Massive French Pro Paul Mbiya to Visit Oregon Ducks Basketball, Dana Altman

Paul Mbiya is planning on coming to the United States of America at the chance of playing college basketball. A visit to the Oregon Ducks is being organized and no official date is set yet. The Syracuse Orange, Washington Huskies, Texas Tech Red Raiders, Georgetown Hoyas, Seton Hall Pirates, LSU Tigers, and Santa Clara Broncos have also shown interest in the 6-10 center.

Mbiya is originally from the Democratic Republic of the Congo in Central Africa and played with NBA Academy Africa. He competes with French pro team LDLC ASVEL of the EuroLeague, a top-tier level French Pro A League. The club is owned by four-time NBA Champion and six-time All-Star Tony Parker. He was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame back in 2023.

Aug 8, 2024; Paris, France; Former NBA player Tony Parker looks on during the first half between France and Germany in a men's basketball semifinal game during the Paris 2024 Olympic Summer Games at Accor Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-Imagn Images | Kyle Terada-Imagn Images

The almost 20-year-old boasts an unbelievable 7-4 wingspan but is still very raw as he's only been playing basketball for about three years. His rather massive size allows him to be a dominant rebounder, an eager rim protector, and a lob threat when rolling to the rim.

In a recent game against Paris in France’s U21 league, Mbiya put together his best performance of his young career with 28 points on 10-for-15 shooting plus 8-for-13 free throws, 13 rebounds, and six blocks. In a gained valuable EuroLeague experience against Alba Berlin, he posted four points and five rebounds.

MORE: Why Terrance Ferguson Is Perfect Fit For Denver Broncos: NFL Scouting Combine Live Updates

MORE: Oregon Ducks 5-Star Commit Kendre Harrison Insane Highlights In Playoffs, 55-Game Win Streak

MORE: Alabama Upset Causes Shakeup In Top-25 College Basketball Rankings

Oregon's lone commit from the 2025 recruiting class is unranked shooting guard JJ Frakes from Berrien Springs, Michigan. In the 2026 recruiting class, four-star power forward Kendre Harrison from Reidsville, North Carolina is set play both basketball and football under coach Dan Lanning at the tight end position.

Freakish two-sport athlete who is one of the most physically imposing prospects in the nation, regardless of class. Plays both tight end and defensive end for his high school team... Doubles as a national basketball prospect with high major offers. Averaged over 21 points and 15 rebounds per game as a high school freshman on the hardwood.
On3's Charles Power on Kendre Harrison

In this era of college basketball, many programs are looking to revamp their future rosters more through the transfer portal than recruiting out of high school. International recruiting is always a challenge but given the success that Oregon coach Dana Altman has had over the years, the Ducks should be high on Mbiya's list.

Oct 15, 2024; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Rockets guard Cam Whitmore (7, middle) is helped up by center N'Faly Dante (3) and guard Aaron Holiday (0) during the fourth quarter against the New Orleans Pelicans at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Erik Williams-Imagn Images | Erik Williams-Imagn Images

Here are just a few of some of the international basketball success stories to come through Eugene:

N'Faly Dante is from Bali and currently a two-way player with the Houston Rockets and Rio Grande Valley Vipers of the G-League.

Chris Duarte is from the Dominican Republic and was the 13th overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft.

Dillon Brooks and Chris Boucher are both from Canada. Brooks currently plays with the Houston Rockets and Boucher is with the Toronto Raptors.