By ADAM ZAGORIA
Washington State transfer T.J. Bamba has committed to Villanova over Georgia Tech, he told ZAGSBLOG.
The 6-foot-5 junior from The Bronx averaged 15.8 points and 3.7 rebounds last season while shooting 43% from the field and 37% from deep.
Villanova is a 2-hour drive from his home so his family will be able to see him. He also sees it as a steppingstone to the NBA.
“I chose Villanova because I think ultimately it gives me the best chance to reach my ultimate goal of playing in the NBA,” he told ZAGSBLOG. “They have the national stage, they have the winning brand and blueprint, they have the coaching and skill development that people like myself need in order to be successful.
“Recently players in my mold of similar physical stature have come out of Nova, gotten drafted, and proven to be valuable pieces to NBA franchises (Josh Hart, Donte Divincenzo).
“I want to help Nova get back to its dominance and that’s by competing for a Big East championship and hopefully making a deep run come March . What first intrigued me about Villanova was the fact that it’s close to the Bronx, N.Y. Playing in front of family more often is something me and my family wanted and I’ve put myself in position to make it happen.”
He is currently testing the NBA Draft waters but wants to help Villanova get back to the top of college basketball after the Wildcats missed the NCAA Tournament in Kyle Neptune’s first year as coach.
“They said my role will be to bring my aggression and mentality to the team, take and make more 3’s and defend the other team’s best perimeter threat,” he said.
“Testing myself against a lot of competition with a great non-league and in conference schedule. Villanova’s system highlights what NBA teams want to see out of players of my mold. I need to play my part to the best of my abilities and I can make my dream a reality.”
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