ESPN Insider - Dec 2019NBA draft stock watch: Latest breakout players for 2020
Onyeka Okongwu | 6-9 | C | Age: 19
Overall ranking: No. 15
Okongwu has emerged as one of the most productive players in the NCAA...He ranks eighth in the country in player efficiency rating (39.2), with eye-popping per-40-minute averages of 26.6 points, 13.1 rebounds, 2.0 steals and 4.5 blocks while shooting 63.7% from 2 and 72.1% from the foul line. More of an acquired taste for some scouts as a 6-foot-9 center who doesn't space the floor, Okongwu has been just short of dominant through 11 games, without needing a huge offensive role to make an impact.
While the fact that he can score with his back to the basket is a big reason he has been so productive, Okongwu's true NBA intrigue lies on the defensive end. He has outstanding timing in the paint as a rim-protector and has shown the ability to switch onto guards, while also understanding how to drop in pick-and-rolls. Even at his size, he can elevate and snatch defensive rebounds in traffic. He plays hard, with the instincts and incredible quick-leaping ability to fit in the modern game -- even if he does get buried in the post by traditional centers.
Offensively, Okongwu plays a simple game. He does a lot of his damage in the paint on offensive rebounds, post-ups and at-rim finishes, with great hands and touch.
He might not have the same upside appeal as Wiseman, but it wouldn't be shocking to look back in a few years and see Okongwu as the most impactful center from this draft. Although not quite as bouncy, he holds some similar strengths and weaknesses to Bam Adebayo. -- Mike Schmitz
Prospect Spotlight -- Onyeka Okongwu
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Prospect Spotlight -- Onyeka Okongwu
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Prospect Spotlight -- Onyeka Okongwu
Re: Prospect Spotlight -- Onyeka Okongwu
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Re: Prospect Spotlight -- Onyeka Okongwu
CBS Sports
Okongwu has been the top-rated big man on our board for awhile, and he moves up one spot to No. 4 in my top five here. I'm just a huge believer in the tools and what it will look like in a few years. He'll be able to step out onto the perimeter and switch on defense early, and he's already one of the most natural shot-blockers in this draft class. There is always a spot for a big with those specific skills in the NBA.
Offensively, while he rarely took 3-pointers at USC (a whopping four), his long-term outlook makes me believe there's no reason to think he can't extend his range. And that may be where value differs from team to team. Do you take a big man in the top five who is a great defender but can't space the floor consistently yet? Probably not unless you know he's got real potential. Shooting 72% from the free throw line and 61.6% from the floor last season is enough to buy enough believers to convince someone he's worthy of top five inclusion.
Re: Prospect Spotlight -- Onyeka Okongwu
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Re: Prospect Spotlight -- Onyeka Okongwu
The StepienOnyeka Okongwu Scouting Report
Estimated 6’9.5″ with a 7’1″ wingspan
Despite his limitations as a passer, Onyeka has shown some flashes in terms of awareness and generosity: turning his head before he’s even secured the ball to survey available options on the weakside, distributing carefully-played lobs in a high-low set, and kicking out with left. Has shown flashes of interior shovel pass ability.
On occasion has shown repertoire of advanced moves: can lace together a spin into an up-and-under scoop with nice fluidity, can access reverse pivots and drop-step feints without problem. Has thrown in a couple euro-steps this year. Gets great speed and balance on the spin while keeping the ball tight, which he periodically brings out multiple times in a sequence.
Onyeka presents an option as a relatively “safe” pick with bankable rotation player equity, and his rim protection is certainly some of the best you’ll find in the draft, but it seems unlikely that he is deserving of a top-10 selection.
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Re: Prospect Spotlight -- Onyeka Okongwu
ForbesUSC’s Onyeka Okongwu Is The 2020 NBA Draft’s Biggest Game-Wrecker
Looking at this year’s draft class, USC’s Onyeka Okongwu is the player that stands out amongst the rest of the big men. At 6-foot-9, with a 7-foot-1 wingspan, Okongwu has turned in a historic season for the Trojans thus far. On the year, Okongwu is averaging 16.4 points per game, 8.9 rebounds per game, 3 blocks per game and 1.1 steals per game. There hasn’t been a freshman that reached all those marks since the 1993-94 season. On top of that, Okongwu’s 8.1 defensive box plus/minus and 13.9 overall box plus/minus put him in elite company. The only other freshmen that have played significant minutes (300+) and managed to clear those benchmarks are Anthony Davis, Karl-Anthony Towns, Jaren Jackson Jr., Joel Embiid and Nerlens Noel.
