In the landscape of Canadian basketball, one name has been generating significant buzz: Favian Mbaoma, a 6'9" forward from the Western Canada Prep Academy (WCPA). Renowned for his exceptional skills and versatility, Mbaoma is rapidly emerging as one of the most promising big men in the country.
A Standout Performer at WCPA
Western Canada Prep Academy, based in Edmonton, Alberta, is dedicated to the athletic and academic development of its athletes, offering programs that compete at regional, national, and international levels. Within this environment, Mbaoma has honed his talents, becoming a pivotal player for the academy. With his dynamic size and versatility he's become the star of the program, a program that has sent multiple players to Division I such as Hudson Ward (Penn State) and Kavon Bradford (Buffalo).
Impressive Shooting Prowess
One of Mbaoma's standout attributes is his remarkable shooting ability. This season, he has been shooting approximately 45% from beyond the arc, a statistic that underscores his proficiency as a stretch forward. His capacity to consistently hit three-pointers not only spaces the floor but also poses a significant challenge for opposing defenses.
Dominance in Tournament Play
Mbaoma's impact was particularly evident during the 2024 Good Hoops Classic, where he led the Good Hoops 18U team to the platinum division title and earned MVP honors. His high motor, dominance in rebounding, shot-blocking abilities, and adeptness at finishing above the rim in traffic were on full display, solidifying his status as a prospect that coaches cannot afford to overlook.
Favian really impressed me with his performance at the prestigious Tarkanian Classic in Las Vegas, NV. He's known for his ability to play above the rim, protect the paint and shoot the long ball, however his elite passing was etched in my memory after this event. Not only was he using his court vision to find open teammates but he was dishing the rock with a ton of flair and confidence.
Growing Interest from NCAA Programs
Mbaoma's exceptional performances have not gone unnoticed. He is attracting interest from a multitude of NCAA Division I programs, including:
Arkansas Pine Bluff
Boston University
Butler
Canisius
Colorado State
Cornell
Furman
GCU
George Mason
George Washington
Georgia Southern
High Point
Idaho
Iowa
Jacksonville
Lafayette
Le Moyne
North Texas
Portland
Sacramento State
San Diego
San Jose
Stanford
Stetson
Stonehill
Tarleton State
Temple
UC Bakersfield
UC Riverside
UIC
UM Eastern Shore
UMBC
UT Martin
Utah Valley
Vermont University
West Carolina
UOW Milwaukee
This burgeoning interest is a testament to his potential to excel at the collegiate level. He also currently holds 8 USPORTS offers from Calgary, Carleton, UBC, Waterloo, Laurier, Macewan, Manitoba and Nipissing.
Favian Mbaoma exemplifies the blend of size, skill, and versatility that defines the modern basketball big man. His shooting accuracy, combined with his defensive capabilities and athleticism, make him a formidable presence on the court. As he continues to develop and refine his game, the future appears exceedingly bright for this rising Canadian talent.