9. ONYEKA OKONGWU / BIG / USC
The No.1-rated big on my board, Onyeka Okongwu surprised many as a freshman. Almost universally considered a multi-year prospect, Okongwu quickly outproduced most collegiate bigs. Now he’s a surefire lottery pick and, according to many, in the top-five conversation.
At 6-foot-9, Okongwu lacks a degree of size for a traditional center. But his athleticism helps make up ground, as he’s both an impressive vertical athlete at the rim and a mobile defender on the perimeter. Okongwu can cover a lot of ground, whether it’s weak-side rim protection, switching pick-and-rolls, or competing hard in the post. He’s a hand-in-glove fit for the modern NBA.
On offense, Okongwu is an equally intriguing talent. While he’s not a shooter, his rim-running potential garners immediate intrigue. He excels as an above-the-rim finisher, and his smooth handles are rare for a center. If he ever develops a three-point shot, he could unlock rarely seen versatility as a playmaking valve at the five spot.