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NBA Draft: Who Shined on Day 4 of NCAA Tournament?

By Maxwell Ogden

Mar 20, 2016; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Oklahoma Sooners guard Buddy Hield (24) celebrates defeating the Virginia Commonwealth Rams 85-81 during the second round of the 2016 NCAA Tournament at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 20, 2016; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Oklahoma Sooners guard Buddy Hield (24) celebrates defeating the Virginia Commonwealth Rams 85-81 during the second round of the 2016 NCAA Tournament at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 20, 2016; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes guard Mike Gesell (10) is defended by Villanova Wildcats forward Daniel Ochefu (23) during the first half in the second round of the 2016 NCAA Tournament at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 20, 2016; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes guard Mike Gesell (10) is defended by Villanova Wildcats forward Daniel Ochefu (23) during the first half in the second round of the 2016 NCAA Tournament at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports /

Daniel Ochefu, Villanova Wildcats

Opponent: Iowa Hawkeyes (7)

Result: 87-68, W

Stat Line: 28 minutes, 6 points, 11 rebounds, 3 offensive rebounds, 4 assists, 3 blocks, 3 steals, 3/5 FG

Position: Center

Age: 22 (12/15/1993)

Height, Weight, Wingspan: 6’11”, 245 pounds, 7’3″

Analysis

Daniel Ochefu has been one of the more respected players in college basketball for the better part of his career. The Villanova Wildcats big man is beginning to flash NBA potential during the NCAA Tournament, however, and that’s why he’s making his second consecutive appearance on this list.

Ochefu won’t have as guaranteed a path to an NBA career as other players on this list, but he’s doing exactly what he needs to in order to get drafted.

Ochefu was a monster against the Iowa Hawkeyes, recording 11 rebounds, four assists, three blocks, and three steals. Every one of those numbers exemplifies what makes him special as a prospect, as he thrives in all four capacities for the Wildcats.

Whether he’s dominating the glass, facilitating from the high post, altering shots at the rim, or forcing turnovers, Ochefu has the tools to be a valuable asset at the next level.

Ochefu stands at 6’11” with a 7’3″ wingspan, which is the physical profile that teams are looking for in a center. He doesn’t have the offensive skill set that some might be looking for, but he fits the mold of the defensive-minded big men who have made a living in the modern NBA.

If Ochefu continues to perform at this level, and tests well at the scouting combine, he could be a second-round draft pick in 2016.

Next: Defensive Big