For many, it seems just like yesterday when SMU center Bamba Fall walked on to the Hilltop. The 7'1, 2008-09 Conference USA All-Defensive performer, averaged over 10 points and 6 rebounds a game in his four years in Dallas. On Saturday, he graduated with a degree in French and will now look to the next step of his life. But first, he will try to continue to do what he did so well at SMU. Bamba was expected to workout with the Mavericks today and will workout with the Milwaukee Bucks on Thursday.
"We are very proud of Bamba," says head coach Matt Doherty. "He is a tremendous representative of SMU based upon his effort on and off the floor. He has continued to balance his efforts as a student-athlete to complete his degree and pursue an opportunity to play basketball professionally."
Originally from Senegal, Fall attended Oak Hill Academy from 2003-2005, which is the alma mater of numerous now professional basketball players including: Carmelo Anthony, Kevin Durant, and DeSagana Diop.
Fall was the lone senior on the 2008-09 men's basketball squad, averaging 8.9 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 2.2 blocks while shooting 57.6 percent from the field. He ranked second in the league in blocks and eighth in rebounds. Fall finished his career with 245 blocked shots, which is second at SMU (Jon Koncak, 278) and seventh in Conference USA history. His 576 career rebounds, rank 21st at SMU.
"I am very excited to be graduating from SMU," says Fall. "I have worked very hard and am proud of the accomplishment. This is a day that I have looked forward to and which has motivated me for a long time. As I have accomplished one goal, I am starting another. I have always dreamed of playing professional basketball and now I am working toward that goal."
"In addition, I am looking forward to utilizing my degree to help Senegal," stated Fall. "I hope to help the SEEDS Academy, help support my family in Senegal, and help build the infrastructure of Senegal to improve things as much as possible."
***Parts of this story have been contributed by the SMU Sports Information Office
Here is a video interview that I did with Fall right after his last game in Moody!