AMERICUS, Ga. — When you picture a center with impact, tall and sturdy enough to protect the rim, crash the glass, and finish strong at the basket, Matt Mbole fits the bill. The freshman from Yaoundé, Cameroon, has arrived at South Georgia Technical College’s Jets program ready to translate his raw size into collegiate production.

The 6′11″, 250-pound center quickly made a statement. In a January 25, 2025, matchup against Andrew College, he logged 12 points, 12 rebounds, and 3 blocks in just 16 minutes. That kind of per-minute output for a freshman underscores just how much upside the Jets may have uncovered.

Behind that box score lies a player whose strengths stand out: Mbole has the frame to control the paint and the instincts to rebound at both ends. He’s comfortable finishing near the rim, scoring efficiently when the right opportunities present themselves, and altering shots when opponents come inside.

The path ahead includes work. Modern college programs expect bigs not just to occupy the paint, but to move, switch, finish in traffic, handle high pick-and-rolls, and sometimes even step out to defend versatile forwards. For Mbole, improving foot speed, adding functional strength, and extending his skill set will be key to rising beyond JUCO.

SGTC’s program is well-suited for Mbole: a setting where he can grab minutes, develop without immediate heavy pressure, and build a body of work. If he consistently crashes the offensive glass, defends the rim, and scores in high-percentage areas, four-year schools will take notice.

What’s critical this season: Will Mbole raise his rebounding rate and blocks to become more of a double-double machine? Will he show stamina across full games and within a conference schedule? And will he begin to expand his offensive repertoire beyond the low block into mid-range or pick-and-roll finishes?

For coaches and scouts, Mbole has the look of a classic big — but the modern college game asks for more. If he answers the challenge, his name could emerge on the JUCO transfer radar by next spring.

Written by Paul Garwood
Photo credit: South Georgia Technical College Athletics