made 3 and a reverse layup in traffic that sent him to the line once more. If he can turn in a portion of his perimeter catches into blow-by’s to get to the rim to either draw a foul or score, his C+S opportunities on the perimeter should be more in rhythm and fall at a consistent clip.

The older brother of Dave, Allen Mbuyamba Allen Mbuyamba 6'4" | SF Gonzaga College | 2026 State MD is a strong, physical wing known for finishing through contact and rising to the moment. He consistently converts mid-range jumpers and attacks the glass with intensity. Allen’s toughness and relentless effort impact the game on both offense and defense. He finished the game with 13 points on 6-9 shooting, showcasing his trademark intensity and approach.

Mbuyamba is an active bodied forward who plays with an elite motor. He is 6’4″ but plays like he is around 6’8″ or 6’9″. He has the ability to guard different positions. He has a strong chiseled frame that allows him to hold his own ground and doesn’t get moved easily by others.He scored the ball with ease and doesn’t look to force shots. He has magnetic touch inside of eight feet. Mbuyamba should be a priority for schools at the small college level.

-The most complete performance that I’ve seen from the W/F tweener as Mbuyamba really stood out at both ends of the floor with his physical brand of play vs District. Mbuyamba stretched the floor nicely with two made C+S threes, finished several putbacks around the basket, and had two blocks from behind to preserve a double digit lead over the area foe. With a really strong base, quick feet, and a menacing demeanor— he rebounds really well for a player his size and can be molded into a pretty versatile defender. The handle has improved and I liked that he stepped into jumpers confidently but also didn’t settle, attacking long closeouts to get to the rim to finish with authority. Should be in line for a bigger role with a Gonzaga team this season that graduated most of their rotation and welcomed a new coach for the first time in 2 decades.