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NBA Mock Draft 2016: Impact of the NCAA Tournament

By Maxwell Ogden

Apr 1, 2016; Houston , TX, USA; Oklahoma Sooners guard Buddy Hield (24) during practice day prior to the 2016 NCAA Men
Apr 1, 2016; Houston , TX, USA; Oklahoma Sooners guard Buddy Hield (24) during practice day prior to the 2016 NCAA Men /
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Mar 25, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Gonzaga Bulldogs forward Domantas Sabonis (11) reacts after making a basket against the Syracuse Orange during the second half in a semifinal game in the Midwest regional of the NCAA Tournament at United Center. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 25, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Gonzaga Bulldogs forward Domantas Sabonis (11) reacts after making a basket against the Syracuse Orange during the second half in a semifinal game in the Midwest regional of the NCAA Tournament at United Center. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports /

17. Domantas Sabonis, Gonzaga Bulldogs

Position: Power Forward

Age: 20 (3/5/1996)

Height, Weight, Wingspan: 6’10”, 238 pounds, 6’10.5″

Slash Line: .611/.357/.769

Season Averages: 31.8 MPG, 17.6 PPG, 11.8 RPG, 3.1 ORPG, 1.8 APG, 0.9 BPG

Key Strengths

  • Offensive rebounding. Tenacious and fundamentally sound. Finishes second chances.
  • Defensive rebounding. Gains position, boxes out, and effectively limits opponents’ second chances.
  • Traditional scoring versatility. Can consistently play from the post or through the pick-and-roll.
  • Improved shooter. Expanding to 3-point range. Free throws up 12.5 percent. Midrange game is legitimate.
  • Motor. Competes on both ends.

Key Weaknesses

  • Length. Short wingspan could limit his effectiveness as a low-post scorer and rim protector.
  • Defensive irresponsibility. Competes, but he fouls too often. Footwork and anticipation must improve.
  • Lacks desirable athleticism.

Analysis

The Gonzaga Bulldogs made an improbable run to the Sweet 16 during the 2015 NCAA Tournament. The driving force behind that success was big man and NBA Draft prospect Domantas Sabonis.

There was some uncertainty surrounding whether or not Sabonis would declare for the NBA Draft, but the sophomore star will reportedly do so.

Sabonis could come off the board in the Top 20.

Sabonis is a fierce competitor who attacks the glass on both ends, and scores with fundamentally sound versatility. He isn’t an elite athlete, nor does he have the desired wingspan to be an interior player, but his improving jump shot should help immensely.

Watching Sabonis dismantle Top 10 prospect Jakob Poeltl during the Round of 32 was one of the most impressive performances of the season.

Next: Bynum or Orton?

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