USC freshman big man Onyeka Okongwu has declared for the 2020 NBA draft and intends to forgo his remaining three years of college eligibility, he tells Evan Daniels of 247Sports.
A 6’9″ forward/center, Okongwu averaged 16.2 PPG, 8.6 RPG, and an impressive 2.7 BPG in 28 games (30.6 MPG) in his first and only season as a Trojan. He projects as a potential lottery pick, currently ranking sixth on ESPN’s big board, including second among centers, behind only James Wiseman.
“I honestly have a lot of confidence in myself and I think I established my name this freshman year and I’ve shown that I can play with anyone,” Okongwu said. “It gives me more confidence in this decision because I feel like I can develop my game on the next level and really be successful.”
According to ESPN’s Mike Schmitz, Okongwu is a strong offensive rebounder and a “versatile defender with outstanding shot-blocking instincts.” Schmitz also praised the big man’s mobility and footwork, though he cautioned that he’s somewhat undersized as a center and his offensive ceiling may be limited. Sam Vecenie of The Athletic recently referred to Okongwu as one of the best defensive prospects in the 2020 draft class.
Glad to see he has successfully been able to escape the drama of Chino Hills. Going to USC rather than following the Ball’s to UCLA was a smart move on his part.
What a bunch of drivel. Anyone who thinks the Balls are a distraction have spent too much time watching the Kardashians. Besides, Lonzo was there 3 years ago and they were a good team when he was there. Your talking out of your behind.
Actually it may be you speaking out of the wrong orifice – the drama I was referring to had nothing to do with Lonzo, but rather his other brothers and his father, all of whom were intertwined at both the high school and club level. For to survive this, and accomplish what he did at USC without being arrested for shoplifting or running to another country to circumnavigate the system, says a great deal about his drive and character.
This is the most ridiculous thing I have read on here. He is his own man and just because he grew up around the Balls doesn’t mean its impressive he didn’t do 2 stupid things they did. Lavar hasn’t been relevant at UCLA for 2.5 years so his college window doesn’t even line up with them. He is an impressive player and it would be no different had he gone to Westwood for college.
Great fit next to KAT in Minny.
This dude gets after it on the offensive boards, and on defence.