SAN ANTONIO, Texas – For former Longhorn basketball star Mo Bamba, life after his brief time in college was unexpected. Due to the coronavirus pandemic, Bamba, along with every other athlete, professional or amateur, has had his season abruptly halted.

 

After playing only one season at the University of Texas at Austin in the 2017-2018 season, Bamba was drafted sixth overall by the Orlando Magic in 2018. In his first season with the Magic, Bamba played in 47 games, averaged 16.3 minutes per game and averaged 6.2 points each game. The Magic ended the 2018-2019 season with a 42-40 record for Bamba’s rookie year in the NBA. Midway through only his second season in the league, the deadly virus known as COVID-19 made its global impact.

 

Bamba recalled constant postponements of games until fellow NBA player Rudy Gobert tested positive on March 11 for the virus and shortly after the season stopped. After stay-at-home orders were placed, Bamba was forced to train on his own at home in Orlando.

 

The Magic ensured their players were well taken care of in quarantine by providing different weights and equipment for their players to use at home. Bamba had access to a private gym about 20 minutes from his house where he could work out while still practicing social distancing. He recently incorporated cardio and running into his routine to lose 20 pounds he joked about gaining during this time

 

“I am just trying to stay active, because we are all optimistic that the season will continue,” Bamba said.

 

Even if the NBA season returns soon Bamba realized it will be very different. There is uncertainty around where the season will pick up again as well as what the fan experience will look like.

 

Bamba said he is an emotional player on the court and loves to feed off of the crowd’s energy. The potential absence of fans during games will be tough for Bamba, but he knows he can rely on his teammates to compensate for the lack of fans.

 

“At the end of the day its five-on-five basketball, so we are just going to have to play,” Bamba said.

 

The temporary hiccup in Bamba’s professional career the coronavirus caused did not alter Bamba’s determination. Despite not knowing when the season will return, Bamba said he is confident in his preparation and is eager to get back on the court. The unprecedented hiatus from basketball allowed Bamba to appreciate all the different aspects of playing in the NBA. Bamba is optimistic about the return of the season.

 

“Everything that I have done is to get where I am today,” Bamba said.