If you follow college basketball or the NBA, you may be familiar with two players who share the same surname: TJ Bamba and Mo Bamba. TJ Bamba serves as a guard for the Villanova Wildcats, while Mo Bamba plays as a center for the Philadelphia 76ers. Despite their shared last name and burgeoning athletic talents, they are not related.
Who is TJ Bamba?
Standing at 6-foot-5 and weighing 200 pounds, TJ Bamba is a dynamic combo guard who made his mark after transferring to Villanova from Washington State in 2023. Born in the Bronx, New York, to parents who migrated from the Ivory Coast, TJ hails from a basketball-oriented family, including his older brother, Sidiki Johnson, who previously showcased his talents on the collegiate stage.
TJ Bamba’s journey in basketball commenced at Cardigan Mountain School in New Hampshire before he transitioned to Pennsylvania’s Westtown School, where his prowess on the court earned him accolades as a five-star recruit and a McDonald’s All-American. Opting to begin his collegiate career at Texas, he quickly established himself as a force to be reckoned with, averaging impressive statistics of 15.8 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 1.7 assists per game during his freshman year. His stellar performance earned him recognition on the All-Big 12 Second Team, the Big 12 All-Defensive Team, and the Big 12 All-Newcomer Team.
Following his breakout season, TJ Bamba made the strategic decision to transfer to Villanova, enticed by the prospect of contributing to a championship-caliber team under the guidance of coach Jay Wright. Despite offers from prestigious programs such as Kansas, Tennessee, and North Carolina, TJ’s commitment to Villanova solidified his determination to excel on the court.
Renowned for his athleticism, adaptability, and scoring prowess, TJ Bamba boasts a versatile skill set that enables him to thrive at both guard positions while effectively defending multiple roles on the court. With a sharp shooting ability, particularly from beyond the arc, he is poised to play a pivotal role for the Wildcats during the 2023-24 season, further solidifying his status as a rising star in collegiate basketball.
Who is Mo Bamba?
Mo Bamba stands tall at 7 feet and weighs in at 231 pounds, commanding the court as a center for the Philadelphia 76ers in the NBA. Born in Harlem, New York, to parents who immigrated from the Ivory Coast, Mo comes from a basketball-oriented family, including his brother Ibrahim Johnson, who showcased his skills on the collegiate stage.
Mo Bamba’s basketball journey led him to the renowned Westtown School in Pennsylvania, where he briefly shared the court with TJ Bamba as teammates. Like his counterpart, Mo earned acclaim as a five-star recruit and a McDonald’s All-American. Opting to begin his collegiate career at Texas, he wasted no time making his presence felt, averaging an impressive 12.9 points, 10.5 rebounds, and 3.7 blocks per game during his freshman year. His stellar performance garnered him recognition on the All-Big 12 Second Team, the Big 12 All-Defensive Team, and the Big 12 All-Newcomer Team, while also setting a school record for most blocks in a season with 111.
Following his standout freshman campaign, Mo Bamba declared for the 2018 NBA draft, where he was selected by the Orlando Magic as the sixth overall pick. Scouts lauded him for his extraordinary 7-foot-10 wingspan, the longest ever measured at the NBA combine, as well as his defensive prowess, rebounding abilities, and shooting touch.
Mo Bamba spent four seasons with the Orlando Magic, grappling with injuries, inconsistency, and limited playing time. Despite the challenges, he averaged 5.4 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks per game over 171 appearances. In 2023, he embarked on a new chapter, first joining the Los Angeles Lakers for a brief stint before ultimately finding a new home with the Philadelphia 76ers.
Eager to reignite his career, Mo Bamba looks forward to making his mark alongside luminaries like Joel Embiid, Ben Simmons, and Tobias Harris. With aspirations to fulfill his draft potential and prove his worth as a valuable asset in the league, Mo remains determined to seize the opportunity and leave an indelible mark on the court.
Are TJ Bamba and Mo Bamba related?
Despite their shared surname and alma mater, TJ Bamba and Mo Bamba are not related by blood. While they attended the same high school and share a passion for basketball, they are not brothers, cousins, or even distant relatives. Instead, they are simply close friends who bonded over their mutual love for the game.
As per ESPN, the surname Bamba is common in West Africa, the region from which both families hail. Moreover, the name has a notable association with basketball, with other players like Souleymane Bamba from Mali and Hamady N’Diaye from Senegal sharing the same surname.
TJ and Mo Bamba’s friendship dates back to their teenage years when they played together at Westtown School. Despite pursuing separate paths in college and professional basketball, they have maintained a strong bond, offering each other support and encouragement both on and off the court. Their camaraderie is evident through their interactions on social media, where they exchange advice and cheer each other on.
Both TJ and Mo take pride in their African heritage and their accomplishments in basketball. They share a common drive and determination to achieve their respective goals and aspirations. While they may not be connected by blood, their shared passion for the sport unites them as if they were family.
