T.J. Bamba

Hometown: Bronx, N.Y.
High School/Previous School: Abraham Lincoln HS/Washington State
Height: 6-5
Weight: 215

TJ Bamba Player Preview:

Following an impressive breakout season with Washington State, T.J. Bamba explored the NBA Draft, before making the pivotal decision to transfer to Villanova. Last season, Bamba earned an Honorable Mention on the Pac-12 All-Conference team. While his stats speak for his on-court prowess, it’s his seamless fit with Villanova basketball’s culture that has the community buzzing with excitement.

Bamba, originally from the Bronx, New York, was ranked as the 28th best player in the transfer portal last season according to 247Sports comes to Villanova with two years of eligibility remaining. Bamba’s scoring ability is evident from his average of 15.8 points per game at Washington State, while showcasing his capability to score both inside and from beyond the arc. The powerful combo guard averaged nearly two three-pointers per game last season while shooting 37.2%.

His defensive strength, amplified by his physicality, is a perfect match for Villanova’s program that places such a premium on defense and rebounding. Offseason workout clips shared on Villanova’s official Instagram showcase Bamba’s undeniable strength and imposing stature for a guard.

Bamba, who will likely compete with Mark Armstrong to start alongside Justin Moore in Villanova’s backcourt, is not just a scorer but also a facilitator who can set up his teammates for easy baskets. Bamba averaged 1.7 assists per game last season as the starting SG and may be asked to play more of a facilitator role this season where the starting PG spot is not very clear.

For Villanova to reach its potential, Bamba will need to deliver consistently, especially in big games. Last season, Bamba took the court as a starter in all 31 games for Washington State, notching double-digit points in 24 of them. Impressively, he maintained a double-figure streak in the final 10 games of the season. Highlighting his scoring ability, Bamba set a personal best with a 36-point performance on March 2nd against their in-state rival, Washington.

While transitioning to Villanova could present challenges, especially with adapting to new defensive strategies, Bamba’s tenure in the Pac-12 has equipped him with invaluable power-conference experience. This experience, combined with his raw talent, makes him a player to watch in the upcoming season.

Best Case Scenario: Bamba quickly adapts to Villanova’s system, leveraging his strengths to become a leading scorer for the team and an elite perimeter defender. His experience and playmaking abilities make him an every-night starter alongside Justin Moore. He becomes such a good player and gets drafted after this season.

Worst Case Scenario: The transition to a new team and system poses challenges, and Bamba takes time to find his rhythm. However, even in this scenario, his defensive talent ensures he remains a rotational player behind Mark Armstrong and Justin Moore.