Bamba uses NBA hiatus to sculpt body, sharpen shot

Mo Bamba apparently time off to good use.

The Orlando Magic center said he’s added close to 28 pounds of “mostly muscle” and has worked to refine his jump shot while waiting out the NBA hiatus brought on by the coronavirus pandemic.

The league suspended

March 11.

“I was taking this is an opportunity to really put on weight, to really recover as far as getting rest and changing up my diet,” Bamba said Tuesday night during a videoconference question-and-answer session with Magic season ticket-holders.

Bamba said he has focused on a routine with his workouts while trying to stay in shape and maintain his shooting form. He said he’s been fortunate to have access to a nearby private gym.

“My jumper actually feels pretty great,” he said. “I’ve really been taking this time, taking advantage of it to make gains.”

In addition to changing his eating habits with the help of a personal chef, Bamba set up a gym in his downtown Orlando condominium. He even showcased some of his workouts for the Jr. NBA Instagram account.

Bamba, who added nearly 20 pounds to his 7-foot frame during the offseason, said he’s “put on about 28 points since the quarantine.”

He said a recent body composition test revealed the weight gain produced about a 2.5% increase in body fat.

“A lot of it is muscle,” Bamba said. “I can’t wait to get out there and just work.”

Bamba, like other Magic players, has begun some of that work. The team re

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