Baylor added the services of a long and rangy center to its already cupboard of talented frontcourt members Monday with commitment of 6-foot-10 senior Florent Thamba. One of the very best frontline prospects available this winter, Thamba chose the Bears over Nebraska and Illinois, giving the Big 12 program a strong back line defender and interior presence on the glass.

One of the top development programs when it comes to bettering its big men from enrollment to graduation, Baylor may have struck again with Thamba. Sporting a 7-foot-5 wingspan and excellent mobility as a rim runner and finisher at the basket, Thamba could evolve into a quality cog within Scott Drew’s system in the future.

“They are losing three senior bigs and I have a great relationship with Coach Drew so pretty much if I go in there, I would have a great fit,” he said. “I would say my play compares to Jo (Lual-Acquil), because he is their primary big, but I would have some big shoes to fill early on.”

Thamba becomes Baylor’s second commitment for its 2018 class joining Rivals150 forward Matt Mayer in the frontcourt. The duo will be aided by the explosive abilities of junior college wing Darius Allen next year in Waco.