2016 NBA Draft Watch List: Daniel Ochefu

Daniel Ochefu, Senior, Villanova, Center, 6’11, 245

(2014-15, 24.0 mpg) 9.2 ppg, 8.5 rpg, 1.5 apg, 0.9 spg, 1.4 bpg, 1.8 tpg

64.4 FG%, 69.2 FT%, 66.0 TS%, 64.4 eFG%

19.6 USG%, 14.0 OREB%, 28.1 DREB%, 21.3 TRB%, 6.3 BLK%

DOB: 12/15/1993 (21) Hometown: Baltimore, Maryland

2015 Honorable Mention All-Big East

2014 Big East Most Improved Player

The Watch List is not meant to replace full scouting reports and is only meant as a guide for who and what to watch for this upcoming season

From this year’s group of seniors, it will be tough to find a player who has improved as much over the past three seasons as Ochefu, now considered among the nations’ top centers. At 6’11, 245 pounds, with a strong build, Ochefu has great size for the center position, and he’s a better athlete than he is usually given credit. I mentioned Ochefu has improved a lot, and it really shows in his offensive skill-set, though he still has a long way to go to fully develop for the position. He uses his size well to establish position on the low blocks, using his lower body to seal off his defender, which can also help open driving lanes for the perimeter-based Villanova offense. Ochefu has good hands and is very patient once he gets the ball in the post, waiting for the area to clear of potential double-teams before he makes his move. Now, Ochefu doesn’t really have much of a repertoire of post moves; really only a couple of quick moves over his left shoulder that allow him to shoot his much-improved hook shot. He really hasn’t shown much of an ability to go over his right shoulder or finish around the basket with his left hand, but what he has now is giant steps ahead of a couple of years ago. His ballhandling can be a bit shaky, especially if he doesn’t complete his move in 3 to 4 dribbles, but he does his best to limit his exposure to dribbling as much as possible. Ochefu has become very effective handling double-teams in the post, showing good vision and passing ability, and making sure to get the ball out quickly when he senses the double-team. With Villanova’s 4-out, 1-in offense, he has become very adept at finding open shooters opposite him, or even hitting cutters coming down the lane behind him. Ochefu is a very efficient scorer around the rim, and while he doesn’t like dealing with contact when he first gets the ball in the post, he has the strength to muscle through defenders to score, or draw fouls. Ochefu’s main role in the offense seems to be as a screener on the perimeter, and he is one of the best I’ve seen at the college level in the past few years. While he has improved as a scoring option in the pick-and-roll, he doesn’t always open up to the ball as quickly as he should, though part of that may be because he expects shots to go up quickly from his guards. Ochefu does need to work on his shooting ability, both in the mid-range area and from the free throw line. The different parts of his shooting mechanics are fine, but the motion in putting them all together can be delayed. Ochefu is very good on the offensive boards, always working to get position and going up strong to get the ball at the top of his reach. Defensively, Ochefu is underappreciated, showing very good skill in the post and on the perimeter. In the post, he positions himself well, using his lower body to anchor his spot, and moves his feet quickly. Ochefu does a great job keeping his arms up, always making any shot difficult for anyone trying to score on him in the post. He does do a decent job getting out in pick-and-roll situations, though he can often be hesitant to commit to the ballhandler, leaving a gap in there that a good shooter or slasher can use. Ochefu is active on defense, and with Villanova switching often, he can hold his own when switched to defending a 3 or 4 on the perimeter, covering a lot of ground and showing quick feet for his size. Ochefu has very good defensive awareness, and you can see him constantly surveying the floor and making sure teammates are where they should be. As a help defender around the lane, Ochefu is still improving, and he doesn’t challenge as many shots as he could, but he does a good job extending well and not fouling when looking to block shots. As on offense, Ochefu is a very good rebounder on the defensive end, tracking the ball well, boxing out, and going after the ball instead of waiting for it to fall to him. One of his most underappreciated traits is how good of an outlet passer he has become, surveying the floor quickly and hitting his teammates in stride as they move up the floor.

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What he needs to show this season: As mentioned, Ochefu’s offensive skill-set is still very limited at this point. He doesn’t have many post moves, and they all lead to him having to shoot with his right hand, so a skilled defender can always try to force him to go to his left, where Ochefu either has to give up the ball or try to force a shot through a defender on his right side. Also, Ochefu seems like he has the capabilities to at least attempt to be a threat in the mid-range area, but the combination of not getting the ball in those spots, or if he does, not even looking to shoot, it makes it easier for a big defender to lay off him and play towards the basket. The same goes for opening up and being a true threat in pick-and-roll situations. Now Ochefu will try to take the ball off the dribble to the rim on occasion, but as mentioned, his ballhandling still needs some work, though if he does get the open lane, he will finish strong. Defensively, Ochefu has made great strides with his defensive fundamentals, any areas he really needs work should be somewhat easy fixes for him. Doing a better job getting out and hedging effectively on high screens is important. While Ochefu has done a good job defending when out on the perimeter and in pick-and-roll situations, he could work on getting a bit quicker and more fluid with his footwork.

Where he fits at the next level: I can’t emphasize enough how far Ochefu has come over the last three seasons, and his continued improvement as a senior should put him in good position to make it to the NBA level. Now, his offense is still limited, but he is efficient with what he can do, and his work on the offensive boards and doing little things to open up shots for teammates, making him very valuable on the floor. Add to that a constantly improving defensive presence, and there’s a lot to like about Ochefu’s future as a pro center.

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