Villanova transfer TJ Bamba -- a Kentucky target -- commits to Oregon

Kentucky was among the finalists for TJ Bamba, but the Villanova transfer has found a new home before even taking a visit to Lexington.

Bamba committed to the Oregon Ducks on Thursday morning, according to The Athletic’s Shams Charania. The 6-foot-5 guard, who has one year of eligibility remaining, chose Oregon over Kentucky, Louisville, Stanford, Florida, and Memphis. He reportedly visited Memphis over the weekend.

After starting his college career at Washington State (2020-23), Bamba transferred to Villanova last offseason. With the Wildcats, he averaged 10.1 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 1.8 assists in 28 minutes per game. He shot 43 percent from the field, 36.9 percent from deep (on 3.7 attempts per outing), and 82.4 percent from the line.

NCAA transfer news: Villanova's TJ Bamba is committing to play for the University of Oregon, per sources. The strong, 6-foot-5 guard has shot 38 percent from three-point land over his four college seasons.

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) May 2, 2024

Bamba was one of the top remaining uncommitted targets left on Kentucky’s Big Board (which Mark Pope said reached as many as 29 names), but after UK added a pair of guards on Wednesday in Kerr Kriisa (West Virginia) and Koby Brea (Dayton), those spots quickly filled up.

That being said, Kentucky is still focusing on another shooting guard in BYU’s Jaxson Robinson, who is in the portal and also testing the NBA Draft waters. Pope is up to nine committed pieces for his 2024-25 roster.

Kentucky MBB 2024-25 roster (as of May 2)

• Kerr Kriisa (West Virginia)
• Koby Brea (Dayton)
• Brandon Garrison (Oklahoma State)
• Amari Williams (Drexel)
• Lamont Butler (San Diego State)
• Otega Oweh (Oklahoma)
• Andrew Carr (Wake Forest)
• Collin Chandler (BYU)
• Travis Perry (4-star)

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