The Sixer Sense
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If UCLA’s Ike Anigbogu Falls, Philadelphia 76ers Must Look Him Up

By Bret Stuter

Mar 19, 2017; Sacramento, CA, USA; UCLA Bruins forward Ike Anigbogu (13) reacts after dunking the ball against Cincinnati Bearcats during the second round of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 19, 2017; Sacramento, CA, USA; UCLA Bruins forward Ike Anigbogu (13) reacts after dunking the ball against Cincinnati Bearcats during the second round of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports /
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UCLA center Ike Anigbogu is projected to emerge from the 2017 NBA Draft as a mid first round selection. But should he fall, the Philadelphia 76ers must not hesitate to look him up

The Philadelphia 76ers select the third pick in the 2017 NBA Draft. Then, they wait. And wait. And wait until the 36th pick of the draft. From there, they pick at 36, 39, 46 and 50, so there will hardly be a chance to keep up with the action. But as the team waits, they cannot rest. At least, now while UCLA center Ike Anigbogu is on the board.

Ike Anigbogu stands 6-foot-10, weighs 252 pounds, and is a one and done prospect from UCLA. He was the teammate of point guard Lonzo Ball, another prospect mentioned in reference to the Philadelphia 76ers. But unlike his flamboyant teammate, Anigbogu is not introducing his own sneakers to the NBA.  He is simply looking forward to the draft.

Bye NCAA, Hello NBA

In fact, he just hired his agent.

and by the rules, that means he has waived all remaining years of NCAA eligibility. Right now, the athletic center is projected as a mid first round.  But that is likely more to the need exceeding supply for the position in this draft, as Anigbogu is certainly not a finished product.

His scouting report from NBA Scouting live is as follows:

"“Ike Anigbogu is a very athletic big man that is projected to be a potential first round pick. He can finish plays around the basket, rebound, and block shots, but he may still be a bit of a project because his offensive skills are raw.”"

Anigbogu is strong on the defensive side, but raw on offense. He has good rebounding penache, and has elite upside on shot blocking skills. No doubt these are due to his spectacular wing span, a dimension the 76ers prioritize. But he has poor shooting skills from the foul line.  In fact, his entire offensive arsenal is limited. But rim protecting is in fashion in the NBA.

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Need Knee Clarification

Anigbogu missed some time due to a knee injury in the 2016-2017 season.  Now that knee is in question once more.

While the specifics about the knee are unknown at this time, this could be enough to drop Anigbogu to the 76ers in round two. And as we project, the Philadelphia 76ers will shop for a second round center in 2017.

Next: The Philadelphia 76ers Must Avoid Jayson Tatum In The NBA Draft

And so, get ready Philly.  While there will likely be a hot debate who the team will select at three, many will look past the second round.  If a certain UCLA center falls into the second round, he is the right pick for this team.