Rick Pitino compares new St. John’s recruit to a former Tennessee star

The St. John’s Red Storm flamed out in the NCAA Tournament. They were expected to make a deep run for the championship, but they couldn’t get past John Calipari and Arkansas.

With that in mind, coach Rick Pitino made sure to bolster his frontcourt with Handje Tamba. The Congo native struggled to establish himself early in his college basketball career, but he took some big strides last season.

His journey hasn’t been easy, but he’s continued to push hard. That’s why coach Pitino thinks his defensive prowess and strong work ethic are similar to a former Tennessee Volunteers standout: Bobby Maze.

Rick Pitino says Hanje Tamba is like Bobby Maze

“Excited to have Hanje Tamba join our team,” Pitino wrote on social media. “Hard worker and terrific defensive player. Always wanted to have a Bobby Maze player. Incredible young man with an awesome work ethic!”

Rick Pitino

Ironically, Tamba also played for the Volunteers, but he was nowhere near the player Maze was when he was there. He helped the team reach the Elite Eight for the first time in program history, averaging 9.4 points as a senior.

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Tamba, on the other hand, is coming off averaging 10.5 points and 8.9 rebounds on 50.4% from the floor last season, and he will be a physical presence down low for Pitino’s team.