Onyeka Okongwu
Height: 6-9
Weight: 245
College: University of Southern California
Class: Freshman
Position: Center
Stats: 28 G, 30.6 MPG, 16.2 PPG, 61.6 FG%, 72.0 FT%, 1-4 3PT FG, 8.6 REB, 2.7 BLK, 1.2 STL
In just 28 games, Okongwu quickly turned into one of the best finishers around the rim in the country. Okongwu is a high flyer that would immediately provide another lob-threat next to Marquese Chriss on Golden State’s frontline.
Onyeka Okongwu could be really fun with Golden State. Definition of a lob threat. pic.twitter.com/BrV05we3aw
— Tommy Call III (@tommy_III) March 17, 2020
In his freshman season, Okongwu was one of the powerful players in the Pac-12 conference. The 245 pound 19-year-old brought a sense of physicality around the rim for the trojans.
Okongwu’s strength, anticipation and feel projects him as an immediate factor on the defensive end of the floor. With only one season of college basketball under his belt, Okongwu plays like a veteran on defense. The young center consistently uses his 7-foot-1 wingspan to not only block shots, but clog the passing lane with deflections.
Deflection ➡️ Block pic.twitter.com/Ce8FJs7e6w
— Tommy Call III (@tommy_III) March 17, 2020
Placing Okongwu next to Golden State’s former Defensive Player of the Year Draymond Green would give the Warriors a formidable group against pick and roll offenses.
While Okongwu has immense potential, he is still a working project. The USC freshman plays like a true center underneath but doesn’t have overwhelming size at 6-foot-9.
Although the Trojan flashed soft touch at the rim while shooting 72% from the free-throw line in his freshman season. To be more of a threat in modern offenses, Okongwu will need to develop a consistent jumper.
However, if he lands in Golden State, playing around Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson and Andrew Wiggins will take some pressure off the rookie to contribute on offense.
Young Splash Bro? pic.twitter.com/xjJZocrEDB
— Tommy Call III (@tommy_III) March 17, 2020
Okongwu could give Golden State a high upside big that could quickly contribute on both sides of the game as a rim runner and protector.
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