Okongwu is a near-elite shot blocker in general. Nobody in this freshman class that plays at least 20 minutes per game has a higher block rate than his 10.8. It’s his combination of athleticism, length and timing that make him so good around the basket, and those tools should allow him to play the five at the next level, despite the fact that he’s a bit short for a center.
Offensively, Okongwu should be good as a rim runner immediately. According to Synergy Sports, he’s scoring 1.162 points per possession as a pick-and-roll roll man, which puts him in the 75th percentile in the country. That alone will make him good enough to help a team early in his career.
To sum things up, Okongwu checks a lot of the boxes that you’re looking for in a modern center. Given his defensive ability, opposing teams are unlikely to find ways to play him off the floor. Targeting him in the pick and roll simply won’t be effective enough. And offensively, Okongwu does enough to help take pressure off the rest of his teammates.
Re: Prospect Spotlight -- Onyeka Okongwu
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Re: Prospect Spotlight -- Onyeka Okongwu
This is where it's such a bummer that we didn't see any of Clint yet. I really like this kid's game, and seems like a high character guy you'd love to have on your team. But if Capela ends up bringing the rim protection we need, Onyeka is probably redundant. And in a draft where I expect fit/situation to determine success more than even usual, I'd rather take a guy we could give a clear role from the jump.
Also this tidbit, "Onyeka presents an option as a relatively “safe” pick with bankable rotation player equity," has me Vietnam-flashbacking to Sheldon Williams. That's my own bias and shouldn't factor in, but it took me back for a second lol
Also this tidbit, "Onyeka presents an option as a relatively “safe” pick with bankable rotation player equity," has me Vietnam-flashbacking to Sheldon Williams. That's my own bias and shouldn't factor in, but it took me back for a second lol
Re: Prospect Spotlight -- Onyeka Okongwu
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Re: Prospect Spotlight -- Onyeka Okongwu
birdlives_ma wrote:This is where it's such a bummer that we didn't see any of Clint yet. I really like this kid's game, and seems like a high character guy you'd love to have on your team. But if Capela ends up bringing the rim protection we need, Onyeka is probably redundant. And in a draft where I expect fit/situation to determine success more than even usual, I'd rather take a guy we could give a clear role from the jump.
Also this tidbit, "Onyeka presents an option as a relatively “safe” pick with bankable rotation player equity," has me Vietnam-flashbacking to Sheldon Williams. That's my own bias and shouldn't factor in, but it took me back for a second lol
I'm right there shivering in that foxhole with you brother.
Every draft eggspert I've listened to in the past couple weeks has said the same thing about this kid. "Safe", "low ceiling/high floor".
I wonder if he could be another Adebayo-type. Does he have that kind of length and athleticism? I'm thinking not but would be curious what others think.
If we keep the pick, I could get ok with this kid. Unlike Wiseman, you at least know he'll come in and be a worker. Contribute from day 1. Incidentally, each eggspert liked this guy over Wiseman and it wasn't close. But each admitted Wiseman's ceiling was much higher. Caveat being Wiseman's floor was essentially bottomless.
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Re: Prospect Spotlight -- Onyeka Okongwu
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Re: Prospect Spotlight -- Onyeka Okongwu
Does anyone think Onyeka Okongwu is capable of developing 3 point range?
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Sent from my SM-N975U using RealGM mobile app
Re: Prospect Spotlight -- Onyeka Okongwu
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Re: Prospect Spotlight -- Onyeka Okongwu
HMFFL wrote:Does anyone think Onyeka Okongwu is capable of developing 3 point range?
