Interviews with MBB Commit Flo Thamba and his coach Al Wilson

Baylor's newest basketball commit Florent Thamba is a 6-10 big that originally hails from the Congo but has been in the US honing his God-given skills as a top basketball prospect since 2014. 

The 18-year-old Thamba has only been playing basketball for 4-5 years and according to his coach at Mountain Mission School, he has shown dramatic progress and maturity each year. 

Thamba is averaging around 15 points, 10 rebounds and 2 blocks per game during his senior season.  A 7-foot-5-inch wingspan should also make him a critical part of Scott Drew's zone as a rim defender.  

Thamba chose Baylor over Virginia Tech, Nebraska and Illinois. 

The relationship with Coach John Jakus and Scott Drew were deciding factors in why he chose the Bears. 

"Baylor does a great job of building the relationship but also letting these kids know that there is more to life than basketball," Thamba's head coach Al Wilson said. "Once you commit to their program, they want to stay invested in your life well after the ball stops bouncing."

As for comparisons to his game, Thamba was very specific on one current NBA player.

"I like how Lamarcus Aldridge plays and the aggressiveness that he brings," Thamba said. "I want to be able to score, block shots and rebound.  I have worked hard on having a hook shot with either hand and also stepping out and hitting mid-range shots." 

The success that Baylor has had with bigs over the years was also an important factor.  

Coach Al Wilson described Thamba as a strong-willed tireless worker that is hard on himself.  An example given by Wilson came from an offseason conditioning exercise where the players race each other up a steep hill that includes grass, gravel and street.  Thamba ended up beating every player on his team in a head to head contest.  To Wilson, it was an example of his competitive fire to be the best.  

Wilson also described Thamba as a quiet kid off the court but more vocal in games. 

"He is a man of faith which fits well with Baylor.  And his maturity each year has been impressive.  He has a commitment to his craft."  

Thamba joins Matthew Mayer and Darius Allen in Baylor's 2018 class.