Fall

by **LA_Mustang** » Wed Jan 18, 2006 9:49 pm

It's early, but Fall is showing signs that he could be the answer in the middle. Bottom line is we have a true freshman 7 footer averaging four blocks a game in C-USA play. That alone should have Pony fans very optimistic.

by **Hoop Fan** » Wed Jan 18, 2006 11:52 pm

Bamba may not be a polished player, but he brings something to the middle. The blocks and defensive presence are huge. Also, watch him on offense. He is active setting screens and trying to get people freed up. The kid has good basketball instincts. I'd say he is a pleasant surprise, but I thought he would do this as a freshman ever since I saw him play on tv for Oak Hill jumping out on shooters on the wing from his center spot and recovering with good feet. I bet Hopkins wishes this guy was around for the past 4 years instead of the next 3. I'm not saying he will be a superstar, but he could be a positive force if you pair him with a tenacious rebounder.

by **MFFL02** » Thu Jan 19, 2006 9:34 am

If Bamba ends up weighing at least 240 when he leaves, I think he could play professional basketball somewhere.

by **ponyboy** » Thu Jan 19, 2006 11:03 am

I was wondering about this this morning. *Could* he put on additional weight? Physiologically would his body allow it?

by **MustangIcon** » Thu Jan 19, 2006 11:05 am

While I expected Fall to be able to contribute immediately defensively, he is better than I ever had hoped in that department. He flat out knows how to block shots. He has great instincts and is a beast coming from the weak side. He still needs some work on positioning but what freshman doesn't?

His offense is obviousive game very raw, but frankly he does not look lost out there. I agree hoop fan, he is very active in setting picks. Also, in the UTEP game he actually established pretty good position in the post a few times. The kid knows the game of basketball pretty well and maybe we have his father (or is it uncle?) with the Mavs to thank for that. He is just plain fun fun to watch. I have not enjoyed seeing a guy on the court as much since when Hop came in as a freshman. I am very excited about his career with the Mustangs.

by **MFFL02** » Thu Jan 19, 2006 12:52 pm

maybe he has a Garnett type body where he can't really add that much weight, but at 7 feet tall I find it hard to imagine that he can't at the least at 20 pounds to his frame.

by **MFFL02** » Thu Jan 19, 2006 12:54 pm

Also, we really should credit Tubbs for getting some recruits that appear they will be quality bigs, specifically Bamba and Brian Morris.

by **Dement-ed** » Thu Jan 19, 2006 1:05 pm

I would think he definitely can add some weight -- who among us didn't get bigger (either with muscle or a gut) after age 18? He'll never look like Karl Malone, but that's not necessarily a bad thing. His timing and instincts as a shot blocker are extraordinary for a freshman. (Regarding his uncle/dad with the Mavs -- isn't he also good friends with DeSaganna Diop? Diop was at at SMU game earlier this season, and I assumed it was to see Fall. Maybe Fall learned from him?) I also think he has great potential, but translating potential into performance, of course, is never assured. He seems to pass fairly well (although most of his passes are nearly hand-offs to a guard at the top of the key). I think once he gets more and more comfortable, he could develop into a very good interior passer, and if he develops even a somewhat reliable move or two in the low post, he could draw more attention from opposing defenses, and then use his height and long arms to pass over the top to Morris, etc., for easy buckets. I'm as excited about Fall as I've been about any SMU freshman in a long time.

by **MFFL02** » Thu Jan 19, 2006 6:16 pm

Yea, I am as excited about Bamba as I was when I first saw Sasser his freshman year.

by **aus10fromhous10** » Fri Jan 20, 2006 5:28 pm

I wish the Mustang band would play a few bars from "La Bamba" when he takes the court...

by **Corso** » Fri Jan 20, 2006 5:35 pm

Oh god -- that would get old .... the first time they did it.
PLEASE NO!

by **mustangbill67** » Fri Jan 20, 2006 8:21 pm

Is Trini Lopez still around. Maybe he could join the band as a vocal.

by **DiamondM75** » Fri Jan 20, 2006 8:57 pm

Corso wrote:Oh god -- that would get old .... the first time they did it.
PLEASE NO!

Not any worst than "Help Me Rhonda" at the ladies games. There has been some talk about playing LaBamba.

by **couch 'em** » Fri Jan 20, 2006 9:45 pm

I say we have a Pete's Piano Bar style contest on this issue - everyone call the bandhall and donate money for the "Yes Labamba" or "No Labamba" causes. Most money wins.

by **MFFL02** » Sat Jan 21, 2006 2:55 am

I was also thinking about that! Maybe if over the PA they could La la La bamba every time he got a big block or even a basket...It would definately add some personality and excitement to the usually dull Moody crowd.

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