Yanis Bamba 6'6" Wing - Canada 2023 - Signed to Wichita

[TrackSuitAndTie]

The fact that he was committed to one of the worst teams in the Valley gives me pause on getting too excited.

He did have an offer from Santa Clara if that makes you feel any better. I'd put them at a higher level than Valpo. At the end of the day, I don't mind using one of our final scholarships on a potential diamond in the rough. Taylor Eldridge said WSU is still after a PG who can compete with Cortes for minutes.

[Aargh]

Evidently the last two scholarships were earmarked for a diamond in the rough and a needle in a haystack.

[Kel Varnsen]

Better than hay in a needlestack.

[Dan]

Is it too much to ask for a diamond in the haystack?

[Shock Top]

He did have an offer from Santa Clara if that makes you feel any better. I'd put them at a higher level than Valpo. At the end of the day, I don't mind using one of our final scholarships on a potential diamond in the rough. Taylor Eldridge said WSU is still after a PG who can compete with Cortes for minutes.

First Round Draft Picks in the 2020s:

Santa Clara - 2
Wichita State - 0

[WuShock16]

First Round Draft Picks in the 2020s:

Santa Clara - 2
Wichita State - 0

This isn't disputing your answer, but it just made me think. Are Landry and Cleanthony the only draft picks from WSU have had since X and Aubrey?

[LetsGoShockers2021]

Not finding a whole lot on him so far.

Saw this snippet in one article: Bamba is rated as Canada’s third best player is a 6’6 guard from Montreal (I am assuming that is in the Class of 2023).

This article has him at #6 in the Canadian class of 2023: https://forums.realgm.com/boards/vie....php?t=2290400


Here are some highlights: https://www.facebook.com/BrookwoodEl...6983659400926/

I get the feeling he will be somewhat of a raw prospect similar to Joy. Would not surprise me if both he and Joy redshirted in 2023-24. Although, that might not happen for Bamba if Ronnie Degray has to sit out. Definitely some potential to work with.

87 million people in Canada. Top 6 sounds salty. A lot of really good Canadian players currently in NCAA. Passes the eye test

[1972Shocker]

87 million people in Canada. Top 6 sounds salty. A lot of really good Canadian players currently in NCAA. Passes the eye test

Yet, he signs with Valpo. They must have a good NIL program.

The question I have, and apparently Yanis has as well, is how will he adapt to playing, bigger, stronger, more athletic opponents at the D-1 level.

“This past summer was my first on the top circuit and that gave me the opportunity to play against a lot of taller, bigger players,” Bamba told valpoathletics.com after signing last November. “That experience will be helpful in transitioning to the collegiate game, where I expect people to play more physically. I know it will take a moment to get used to college basketball, but I know once I do I will bring a lot to the team.”

Read more at: https://www.kansas.com/sports/colleg...#storylink=cpy

Actually, I like that Yanis has the self-awareness to understand this. That will work to his benefit I think.

[TrackSuitAndTie]

87 million people in Canada. Top 6 sounds salty. A lot of really good Canadian players currently in NCAA. Passes the eye test

There are 40 million people in Canada lmao

Top six is still really good, even considering that scouting services often overlook/discount Canadian recruits who remain in Canada. I quite like his ability to use his size/strength and finish around the rim from the highlights.

[ShockerExpress]

Character means quite a bit more to this coaching staff than it did with the other one.

That honestly isn't a shot at IB. I liked IB more than most.

But it is still just obvious as hell.

[BAShocker]

Regardless how many people live in Canada, my favorites still include anyone who was in SCTV, including Bob and Doug McKenzie.

From the Hudl film, I think we got a really good one.

[WstateU]

Regardless how many people live in Canada, my favorites still include anyone who was in SCTV, including Bob and Doug McKenzie.

From the Hudl film, I think we got a really good one.

More 'secret weapon' highlights...

[LetsGoShockers2021]

There are 40 million people in Canada lmao

Top six is still really good, even considering that scouting services often overlook/discount Canadian recruits who remain in Canada. I quite like his ability to use his size/strength and finish around the rim from the highlights.

Eesh I wasn’t even close. What I get for trusting the first google site I viewed.

[Stickboy46]

He did have an offer from Santa Clara if that makes you feel any better. I'd put them at a higher level than Valpo. At the end of the day, I don't mind using one of our final scholarships on a potential diamond in the rough. Taylor Eldridge said WSU is still after a PG who can compete with Cortes for minutes.

Normally I'd agree with the "using one of our final scholarships on a potential diamond in the rough" .. but it feels like we have several of those "recruit based on potential" players on the roster already. Was hoping the last 2 would be more proven players but as the time has gone on .. not much left in the proven market. I get the feeling (especially after the athletic article) that no one, HCPM included, thinks we will be very good THIS year. Its all about building for the years after. In that context, this has a pretty solid risk/reward ratio IMO.

[Stickboy46]

This isn't disputing your answer, but it just made me think. Are Landry and Cleanthony the only draft picks from WSU have had since X and Aubrey?

I wonder how many "draft picks" would love to have FVVs career path though ...