Sent from my SM-N975U using RealGM mobile app
Yes. His shot is not broken, good mechanics. He has a decent 18 footer when he takes it. He shoots +70% from the free throw line.
If you want to go into analytics, Okongwu and John Collins have the same advanced shooting stats when they were both in college.
Re: Prospect Spotlight -- Onyeka Okongwu
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Re: Prospect Spotlight -- Onyeka Okongwu
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Re: Prospect Spotlight -- Onyeka Okongwu
Okongwu and Okoro are my guys! Let’s get it!
Re: Prospect Spotlight -- Onyeka Okongwu
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Re: Prospect Spotlight -- Onyeka Okongwu
Huge Okongwu fan. One of my favorite prospects this year.
Re: Prospect Spotlight -- Onyeka Okongwu
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Re: Prospect Spotlight -- Onyeka Okongwu
NBC SportsCan Onyeka Okongwu be the next Bam Adebayo or Draymond Green?
Okongwu has the tools to play a very specific, and very valuable, role at the next level: A ball-screen switching, shot-blocking, lob-catching center. Put another way, he has all the warning signs of being the next Bam Adebayo.
The thing that immediately stands out when watching Okongwu’s tape is his explosiveness. He has what I like to call Go Get It ability. No matter where the lob is thrown, no matter how much arc is put on that floater, Okongwu can Go Get It. He stands 6-foot-9 with a wingspan that is reportedly in the 7-foot-2 range and a vertical that is … let’s just say high.
This gets to the core of what will make him a valuable piece on an NBA roster. On the defensive side of the ball, Okongwu averaged 3.5 blocks per 40 minutes as a freshman, showing an impressive ability to protect the rim from the weakside of the floor. It’s not just the blocks, however. He understands how to be a presence around the basket. In this clip, you’ll see Okongwu shed a seal, scare the driver off going up to the rim and stay on his feet until the shot is taken. He can go vertical and contest at the rim, and he also blocked a surprising number of jumpers for a player that didn’t spend much time on the perimeter.Spoiler:
Now, let’s put this into context. Adebayo averaged 16-10-5-1-1 in 2019-20. That line has only happened 11 other times in the 46 seasons since blocks were kept as an official stat, putting Adebayo in the same sentence as Kevin Garnett (3), Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (2), Giannis Antetokounmpo (2), Larry Bird, Bill Walton, Chris Webber and DeMarcus Cousins.
That’s it.
So when I say that becoming the next Bam Adebayo is within Onyeka Okongwu’s range of outcomes, understand that that’s a massive compliment.
Re: Prospect Spotlight -- Onyeka Okongwu
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Re: Prospect Spotlight -- Onyeka Okongwu
Bleacher Report1 Surprise Draft Prospect Each Lottery Team Could Target
Atlanta Hawks: Onyeka Okongwu (USC, C, Freshman)
The Atlanta Hawks' acquisition of Clint Capela may suggest the team won't be looking at bigs in the draft. But he's also dealt with injuries over the years, including one that limited him to 39 games in 2019-20. And at this stage of his career, he's not getting any better offensively.
For the Hawks, it's worth thinking about Onyeka Okongwu, the No. 1 center on our board who offers Capela's finishing and shot-blocking as well as a whole other level of scoring upside.
To start, Atlanta can bring Okongwu off the bench for energy and athleticism that translates to easy baskets, second-chance points and rim protection. But he also ranked in the 94th percentile on post-ups while shooting 15-of-35 on half-court jumpers and 72.0 percent on free throws.
With his shot creation and touch inside, plus the defensive versatility to anchor the paint, guard pick-and-rolls and switch around the perimeter, he's a fit next to John Collins, as well as a potential long-term upgrade over Capela.
