4-Star PF Luke Bamgboye Has Official Visits in Mind; Talks Penn State, Mississippi State, and Oklahoma State
Luke Bamgboye is the No. 89 in the 2024 On3 150. The Chandler (AZ) AZ Compass is the No. 20 power forward in the 2024 On3 Industry Ranking. Bamgboye is currently the eighth-highest uncommitted player in the 2024 cycle.
“I’m an energetic forward slash center who plays with a high motor,” Bamgboye told On3. “I block shots at the rim, I rebound out of my area well, I’m a versatile defender, can guard on the perimeter or around the basket. I’m playing a lot tougher now, fighting for boards and offensive rebounds, fighting for position, and finishing around the basket.”
On3 caught up with Luke Bamgboye after a recent live viewing at the Tarkanian Classic to discuss his recruitment.
“I haven’t started taking official visits yet, I’ll start taking them in January,” Bamgboye said. “We’re still working on the exact dates, but I’ll visit Penn State toward the end of January, Mississippi State will be at the end of January or early February. I think I’m going to set one with Oklahoma State too.”
Luke Bamgboye Breaks Down Penn State, Mississippi State, and Oklahoma State
PENN STATE: “It’s the coaches for me,” Bamgboye said. “They’ve been keeping track of me for a long time, and they like what I can do defensively. They like that I block shots really well and that I’m fast. They like my motor a lot and that will be a good addition to their team as a forward The coaches think I fit well on offense too as a big man who can drive to the rim or shoot the three.
“My relationship with Coach (Mike) Rhoades has continued to grow. So they first offered me when they were at VCU and I was in Baltimore, Maryland. It was like we had a really good connection, and I was considering them back then. It is kind of like fate how it worked out, them going to a bigger school and they still want me.”
MISSISSIPPI STATE: “Coach (Chris) Jans is a really good coach,” Bamgboye said. “I saw how they did last year and he’s told me a lot about what all they did, and how things are going this year. They want to develop me into a player that can do a lot on the floor; catch lobs, start the offense, and make shots. Bigs nowadays have to be able to dribble, shoot, and pass, while still playing defense. They want to develop into someone like that, I think that sounds like a good plan.”
OKLAHOMA STATE: “They have really just recently started to reach out to me,” Bamgboye said. “So I am going to get on the phone with them and start talking more with Coach Mike (Boynton). I have not been able to watch them play much yet. They like my motor, my shot blocking, and my versatility and think I would be a good fit. So I’ll probably talk to him more over break.”
Bamgboye Talks Decision
“I’m looking for a place that is willing to help me learn,” Bamgboye said. “I want to expand my game and improve while making mistakes. I want to play for a coach who believes in developing me and will get the most out of me so I can be the best player that I can be, and help the program win.
“I’ll want to play for a school that will play through their bigs. Well, not play through all the time, but a coach that does not limit the bigs just to rebounding and playing around the basket.”