Baylor Basketball: Breaking down the 2018 recruiting class

LUBBOCK, TX - DECEMBER 29: Head coach Scott Drew of the Baylor Bears talks to his players at a time out during the game against the Texas Tech Red Raiders on December 29, 2017 at United Supermarket Arena in Lubbock, Texas. Texas Tech defeated Baylor 77-53. (Photo by John Weast/Getty Images) /

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PROVIDENCE, RI – MARCH 17: A detail shot of the shoes of Motley. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /

Flo Thamba – Grundy, VA

Center | 6-foot-10 | 220 lbs | No. 243 overall

Even though Flo Thamba is the lowest-rated incoming freshman this year for Baylor, he should be an immediate frontrunner for the “best name in college basketball” award. Standing at 6-foot-10 with a ridiculous 7-foot-5 wingspan, Thamba represents a center absolutely oozing with potential. Considering how successful Baylor has been with raw centers in the past under Coach Drew, Thamba might just be the next in a long line of studs.

According to Rivals, Thamba had this to say regarding his commitment to Baylor:

"“They are losing three senior bigs and I have a great relationship with Coach Drew so pretty much if I go in there, I would have a great fit. I would say my play compares to Jo (Lual-Acquil), because he is their primary big, but I would have some big shoes to fill early on.”"

On the Nike EYBL circuit last spring/summer, Thamba put up quality numbers. Over the course of 12 games, he averaged 5.6 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 0.7 blocks per game. While these numbers represent a solid overall campaign, he struggled to score efficiently, shooting 46.8% from the field and 43.6% from the free throw line, respectively. Regardless, though, he is already a solid rebounder with plenty of potential to succeed right away.

Thanks to Jo Lual-Acuil, Nuni Omot, and T.J. Maston all graduating this offseason, there should be plenty of minutes available in the frontcourt during this upcoming season. Despite this, rising sophomore Tristan Clark (6.8 points, 4.5 rebounds) is returning for this season, meaning that Thamba will likely provide valuable reserve minutes at the center position rather than start. Regardless, Thamba’s addition to the roster will help improve the frontcourt depth for the Bears.

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