-The big dog was super dynamic for a Purple Eagles group that exceeded expectations on I St this year under a first year head coach. Mbuyamba was especially productive down the stretch run of the season as he commanded double teams that freed up teammates on the perimeter or cutters on the opposite side of the key as a forward prospect that can both score and pass at a high level. Loved his unselfish play at both ends of the floor and thought that he improved his sprinting stamina to earn increased stretches of playing time over the course of the season.

Despite fouling out in the fourth quarter before the rollicking overtime festivities, Mbuyamba put together a double-double performance to help lead the Eagles. Fresh off being recognized as the only underclassman on All-WCAC First Team, the southpaw put in a workmanlike effort to the tune of 10 points and 11 rebounds. He was effective setting up shop on the block but also showed the ability to create his own opportunities with relentless effort and strong hands on the offensive glass. Mbuyamba also flashed his growing repertoire as a ballhandler and facilitator out of DHO or short roll actions. There remain questions to be answered on the defensive end but his heady, blue-collar approach and wide-ranging offensive skillset should give him a chance to be recruited at a high level in due time.

Dave size and strength showed to be aproblem for Bishop O’Connell all game standing at 6’7 and taking up a lot of space in the paint. He also cleans the glass on the defensive end and gets his fair share of offensive rebounds. He was arguably the best defender in the event. Offensively Dave gets it done scoring at a high percentage around the basket or in transition. Dave finished with 10 points and 11 rebounds fouling out in regulation.

The sophomore continues to stack valuable performances with his latest work coming in a win over Archbishop Carroll as the 6-foot-7 southpaw forward registered 14 points (4/8 FG), 12 rebounds and six assists. In a recent viewing of Mbuyamba, I mentioned how well he utilizes his leverage on the block and demands space despite being undersized for a five, but even against the length that Carroll can offer from the wing through their frontcourt positions, nobody could match his physicality down low. He’s also an above average passer for his position and did a great job of flashing up to the top of the key as Gonzaga broke Carroll’s press where he faced the basket and dissected cutters or teammates fading to the corners before delivering the ball on a string. His awareness as a rebounder and length comes into play tracking ones that are out of his area.

Mbuyamba showed why he’s going to be a force inside for the next two years in the WCAC. A 6-foot-7 forward who has made evident progressions with his body and mobility since the beginning of the season, the way that he establishes and maintains leverage makes up for any size mismatch that may come his way. Throughout the course of a game, that sort of constant physicality can wear down a lot of bigs at the high school level. Not to mention Mbuyamba’ plus wingspan that comes into play quickly snagging offensive boards for second chance points to add insult to injury. When he’s operating on the block with his back to the basket, Mbuyamba uses textbook footwork to create angles before softly lofting shots over his right shoulder. He’s a reliable defender who maintains verticality around the bucket to alter shots in the paint and tracks misses quickly. Despite the loss to Mount St. Joe, his impact was felt en route to a team-high 16 points.

-Mbuyamba has been a consistent performer on the low block for a Gonzaga team that has pulled off some big wins in the last two weeks. The southpaw forward consistently contributes a double-double by getting his own within the flow of the game, mostly by way of offensive rebounds. His footwork continues to improve and he’s added an effective drop step to counter the lefty hooks that he can hit off glass or through the net. If he can prove that he can effectively show on high ball screens and recover quickly to the rim without allowing a passing angle to his matchup- he can move up a level as a long term prospect.

13p 3r 2a 1b 6/11 FG 1/1 FT vs Bullis

-One of the most fundamentally solid post players in the area, Mbuyamba keeps thing simple on the low block. The southpaw post player uses his shoulders well to carve out space around the rim before getting into his move quickly to score. Mbuyamba had a big time post hook down the stretch to make it a 2-possession game for his team and just barely missed a bucket before the buzzer that would’ve forced overtime. Want to see him use his frame and rebounding instincts to give the Purple Eagles a consistent double-double presence on the block to balance the offense of a very young group.

Dave Mbuyamba Dave Mbuyamba 6'6" | PF Gonzaga College | 2028 State MD was named Tournament MVP after scoring 22 points on an efficient 8-11 shooting from the field and converting 6-7 from the free throw line. Throughout the event, Mbuyamba demonstrated interior dominance, showing the ability to score over either shoulder and use his wide frame to control both ends of the floor.

Dave Mbuyamba Dave Mbuyamba 6'6" | PF Gonzaga College | 2028 State MD anchored Gonzaga College’s frontcourt with a commanding 16-point outing defeated a hustling Friendship Tech Prep team 60-46 . The 6-7 forward demonstrated his ability to score in the paint and dominate the boards, using his size and athleticism to outwork opponents. Mbuyamba’s inside presence and strong finishing ability made him a key contributor to Gonzaga’s competitive edge, helping set the tone for his team’s physical style of play at the DC Classic.

-Mbuyamba is just so fundamentally solid. The forward prospect has a great set of hands, nice bag of post moves to score off of pivots near the rim, and is an underrated passer from the high post. Love the blend of skill and power on the low block because he’s never rushed, Mbuyamba is always decisive and deliberate with his moves around the rim. Mbuyamba also is consistently effective and impactful on the glass at both ends of the floor, showing a soft touch on putbacks that he completes before his feet hit the floor. Should be a big piece for a rebuilding Gonzaga group this year.