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2016 NBA Draft: Who Stood Out on Day 2 of NCAA Tournament?

By Maxwell Ogden

Mar 18, 2016; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Oklahoma Sooners guard Buddy Hield (24) reacts in the second half against the Cal State Bakersfield Roadrunners during the first round of the 2016 NCAA Tournament at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 18, 2016; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Oklahoma Sooners guard Buddy Hield (24) reacts in the second half against the Cal State Bakersfield Roadrunners during the first round of the 2016 NCAA Tournament at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 18, 2016; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Villanova Wildcats forward Daniel Ochefu (23) shoots against the North Carolina-Asheville Bulldogs in the first half during the first round of the 2016 NCAA Tournament at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 18, 2016; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Villanova Wildcats forward Daniel Ochefu (23) shoots against the North Carolina-Asheville Bulldogs in the first half during the first round of the 2016 NCAA Tournament at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports /

Daniel Ochefu, Villanova Wildcats

Opponent: UNC Asheville Bulldogs (15)

Result: 86-56, W

Stat Line: 26 minutes, 17 points, 10 rebounds, 4 assists, 3 blocks, 1 steal, 7/9 FG, 3/4 FT

Position: Center

Age: 22 (12/15/1993)

Height, Weight, Wingspan: 6’10.5″, 245 pounds, 7’3″

Analysis

Villanova Wildcats center Daniel Ochefu isn’t expected to be selected at the 2016 NBA Draft, but he’s been a known commodity for quite some time. He’s a quality rebounder and excellent shot-blocker who can overstep his boundaries on offense, but passes well and always competes.

Against the 15-seed UNC Asheville Bulldogs, Ochefu put forth the type of performance necessary for his emergence as a potential draft pick.

Ochefu torched the Bulldogs for 17 efficient points on 7-of-9 shooting from the field and an efficient 3-of-4 mark from the free throw line. He also pulled down 10 rebounds, dished out four assists, blocked three shots, and picked up a steal in just 26 minutes of action.

With more performances like this, Ochefu should surface on draft boards and effectively emerge as a true sleeper in the 2016 NBA Draft.

Ochefu certainly has the physical profile to excel at the next level, standing at nearly 6’11” and 245 pounds with a 7’3″ wingspan. He’s a capable shot-blocker and a consistent force on the offensive glass who lacks elite athleticism, but plays with the type of motor that makes Joakim Noah special.

Ochefu works his tail off when he’s on the court, and while he may not become a full-time NBA player, games like this suggest he’ll get his chance.

Next: Final Collegiate Game

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