Auburn freshman forward Isaac Okoro will declare for the 2020 NBA draft, head coach Bruce Pearl told reporters in a conference call on Friday, per Tom Green of AL.com.
Although Okoro is expected to test the draft waters, retaining his college eligibility and leaving the door open for a return to Auburn, it would be a shock if he doesn’t ultimately decide to keep his name in this year’s draft pool. He’s a surefire lottery pick who currently ranks fourth overall on ESPN’s big board.
ESPN draft gurus Mike Schmitz and Jonathan Givony (Insider link) explained two weeks ago why Okoro’s stock has risen so significantly over the course of the 2019/20 season and why he looks like a top-10 pick – or top-five – pick now after not being included on the duo’s first 2020 mock draft last June.
In 28 games for Auburn as a freshman, Okoro averaged 12.9 PPG, 4.4 RPG, and 2.0 APG with a .514/.290/.672 shooting line. While his overall numbers were modest, Okoro has room to grow offensively and emerged as one of the NCAA’s most impactful defenders, per Schmitz. The 19-year-old earned SEC All-Defense, SEC All-Freshman, and Second Team All-SEC honors in his first and potentially only college season.
He’s the second projected lottery pick to declare for the 2020 draft today, joining Georgia guard Anthony Edwards.
“..Okoro’s stick has risen so significantly…”. Oops.
lol
Tobias Harris & Jordan Mcrae had one year each with Bruce Pearl. Pat Riley picked Okeke last year but he didn’t play. Along with a couple scrubs, that is Pearl’s NBA profile. I don’t see Okaro changing the record of Pearl who has an infamous reputation and has had top recruiting classes. I really dislike the way he complained about Auburn’s loss in the final four. The stagy tears and the old “I don’t complain about officiating, but…”.
Okaro does make quick & smart twitch passes, but that may overrate his smarts. Good basketball body.
Some Stanley Johnson comp right here.
man if this guy isn’t destined to not get his third-year option picked up by the T’wolves or traded for a pair of second round picks, I don’t know who is more destined