1. Early Life and Education
1.1. Personal Background
Alpha Mohamed Bangura was born on February 4, 1980. He holds dual nationality, being both Libyan and Sierra Leonean. He stands at 78 in (198 cm) tall and weighs 214 lb (97 kg). His foot size is 12 in (30.5 cm).
1.2. Amateur Career
Bangura attended Eleanor Roosevelt High School in Greenbelt, Maryland, where he played alongside future professional basketball players Delonte Holland and Eddie Basden. After high school, he began his collegiate basketball career at Monmouth University. During his freshman year at Monmouth, he averaged 18.9 points per game and was recognized as the newcomer of the year. Following one season at Monmouth, Bangura transferred to St. John's University, where he played for two years under coach Mike Jarvis. He left the team in 2002 for unspecified reasons.
2. Professional Career
Alpha Bangura's professional career saw him play in multiple leagues both in the United States and internationally, demonstrating his adaptability across different basketball environments.
2.1. United States Leagues
After concluding his college career, Bangura played professional basketball in the United States. He had stints in the CBA and the USBL. During the 2008-09 season, he spent most of his time with the Rio Grande Valley Vipers in the D-League, where he averaged 18.9 points per game over 26 games. Later that season, he was traded to the Bakersfield Jam for the final nine games.
2.2. International Leagues
Bangura's international career was extensive, taking him to various countries across different continents. He played in Portugal, Israel, Spain, Japan, Puerto Rico, Lebanon, Kuwait, Venezuela, and the Philippines.
In Japan, he played for the Aisin Seahorses from 2006 until his departure in 2008. In Lebanon, he signed with Sporting Al Riyadi Beirut in 2010, making his debut in the Lebanese Basketball League against Al Mouttahed Tripoli. For the 2010-11 Lebanese Basketball League season, he signed with Anibal Zahle, playing his first game against his former team, Sagesse. In the Philippines, he joined the Air21 Express as their second import for the 2011 PBA Commissioner's Cup. He was instrumental in leading the team to the semi-finals, averaging 28 points per game, after they defeated the Alaska Aces 2-1 in their series. He also played for the Incheon Electroland Elephants in the Korean Professional Basketball League (KBL).
2.3. NBA Stints
Bangura also had experiences with several NBA teams. In 2004, he was signed by the Washington Wizards. He also had stints with the Golden State Warriors, Los Angeles Clippers, and Orlando Magic.
3. International Career
3.1. Libya National Team
Alpha Bangura was a prominent member of the Libya national basketball team. He was the most consistent player for the Libyan squad that finished 11th as the host country in the 2009 FIBA Africa Championship. Throughout the tournament, he averaged 24.4 points per game over six games. Despite his strong individual performance, the Libyan team did not qualify for the next round.
In the opening game of the championship against the South Africa, Bangura scored a game-high 25 points and grabbed seven rebounds, helping the Libyans advance to the eighth finals. He continued his impactful play in the eighth finals, scoring another game-high 23 points in a narrow two-point victory over Egypt, which was Libya's only win in that round.