Re: Prospect Spotlight -- Onyeka Okongwu
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Re: Prospect Spotlight -- Onyeka Okongwu
CBS SportsOnyeka Okongwu -- Center
Southern California • Fr • 6'9" / 245 lbs
PPG -- 16.2
RPG -- 8.6
APG -- 1.1
3P FG% -- 25%
Onyeka Okongwu mostly operated off of the national radar this past season because he played for an unranked team on the West Coast. But he was fantastic rather quickly — averaging 16.2 points and 8.6 rebounds while shooting 61.6% from the field. He's the main reason USC won 16 of its first 20 games and would've been in the NCAA Tournament if the NCAA Tournament would've been played. Is he an undersized big? Yes, probably. But he's an undersized big who can play multiple positions. And, either way, the NBA is now littered with undersized bigs. So even though Okongwu wasn't thought of this way coming out of high school, it's now reasonable to call him the second best big prospect in the draft.
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Re: Prospect Spotlight -- Onyeka Okongwu
Atlanta Hawks FansidedOnyeka Okongwu Scouting Report
Strengths:
Handle
While not an outright necessity, having your big men able to handle the ball is a great plus in the modern NBA. Okongwu fits that mold, controlling the ball like a guard in transition and in halfcourt situations.
He can get his own bucket in isolation, which helps offset his lack of spacing. He’s also a solid passer, showing shades of Kevin Love on his deep outlets.
Rim-protection
Okongwu is a fantastic paint defender and an exceptionally smart shot-blocker. He’s quick on the attack and uses every inch of his 7’1 wingspan to reject shots. He averaged nearly three blocks per game as a freshman, 2nd best in the Pac-12 and 9th in the nation.
His vertical pop might be the best aspect of his game and he uses that on both ends of the court. On D, he flies through the air to contest shots, including frequent chase-down blocks.
Rim-running
On the other end of the court, he uses his athleticism as a dunker. Okongwu is a walking highlight and a threat to catch a lob every time he cuts. He’s fearless driving into the lane and can put anyone on a poster, at any time.
If he’s paired with a high-level P&R point guard like Trae Young or Damian Lillard, he’ll be lethal as a cutter.
P&R on both ends
Okongwu shines as a pick and roll player on both ends of the court. He’s an elite roll man on offense thanks to his aforementioned ability to rim run. Defensively, he might be even better.
He has great instincts when reading the offense and features enough athleticism to confidently step out onto the perimeter in a switch. Looks like a seasoned veteran defensively at the age of 19.
Rebounds
Okongwu is sturdy and reliable on the glass. He has a non-stop motor and a pogo stick-like ability to fight for balls in the air. Uses speed and hops to out-rebound bigger, stronger opponents.Spoiler:
Fit with the Atlanta Hawks:
John Collins is going to be a popular player comparison for Okongwu, thanks to their high-flying dunks. While the comparison fits well in that regard, I think Okongwu will become a better defender, while Collins will be the better outside shooter.
The Atlanta Hawks don’t need a center but they do need a backup four. If they believe Okongwu is a better five, they should shy away from drafting him, no matter how good of a pairing he’d be with Trae Young.
In short, the Atlanta Hawks should value Okongwu, but maybe not as much as other teams who need desperately need frontcourt help.
The Bottom Line:
Onyeka Okongwu is one of my personal favorites in this draft class, and I think his high ceiling is matched with a fairly high floor. His big downfall is shooting and if he can ever add a three to his game, he will be a star.
For now, he’s a high-energy rebounder and defender who can sky for a dunk at any moment.
Re: Prospect Spotlight -- Onyeka Okongwu
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Re: Prospect Spotlight -- Onyeka Okongwu
Jamaaliver wrote:Atlanta Hawks FansidedOnyeka Okongwu Scouting Report
Strengths:
Handle
While not an outright necessity, having your big men able to handle the ball is a great plus in the modern NBA. Okongwu fits that mold, controlling the ball like a guard in transition and in halfcourt situations.
He can get his own bucket in isolation, which helps offset his lack of spacing. He’s also a solid passer, showing shades of Kevin Love on his deep outlets.
Rim-protection
Okongwu is a fantastic paint defender and an exceptionally smart shot-blocker. He’s quick on the attack and uses every inch of his 7’1 wingspan to reject shots. He averaged nearly three blocks per game as a freshman, 2nd best in the Pac-12 and 9th in the nation.
His vertical pop might be the best aspect of his game and he uses that on both ends of the court. On D, he flies through the air to contest shots, including frequent chase-down blocks.
