Onyeka Okongwu

 
USC | C | Freshman

Height: 6'9"
Weight: 245 lbs
Wingspan: 7'1"

Shades of: Tristan Thompson, Richaun Holmes, Daniel Theis

Projected Draft Range: 6-9
Big Board Ranking: N/A

Selling Points:

Okongwu is a versatile defensive big who has enticing switchability upside. Okongwu moves his feet very well for a big out on the perimeter and can contain wings and guards to an extent on drives well enough to be played in a highly-switchable defensive scheme. Okongwu is great at defending in space and makes intelligent plays in the pick and roll particularly when it comes to interrupting the pass to the roll man with his length and awareness. Alongside having active hands in the lane, Okongwu disrupts passing lanes on the perimeter. Okongwu is a talented rim protector due to his verticality and timing. 

Great verticality
Great shot blocker, strong on the weakside
good vertical stance in post


Excellent balance in the pick and roll
Lob target
Vertical spacer
Fluid athlete, explosive leaper
Good screener, quick off the ground
Good timing on the roll
Great at catching the ball

Good rebounder, crashes the offensive boards, hustles after loose balls
Great timing on putbacks
high motor on the boards

good finisher with either hand, left handed hook
Solid footwork in the lowpost, loves to spin in the post


Turnoffs:

Okongwu lacks a faceup game which is the current wave among modern NBA centers. Okongwu's shooting mechanics are inconsistent and awkward as of right now and he doesn't project as a mid-range threat nor a three-point threat anytime soon. Okongwu likely won't be a go-to scoring option or a source of offense due to his lack of a jump shot. 

Okongwu is a poor passer and a rather hesitant decision-maker. On the short roll, Okongwu makes poor reads and seems out of control and pressured at times. Okongwu seems very indecisive in the way he passes and is doesn't possess great accuracy even when unpressured. 


For as talented as a shot-blocker as he is, Okongwu is still over-eager as a shot-blocker
 needs to stay more grounded
Doesn't have great strength
too vertical in the post


NBA Outlook:

O