Mo Bamba

Mohamed Fakaba Bamba(born May 12, 1998) is an American-Ivorian professionalbasketballplayer who is a free agent. Bamba last played for theLos Angeles Clippersof theNational Basketball Association(NBA). He playedcollege basketballfor theTexas Longhorns. He was highly regarded by scouts due to his 7 ft 0 in (2.13 m) wingspan and shooting ability. He attendedCardigan Mountain SchoolinCanaan, New Hampshire, andWesttown SchoolinWest Chester, Pennsylvania, and was considered one of the top high school prospects for the class of 2017.
Bamba was born on May 12, 1998, inHarlem,New Yorkto Lancine Bamba and Aminata Johnson, who both emigrated from theIvory Coast.Bamba's grandparents were born and brought up in present-dayMali.His older brother, Sidiki Johnson, played college basketball atArizona,Providence, andWabash Valley.Another member of his family,estrangedbrother Ibrahim Johnson, also played college basketball at multiple universities, including bothFarmingdale StateandMontevallo.Bamba first became interested in basketball at age six, inspired by the game's popularity in his hometown.
In eighth and ninth grade, Bamba attendedCardigan Mountain School, an all-boys boarding school inCanaan, New Hampshire.
After graduating from Cardigan, Bamba went on toWesttown SchoolinWesttown,Pennsylvania.As a junior he averaged 14 points, 11 rebounds, and six blocks per game. He played in the2017 McDonald's All American Gameand theNike Hoop Summit.
Bamba was rated as a five-star recruit and was ranked among the top recruits in his class.His final four schools wereKentucky,Duke,TexasandMichigan.Ultimately, Bamba chose to play for theUniversity of Texasfor his college career. Before playing a single game for Texas, his half-brother Ibrahim Johnson posted a 22-minute-long video onFacebookLive, 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 theNCAA.However, the NCAA reported that nothing involved there would ultimately affect Bamba's eligibility for his freshman season.
Bamba made his official college debut on November 10, 2017, againstNorthwestern 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 againstLipscomb. On December 30, Bamba recorded a season-high 22 points, 15 rebounds, and eight blocks in a loss toKansas. On New Year's Day 2018, Bamba would record a then-season-high 16 rebounds with 10 points in a 74–70 overtime win overIowa State. He would record a new career-high in points scored with 25 points scored with 15 rebounds in an 85–72 win overOle Misson 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 rankedOklahoma, five days after tying his previous career-high of 16 rebounds with 16 points in a close 74–73 double overtime loss toBaylor. 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 the2018 NCAA men's basketball tournamenttoNevada, Bamba announced his intention to forgo his final three seasons of collegiate eligibility and declare for the2018 NBA draft, where he was expected to be alotteryselection.
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,breaking the record previously held byEdy Tavares.At a private workout, Bamba reportedly ran faster than most of the NBA, including MVPRussell Westbrook, since he had a 3.04 3/4 court sprint.Bamba refused to work out with theMemphis Grizzliesbefore the draft, and told them not to draft him.
On June 21, 2018, Bamba was selected with the sixth overall pick by theOrlando Magicin the2018 NBA draft.On July 3, 2018, Bamba officially signed a rookie-scale contract with the Magic.He made his professional debut on October 17, 2018, recording 13 points, seven rebounds, and two blocks off the bench in a 104–101 win over theMiami Heat.
On May 3, 2021, Bamba scored 22 points and grabbed a then-career-high 15 rebounds in 29 minutes off the bench in a 119–112 win over theDetroit Pistons.
On October 29, 2021, Bamba grabbed a career-high 18 rebounds and scored 14 points during a 110–109 loss to theToronto Raptors.On January 19, 2022, Bamba scored a career-high 32 points on seven three-pointers made in a 123–110 loss to thePhiladelphia 76ers.
On July 1, 2022, Bamba re-signed with the Magic on a two-year deal.On December 29, he was suspended by the NBA for one game without pay due to coming off the bench during an altercation in a game against theDetroit Pistonsthe day before.On February 4, 2023, Bamba was suspended by the NBA for four games without pay due to his role in an altercation during a game against theMinnesota Timberwolvesthe day before. During the altercation, Bamba left the Magic bench area and threw punches at Timberwolves guardAustin Rivers.
On February 9, 2023, Bamba was traded to theLos Angeles Lakersin a four-team trade involving theLos Angeles ClippersandDenver Nuggets.On March 5, during a 113–105 win over theGolden State Warriors, he played two minutes before suffering a left ankle injury and leaving the game.Four days later, the Lakers announced that Bamba had been diagnosed with a high left ankle sprain and would be sidelined for at least four weeks.He returned to action on 7 April, playing as a substitute in a game against thePhoenix Suns.
On June 29, 2023, Bamba was waived by theLos Angeles Lakers.
On July 9, 2023, Bamba signed a one-year deal with thePhiladelphia 76ers.The Sixers' franchise playerJoel Embiidinsisted to Bamba that he join his team.
On July 6, 2024, Bamba signed a one-year deal with theLos Angeles Clippers.
On February 1, 2025, Bamba, withP. J. Tucker, a 2030 second-round pick and cash considerations were traded to theUtah Jazzin exchange forDrew EubanksandPatty Mills,but he was waived the next day.
Because of his Ivorian heritage, Bamba was eligible to play for theIvory Coast national team. He was on the preliminary roster for the2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup.Bamba was also selected to be on theOlympic Qualifying Tournamentroster for the2024 Summer Olympics.However, Bamba did not make his debut.
During his time growing up in Harlem, Bamba was friends with rapperSheck Wes. Their relationship would eventually inspire the hit single "Mo Bamba".
In October 2020, Mo Bamba's brother, Ibrahim Johnson, was murdered.