7 hours ago
Oregon Basketball guard TJ Bamba set to join Brooklyn Nets for 2025 NBA Summer League
Though Oregon Ducks men's basketball guard TJ Bamba didn't hear his name called during the 2025 NBA Draft, he'll still get a chance to prove himself at the next level.
Following the draft, Jon Chepkevich of Draft Express announced that Bamba would be joining the Brooklyn Nets for the 2025 NBA Summer League, a majority of which will take place in Las Vegas, NV.
Bamba's college career began at Washington State for three seasons before transferring to Villanova for one season and finally Oregon for his final year of eligibility.
He provided an immediate impact, starting all 35 games and recording 10.5 points, 3.4 rebounds and 3.0 assists while shooting 38.9% from the field and 25.3% from three-point range. Bamba's slashing ability boded well alongside the long range shooting of point guard Jackson Shelstad in the backcourt.
But where he made the biggest difference was on the defensive end, as he averaged 1.8 steals per game and routinely took on the toughest guard matchup for the Ducks, showing competitiveness and anticipatory skills as an on-ball defender.
He was rewarded for his efforts with a Big Ten All-Defensive team honor as well as being named a finalist for the Lefty Driesell award, given to the top defensive player in Division I.
He'll enter a crowded backcourt on the Nets' summer league team, which will presumably feature four of their 2025 first-round picks in guards Egor Demin (No. 8 overall), Nolan Traoré (No. 19), Drake Powell (No. 22) and Ben Saraf (No. 26).
Though there may not be too many shots to go around, Bamba's calling card is his defensive ability and competitiveness -- two things that will suit him well during summer league and as he navigates a pro basketball career.
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