Even though the 2020 NBA draft has yet to occur, despite college basketball’s season ending abruptly in mid-March, the mock draft machine is still churning, this time focusing on the class of 2021.
ESPN is the latest to produce a 2021 NBA mock draft, based on a yet-to-be-played college (and NBA) season.
While it may seem silly to start that process so early, it does give fans and analysts an opportunity to hone in on certain players who are expected to be big time guys during the upcoming college season.
For USC, that will include incoming freshman Evan Mobley, the immediate replacement for last year’s star freshman Onyeka Okongwu.
Mobley comes in at No. 3 on ESPN’s 2021 mock draft, just behind Cade Cunningham of Oklahoma State and Jalen Green, who is headed to the G-League.
Mobley joined the Trojans as the No. 3 recruit in the country, drawing comparisons to Lamarcus Aldridge for his length, athleticism and overall skill.
He will be a high-impact player for the Trojans this season, and should be enough to power them into the NCAA tournament despite losing a lot of talent from last year’s squad.
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