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2025 DRAFT NEWS\WORKOUTS

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Walton1one
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2025 DRAFT NEWS\WORKOUTS 

Post#1 » by Walton1one » Tue May 6, 2025 9:47 pm

Thought a separate topic was better for Workouts & the draft

First workouts starting today:

The headliners of Tuesday's session were former G League Ignite prospect Dink Pate, who spent last season with the Mexico City Capitanes after Ignite folded, and Florida big man Rueben Chinyelu. The others were Devon Pryor, who is transferring from Texas to Oregon for next season if he doesn't stay in the draft, Wisconsin guard John Blackwell, and two Australian prospects Ben Henshall of the Perth Wildcats and Lachlan Olbrich of the Illawarra Hawks
.

For the Blazers and other teams doing workouts this early, it's an opportunity to scout potential Summer League, G League and training camp invitees. For these players, who are in many cases on the border of being drafted and not, visiting NBA teams' facilities and meeting in person with coaching and front-office staffers is an opportunity to get a gauge of where they would stand if they stay in the draft.


https://www.rosegardenreport.com/trail-blazers-open-predraft-workouts-with-6-prospects/?ref=the-rose-garden-report-newsletter
Walton1one
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Re: 2025 DRAFT NEWS\WORKOUTS 

Post#2 » by Walton1one » Tue May 6, 2025 10:01 pm

Two biggest names: Dink Pate, played in the G-League LY & Rueben Chinyelu who won NCAA championship with Florida

Link to BE article
https://www.blazersedge.com/2025/5/6/24425025/portland-trail-blazers-nba-draft-workout-lottery-dink-pate-mexico-city-rueben-chinyelu-florida

Dink Pate
In 34 appearances for the Capitanes this regular season, Dink Pate averaged 10.1 points, 5.1 rebounds and 2.1 assists per game while shooting 40.8% from the field and 26.1% from deep on an average of 3.5 attempts.


Reuben Chinyelu
Chinyelu is fresh off winning an NCAA Championship with Florida last month. In 40 games during his sophomore season, the Nigerian big man averaged 6.0 points, 6.6 rebounds, 0.9 blocks and 19.0 minutes per game while shooting 59.9% from the field. He didn’t attempt a single 3-pointer over his two college seasons


Floor & Ceiling scout on Dink Pate

https://floorandceiling.substack.com/p/2025-nba-draft-dink-pate-scouting

Their Takeaway:
...highly-touted high school prospect who was billed as a big playmaker... After two seasons in the G League, his NBA outlook is very unclear — and nowhere near that.

Pate really struggles to create efficient looks against a set defense...On defense, Pate’s outlook is really messy. He gets lost a lot. His teammates have to point out where to go or who to guard...he doesn’t leverage his size at all...should really consider another year abroad deally in a different league, and aim for the 2026 NBA Draft.


Chinyelu
Apparently measured @ 6'10 with a 7'8 wingspan.

Some Pro's\Con's

https://www.nbascoutinglive.com/rueben-chinyelu/
Walton1one
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Re: 2025 DRAFT NEWS\WORKOUTS 

Post#3 » by Walton1one » Mon May 12, 2025 4:59 pm

Chinyelu could be a 2nd round pick\UFA to watch, some insane measurements. Did not realize he was 6'10 with a huge wingspan

Read on Twitter
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Re: 2025 DRAFT NEWS\WORKOUTS 

Post#4 » by Walton1one » Mon May 12, 2025 5:16 pm

Another workout on May 8yth, had some interesting names to watch:

Read on Twitter


Mackenzie Mgbako
via No Ceilings...
https://www.noceilingsnba.com/p/mackenzie-mgbako-the-slept-on-sophomore

Standing at 6’8”, Mgbako possesses the kind of frame that NBA teams want. He provides a premium skill on a substantial volume, along with rebounding at a solid volume.

He has his faults. He isn’t a world-beater defensively, though he has a decent block percentage. He isn’t very creative off of the bounce. He doesn’t have a bunch of wiggle room when he’s getting his own shot. These are all reasons as to why you won’t find him high up on many boards.

I’m a buyer of his shot and continued improvement. I’m a buyer of the fact that NBA teams covet players that have what Mackenzie has. Last season, 13 players of Mgbako’s position were drafted in the first round—he will be a sought-after commodity for NBA teams when he declares for the draft


Otega Oweh
https://www.babcockhoops.com/post/2025-nba-draft-otega-oweh-scouting-report

Otega Oweh is a tough, versatile wing who thrives as a two-way player with a blend of defensive prowess, physicality, and emerging offensive skills...showing significant growth as a scorer while maintaining his reputation as one of college basketball’s best emerging defensive stoppers...strong build, large shoulders, and ability to absorb contact make him an effective slasher, especially in downhill situations. He excels as a catch-and-shoot scorer, relocating effectively and displaying fluid shooting mechanics. While he still needs to improve his three-point consistency, his shooting mechanics suggest this could develop with repetition. Defensively, Oweh is highly versatile, capable of guarding multiple positions, disrupting passing lanes, and generating turnovers...not an elite athlete, which limits his defensive pace against quicker opponents.


Questions
Can Oweh improve his three-point consistency to become a legitimate threat from deep?
Will refining his footwork help him finish around the basket more efficiently?
Can he develop more control and patience defensively to avoid overcommitting?


6'4 G\F, undersized but tough defender. Sounds like the type of player POR would like. Sounds like the Smart\Dort type of player (size wise, defense)

Izan Almansa
6'10 F\C, played with G-league ignite a season ago
https://www.babcockhoops.com/post/2025-nba-draft-izan-almansa-scouting-report

...an exciting prospect with a strong foundation in rebounding, interior scoring, and defensive versatility. Known for his high motor and ability to exploit mismatches in the paint, Almansa’s touch around the basket and pick-and-roll effectiveness make him a reliable offensive option inside...Almansa’s physicality and shooting range are still developing, his relentless energy and team-first mentality make him a highly impactful player on both ends of the court. Continued refinement of his free-throw efficiency, shooting consistency, and lower body strength will be key to maximizing his potential at the NBA level.


"I think Almansa's lack of a perimeter game limits his draft buzz, but he still brings value. His mobility, activity level, and finishing ability at the rim keep me intrigued." — Matt Babcock, NBA Draft Analyst


QUESTIONS
Does he have the potential to develop into a reliable three-level scorer, or will he remain primarily an interior threat?
Will his lack of shooting range limit his offensive impact in a modern system that prioritizes spacing and perimeter play?
Can he improve his lower body strength to hold defensive positions and maintain balance against stronger bigs?
Walton1one
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Re: 2025 DRAFT NEWS\WORKOUTS 

Post#5 » by Walton1one » Mon May 12, 2025 5:45 pm

nm
Walton1one
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Re: 2025 DRAFT NEWS\WORKOUTS 

Post#6 » by Walton1one » Mon May 12, 2025 6:16 pm

nm

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