Marlene Mbilima
Marlene Mbilima
About Marlene
Expert Analysis
BJ Batson | Prep Girls Hoops Scout
When Marlene decides she is going to take over a game, there isn’t a lot that the vast majority of high school players can do about it. She is a force in the paint, swatting shots out of bounds and cleaning the boards on defense, while on the offensive end Mbilima is just as effective rebounding the ball and scoring second chance points for her team. Marlene looked more comfortable operating on the perimeter as the season went on shooting and making threes. Her confidence seemed to surge operating in the paint as well, using drop steps, spin moves, and great balance on her pivot foot. Marlene’s best basketball may still be ahead of her in the Ivy League at Penn.
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Read EvaluationBJ Batson | Prep Girls Hoops Scout
Marlene was much more aggressive offensively than usual which was a pleasant surprise. She showed off her range hitting shots from the midrange and behind the three point line. Her footwork, including drop steps and pivots, was very impressive as she scored effectively inside as well. She was patient when the ball got to her on the perimeter waiting for defenders to clear before she attacked the basket. Marlene is an excellent rebounder and shot blocker, so it was a wonderful surprise for her to be so attack-minded on offense this game.
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Read EvaluationBJ Batson | Prep Girls Hoops Scout
Mbilima was active early and often on the boards finishing with 10 rebounds on the night. She does a very good job using her length to effect shots on the defense end of the court. Several times offensive players passed up shooting open shots because Mbilima was somewhere in the vicinity. She had a huge impact on the game.
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Read EvaluationKyle Sandy | Prep Girls Hoops Scout
The Georgia Tech decommit has an elite ceiling. With her elite size, Mbilima does more than just anchor herself on the block for post ups and putbacks. Marlene likes to drive from the wing. She uses spin moves and likes to get in the paint and shoot short turnaround jumpers. She shows agile footwork and long striding speed to get into the paint. Marlene will still need to improve her left hand and clean up her outside shot selection, although three-point shooting looks like a weapon in her future.
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Read EvaluationKyle Sandy | Prep Girls Hoops Scout
Up from 16: Power 5 offers have rolled in. Game continues to blossom. Attacks from the wing, able to spin back to her right hand. Can stretch the floor with her three-point shot and likes to hit turnaround jumpers. Needs to continue developing her left hand. Is a mismatch with her size, skill and mobility.
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Read EvaluationKyle Sandy | Prep Girls Hoops Scout
Up from No. 15: On the verge of a potential meteoric rise. Understands the game so much more in Year 2 in the states. Has much better court awareness and knowledge of how to use her size. High points rebounds for putbacks. Mobile and agile. Can attack from the perimeter and use a spin move to finish in the paint. Stretches the floor with her jump shot, capable of hitting the three. Extremely high ceiling if she continues to exponentially improve.
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Read EvaluationKyle Sandy | Prep Girls Hoops Scout
Up from No. 23: Rapidly improving post presence. Has become comfortable shooting from the perimeter and attacking off the dribble in spurts. Developing footwork in the low post continues to get better. Has created a variety of post moves to turn to with her back to the basket. Runs the floor well. New Mexico State has offered.
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Read EvaluationKyle Sandy | Prep Girls Hoops Scout
Union County didn’t have an answer to keep Marlene off the glass. The long-armed center pulled down rebounds in traffic. Mbilima scored on a putback and on a short drive. The blossoming big compiled 5 points, 12 rebounds, 2 assists and 1 block.
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Read EvaluationKyle Sandy | Prep Girls Hoops Scout
Marlene is a blossoming post player with raw skills. Her elite height and length will draw attention right away. She rebounds and blocks shots. Her offensive game is picking up in its consistency. She flashes quality footwork inside and is getting more confident in her game as things slow down around her. Mbilima took a handful of jump shots at camp. She is just scratching the surface of her upside.
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Read EvaluationKyle Sandy | Prep Girls Hoops Scout
Congo-native is a bit raw but has undeniable upside. Alters shots with her elite length and is a high-level rebounder. Has flashed capable low post foot work. Runs the floor well and will occasionally shoot the mid-range jumper. Best basketball is ahead of her.
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