NCAA Tournament Round-Up: Wolves Top Draft Candidates

Apr 6, 2015; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Duke Blue Devils center Jahlil Okafor (15) drives to the basket defended by Wisconsin Badgers forward Frank Kaminsky (44) during the first half in the 2015 NCAA Men

Jahlil Okafor (Duke)

NCAA Tournament Game Log:

vs. Robert Morris: 21 minutes, 21 points (9-11 FG, 3-6 FT), 3 rebounds, 1 assist, 2 blocks

vs. San Diego State: 33 minutes, 26 points (12-16 FG, 2-2 FT), 6 rebounds, 2 assists, 3 blocks

vs. Utah: 32 minutes, 6 points (3-6 FG, 0-1 FT), 8 rebounds, 2 blocks

vs. Gonzaga: 29 minutes, 9 points (4-10 FG, 1-3 FT), 8 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 block

vs. Michigan State: 30 minutes, 18 points (7-11 FG, 4-7 FT), 6 rebounds, 2 blocks

vs. Wisconsin: 22 minutes, 10 points (5-9 FG, 0-1 FT), 3 rebounds

Okafor’s NCAA Tournament performance was a memorable one. The stat sheet doesn’t show how much Okafor’s presence on the offensive end helped the Duke offense as he was continuously dealing with double teams. When he wasn’t being double teamed, he used his endless arsenal of post moves to put up points or create scoring opportunities.

The most offensively skilled big man in the draft by far, Okafor is very NBA-ready in the low post with the basketball. He’ll beat you off the dribble with a spin move, go over the top with a jump hook, or knock down the pull-up jumper in your face. Additionally, Okafor’s footwork is very good on both sides of the ball.

However, Okafor’s weakness is on the defensive side. He seems lost very often when it comes to help defense, and many times he’s caught just getting lazy. Okafor is also a pretty weak free throw shooter, finishing this season just barely over 50% from the stripe. Both of these weakness can be improved, but there’s no doubt that both of them are key for a future franchise player. Again, the Wolves could definitely use a talented big man that could play the power forward position, and Okafor could fit the bill.

Next: D'Angelo Russell