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NBA Draft: Buddy Hield, Brice Johnson And The Most Improved

By Maxwell Ogden

Jan 2, 2016; Norman, OK, USA; Oklahoma Sooners guard Buddy Hield (24) reacts after a play against the Iowa State Cyclones during the second half at Lloyd Noble Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 2, 2016; Norman, OK, USA; Oklahoma Sooners guard Buddy Hield (24) reacts after a play against the Iowa State Cyclones during the second half at Lloyd Noble Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 3, 2016; Berkeley, CA, USA; Utah Utes forward Jakob Poeltl (42) calls for the ball from forward Kyle Kuzma (35) against the California Golden Bears during the first half at Haas Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 3, 2016; Berkeley, CA, USA; Utah Utes forward Jakob Poeltl (42) calls for the ball from forward Kyle Kuzma (35) against the California Golden Bears during the first half at Haas Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports /

Jakob Poeltl, Utah Utes

Position: Center
Age: 20
Height, Weight, Wingspan: 7’1″, 242 pounds, 7’1″
Slash Line: .687/.000/.660
Season Averages: 27.8 MPG, 17.7 PPG, 9.3 RPG, 2.6 ORPG, 1.9 APG, 2.1 BPG
Key Improvement: Offensive Fundamentals

Jakob Poeltl burst onto the scene in 2014-15 as one of college basketball’s premier interior defenders. There were intriguing signs on offense, but the Ukrainian center entered the lottery discussion for the 2015 NBA Draft on the strength of his defense—a strength that even Jahlil Okafor couldn’t overcome.

In 2015-16, Poeltl has developed into one of the best interior scorers in the country.

Poeltl has jumped from potentially stealing a spot in the late lottery of the 2015 NBA Draft to competing for a Top 5 selection in 2016. He’s my No. 6 overall prospect and projects to move up by season’s end.

When a player improves as rapidly as Poeltl has, it’s hard not to be intrigued.

The 7’1″ center from Ausria displayed solid touch around the basket in 2014-15, but in 2015-16, he’s been consistent in creating his own offense. He’s posting players up, finishing over both shoulders, setting strong screens, and has solid vision as a passer with his back to the basket.

Poeltl needs to go up stronger when he’s under the rim, but the current improvements suggest he’ll take care of that concern, as well.

Next: Making His Own Name