As a freshman last season, Colorado State’s 6-foot-7 forward Rashaan Mbemba showed glimpses of what he could do once he grew into an expanded role with the team.
The Austria native played sparingly as the team’s No. 2 big man behind Patrick Cartier but made the most of his opportunities when he got on the court.
He averaged 11 minutes per game off the bench, scoring 3.8 points and grabbing 2.2 rebounds per contest, reaching a then-career high in points (13) twice, against San Jose State and Creighton.
CSU head coach Niko Medved and his teammates knew that Mbemba could be something special, and teammate Nique Clifford emphasized that during Mountain West Conference media days before the start of the season while providing some foreshadowing to what the big man would do this season.
“The thing for Rashaan is, he’s been playing against grown men for what, since he was like 13 years old,” Clifford said. “He’s from Germany so he’s been playing at a high level against pros and grown men his whole life. So I think that definitely helped him be able to translate early and understand the way that we play at Colorado State because our offense is pretty complex.
“He was able to pick that up really quick because of the concepts that he’s been able to be a part of, playing at a high level. But he’s a guy that we’re going to look for to step up in a big way this year.”
Mbemba has done exactly that.
Despite missing a few games with nagging injuries early in the season, Mbemba has started 11 contests for the Rams and played in 14 of their 17 affairs. His per-game averages include 8.4 points and 3.8 rebounds. Those numbers have blossomed over the past couple of weeks as his contributions continue to grow.
Even he admits he has been able to grow as a player and a teammate this season, especially after having to navigate through his early-season injuries.
“Obviously I’ve tried to do my best in practice and just give positive energy to the team and just stay focused,” Mbemba said. “Obviously, from time to time, it sucks to be on, off, on, off, but I think I do a good job just having a balance and just kind of trusting that process that I’m going to be good. Right now, I’m on the court, so it’s just keeping my body healthy and sticking with it.”
A healthy Mbemba has been a valuable asset for the team, especially lately as he has elevated his game even more. While the Rams spend a lot of time firing 3-pointers, Mbemba’s presence in the paint has become increasingly valuable.
He has set single-game career highs in points twice this season. He had 16 in CSU’s victory over Radford on Dec. 17, and then against UNLV last Saturday he scored 22.
“He’s so important to us,” Medved said. “He just continues to grow as a player.”
Playing a season-high 25 minutes, 15 seconds against UNLV, Mbemba was 8-of-9 from the field. His only miss came on the only 3-pointer he attempted. He was also a perfect 6-for-6 from the free throw line.
He also had three defensive rebounds and a block, proving to be just as important on the defensive end as he is offensively.
“He’s the X-factor for our team,” Clifford said. “Just what he brings, we were missing him at the beginning of the season. It’s so good to have him back out there. He’s a beast down there. He brings a level of toughness. This is nothing new for him. We’re just glad to have him back on the floor.”
Mbemba’s increased contributions have translated into success for the Rams. CSU is currently 10-7 overall and 4-2 in Mountain West play as the Rams travel to Wyoming on Saturday for the first of two games against the Cowboys this season.
While his individual game is starting to flourish, his contributions to his team’s success are just as important to him.
“When I’m out there, I’m just trying to help my team, just trying to make the best read I can and play physical and play to my strengths,” Mbemba said.
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