Recruiting Update: Joel Ntambwe

Now at Aspire Academy in Louisville, 6-foot-8, 205-pound Class of 2018 prospect Joel Ntambwe brings a jack of all trades caliber talent. Multi-positional and capable of guarding the 1-5, Ntambwe has the potential to create severe matchup migraines. He’s as adept at the point forward position as any player in the country, with pinpoint passing and rarified ability to see the play before it unfolds. Very few players of Ntambwe’s size possess the same advanced skill-set.

Aware that he’s never going to be a banger, Ntambwe’s European guard capabilities have made him appealing to countless Division-I suitors. He currently holds offers from UNLV, Rhode Island, Cincinnati, Wichita State, Tennessee, Arkansas, Providence, Iona, Tulsa, Duquesne, and several others.

Many have likened Ntambwe’s “Mr. Everything” traits and tool-set to Lamar Odom during his Christ The King (N.Y.) heyday. You can’t define what Ntambwe has to offer in one specific role.

During the Hoop Exchange All-American Jamboree in Apopka, Fla. last month, Ntambwe showed expertise in finishing with either hand in crafty fashion. In addition, he was able to exploit mismatches by posting up on smaller defenders.

Running the point for an Aspire team that’s dealt with a spate of injuries early on, Ntambwe creates a stabilizing 1-2 punch with 7-foot-1 Center Charles Bassey. Heavily recruited and regarded as a transcendent talent, Bassey has a similar make-up in his ability to run the floor and handle the ball like a guard.

UNLV has been in heaviest pursuit of Ntambwe, with recruiting ace Andre Lafleur serving as the leading man.

Lafleur has recruited many of hybrid forwards of Ntambwe’s type during his time under Hall of Fame coach Jim Calhoun at UConn. UNLV head coach Marvin Menzies and the entire staff was in to see Ntambwe recently and Lafleur put in considerable effort this summer. Beyond UNLV, Rhode Island assistant coach Tom Moore (who like Lafleur is a Jim Calhoun disciple and former UConn assistant) was intrigued with Ntamwbe this summer and has been a key presence in his recruitment.

For Ntambwe, becoming more of a consistent knockdown shooter and leaning on a mid-range game is imperative. This will be demanded of him at the Division-I level, where 7-footers are frequently waiting for his crafty slashes at the rim.

For all Ntambwe offers as a high-character kid, he’s also quite well-traveled. He’s been to Sunrise Christian (KS). He’s been to Forrest Trails Academy (N.C.). He flirted with the idea of attending Scotland Campus Sports (Pa.) under the legendary Chris Chaney, before instead opting to attend Believe Prep Academy (TN). Now at Aspire Academy, Ntambwe must stay put and keep his focus while subscribing to the role of table-setter on a team with superior interior play.