Jakob Poeltl, Utah Utes
Opponent: Fresno State Bulldogs (14)
Result: 80-69, W
Stat Line: 36 minutes, 16 points, 18 rebounds, 9 offensive rebounds, 4 assists, 1 steal, 5/11 FG, 6/9 FT
Position: Center
Age: 20 (10/15/1995)
Height, Weight, Wingspan: 7’1″, 242 pounds, 7’1″
Analysis
Jakob Poeltl has the potential to both thrive in and break down a small-ball lineup. He’s mobile enough to run in transition and hold his own against athletic big men, and is skilled enough to score from the post and protect the defensive interior.
Poeltl’s performance against the Fresno State Bulldogs wasn’t perfect, but it was exactly what scouts needed to see: a dominant performance on the boards.
Utah outrebounded Fresno State 38-15, including 26-8 in the 1st half
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) March 18, 2016
Jakob Poeltl had more rebounds (18) than the entire Fresno State team
Poeltl is generally regarded as a Top 10 prospect, so it’s not as though his draft stock was in danger. The performance against the small-ball Bulldogs was a big one, however, as Poeltl absolutely dominated the boards on both ends of the floor.
Poeltl recorded 18 total rebounds, including nine on the offensive glass—almost twice as many as Fresno State recorded as a team.
Poeltl has the size at 7’1″ to be the starting center in a traditional lineup. He’s a shot-blocking rim protector whose offensive game has progressed tremendously, and while his shooting range isn’t quite as deep as teams prefer in the modern era, he’s a Top 10 prospect for a reason.
This was yet another example of how Poeltl will exploit his size advantage whenever the opportunity arises.
Next: Going Off