Harlem's Mohamed Bamba Drafted By NBA's Orlando Magic

HARLEM, NY — Harlem-born Mohamed Bamba was selected No. 6 overall in Thursday night's NBA Draft, becoming one of the highest draft selections in New York City's storied basketball history.

Bamba, 20, was picked by the Orlando Magic just three selections before the hometown New York Knicks had the chance to pick him. The 7-foot-1 center played his college basketball at the University of Texas and left school to enter the draft after his freshman year.

The Harlem baller enters the NBA touted for his size and his potential to be a difference maker on the defensive side of the ball. With a 7-foot-10 wingspan, Bamba projects to be a feared shot blocked in the NBA.

Bamba had a productive freshman season at the University of Texas, averaging 12.9 points, 10.4 rebounds and 3.7 blocks per game.

Bamba was born in Harlem in 1998 and his parents hail from the African country Mali, according to his USA Basketball profile. He left the city to play high school basketball at the Westtown School in Pennsylvania. He was regarded as a five-star college recruit and ultimately committed to the University of Texas after mulling offers from Kentucky, Duke, Texas and Michigan.

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