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NBA Mock Draft 2016: New Year’s Resolutions

By Maxwell Ogden

Dec 25, 2015; Honolulu, HI, USA; Oklahoma Sooners guard Buddy Hield (24) flashes a "shaka" sign after the game against the Harvard Crimson at the Stan Sheriff Center. Oklahoma Sooners defeated the Harvard Crimson 83-71. Hield was named MVP of the tournament. Mandatory Credit: Marco Garcia-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 25, 2015; Honolulu, HI, USA; Oklahoma Sooners guard Buddy Hield (24) flashes a "shaka" sign after the game against the Harvard Crimson at the Stan Sheriff Center. Oklahoma Sooners defeated the Harvard Crimson 83-71. Hield was named MVP of the tournament. Mandatory Credit: Marco Garcia-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 19, 2015; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes forward Marc Loving (2) looks to shoot over Kentucky Wildcats forward Skal Labissiere (1) during the second half at Barclays Center. Ohio State Buckeyes won 74-67. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 19, 2015; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes forward Marc Loving (2) looks to shoot over Kentucky Wildcats forward Skal Labissiere (1) during the second half at Barclays Center. Ohio State Buckeyes won 74-67. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports /

5. Skal Labissiere, Kentucky Wildcats

Position: Power Forward, Center

Age: 19

Height, Weight, Wingspan: 7’0″, 216 pounds, 7’2″

Slash Line: .524/.000/.738

Season Averages: 20.1 MPG, 9.2 PPG, 3.5 RPG, 1.3 ORPG, 1.8 BPG

New Year’s Resolution: Bulk Up and Box Out

Skal Labissiere has the upside of an NBA superstar. He’s an elite shot-blocker, flashes 3-point range on his jump shot, has the foundation for mid-post and low-post offense, and is a very good defender for a 7’0″ big man with a 7’2″ wingspan.

According to Jerry Tipton of The Lexington Herald-Leader, Kentucky Wildcats head coach John Calipari told reporters that, for as tantalizing a prospect as Labissiere may be, he may need a second year in college.

"“Stay in the moment . . . ,” Calipari said. “You can’t put on yourself, ‘Well, I have to be a pro in four months.’ It may not be possible. It may take you two years.” While mimicking an alarmed response to that timetable by blurting out “ooooh,” Calipari said, “There’s no crying on the yacht.”"

Calipari didn’t outright state that was Labissiere, but it’s hard to argue with the implication.

Labissiere’s upside is legitimate, but he’s a 7’0″ defensive anchor averaging 3.5 rebounds in 20.1 minutes per game. It’s important not to harp on college statistics, but that’s a very accurate illustration of how the freshman might struggle at the next level.

While Labissiere is listed at 225 pounds, he’s a very thin player who has trouble gaining position on bigger opponents. That issue suggests he’ll have an even harder time against the stronger and more athletic opponents he’d encounter in the NBA.

There’s still more than enough time to turn things around, but in the new year, Labissiere must bulk up and improve on the boards.

Next: Anchoring Both Ends