Rim-running
On the other end of the court, he uses his athleticism as a dunker. Okongwu is a walking highlight and a threat to catch a lob every time he cuts. He’s fearless driving into the lane and can put anyone on a poster, at any time.
If he’s paired with a high-level P&R point guard like Trae Young or Damian Lillard, he’ll be lethal as a cutter.
P&R on both ends
Okongwu shines as a pick and roll player on both ends of the court. He’s an elite roll man on offense thanks to his aforementioned ability to rim run. Defensively, he might be even better.
He has great instincts when reading the offense and features enough athleticism to confidently step out onto the perimeter in a switch. Looks like a seasoned veteran defensively at the age of 19.
Rebounds
Okongwu is sturdy and reliable on the glass. He has a non-stop motor and a pogo stick-like ability to fight for balls in the air. Uses speed and hops to out-rebound bigger, stronger opponents.Spoiler:
Fit with the Atlanta Hawks:
John Collins is going to be a popular player comparison for Okongwu, thanks to their high-flying dunks. While the comparison fits well in that regard, I think Okongwu will become a better defender, while Collins will be the better outside shooter.
The Atlanta Hawks don’t need a center but they do need a backup four. If they believe Okongwu is a better five, they should shy away from drafting him, no matter how good of a pairing he’d be with Trae Young.
In short, the Atlanta Hawks should value Okongwu, but maybe not as much as other teams who need desperately need frontcourt help.
The Bottom Line:
Onyeka Okongwu is one of my personal favorites in this draft class, and I think his high ceiling is matched with a fairly high floor. His big downfall is shooting and if he can ever add a three to his game, he will be a star.
For now, he’s a high-energy rebounder and defender who can sky for a dunk at any moment.
Ya he’s my #1 guy. I want 2 things to happen. The Hawks to get him and the Warriors to not get him.
Re: Prospect Spotlight -- Onyeka Okongwu
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Re: Prospect Spotlight -- Onyeka Okongwu
I see shades of Emeka Okafor, Tristan Thompson and Bam Adebayo.
He should be a useful player, regardless. I'm just not sure about the upside with him.
He should be a useful player, regardless. I'm just not sure about the upside with him.
NBADraft.netOnyeka Okongwu 6-9, 235 Power Forward/Center
Player Comparison: John Collins/Montrezl Harrell
Strengths: Exceptional rim protector who can block shots in one-on-one match ups or erase looks in well-timed help defense … Relatively undersized NBA big man with great length to make up for his lack of height …Physical player in the post who uses his strength to get and keep good positioning down in the paint … Finishes with both hands in the paint and is comfortable moving to either side … Tremendous athleticism with spin moves down low or quick first step in the paint … Always seems to get to the rim without settling for jumpers … Just like Harrell, Okongwu is elite in the pick and roll game as he moves extremely effectively without the ball … Gets to the line often and shoots efficiently at 74%, a promising sign for his offensive development … Excellent FG shooting percentage at 61% … Stays out of foul trouble for the most part … All-around elite defender both inside and outside the paint … One of the highest potential players in the entire 2020 NBA Draft due to his elite play on both sides of the ball and great rebounding ability
Weaknesses: Must polish his offensive game as he can at times be too reliant upon his physical gifts in order to overpower and outclass opponents at the college level … Often relies on second chance opportunities after missing his first shot … Seems to be a little out of control at times in the paint … Underdeveloped outside shooting acumen will make him easier to stop at the next level initially … It’s questionable how effective he will be playing as a stretch four due to poor outside shooting making him a one-dimensional offensive player … While it is uncommon, he sometimes gets blown by but makes up for it with blocks from behind; something that may not work with faster, more physical/explosive NBA players … Poor ball-handling impacts limits his ability to create offense as a jump shooter …
Outlook: Has the ability to step into a starter role immediately because of his elite defense … If he fails to develop into more of a jump shooter, he will peak as an average starter in his career … Defensive ability should keep him in the league for a good amount of time…Shot blocking prowess doesn’t always translate for smaller centers from NCAA to NBA …
Re: Prospect Spotlight -- Onyeka Okongwu
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