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2017 NBA Mock Draft: An Early Look Ahead

By Maxwell Ogden

MAPLE GROVE, MN- MAY 23: Harry Giles #1 from Team CP3 and Wesleyan Christian Academy during Session Four of the Nike EYBL on May 23, 2015 at Maple Grove Community Gym in Maple Grove, Minnesota. (Photo by Brace Hemmelgarn/Getty Images)
MAPLE GROVE, MN- MAY 23: Harry Giles #1 from Team CP3 and Wesleyan Christian Academy during Session Four of the Nike EYBL on May 23, 2015 at Maple Grove Community Gym in Maple Grove, Minnesota. (Photo by Brace Hemmelgarn/Getty Images) /
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CHICAGO, IL - MARCH 30: Jarret Allen #31 of the West team dunks against the East team during the 2016 McDonalds's All American Game on March 30, 2016 at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by David Banks/Getty Images)
CHICAGO, IL – MARCH 30: Jarret Allen #31 of the West team dunks against the East team during the 2016 McDonalds’s All American Game on March 30, 2016 at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by David Banks/Getty Images) /

11. Jarrett Allen, Texas Longhorns

Position: Center
Age: 18 (4/21/1998)
Height, Weight, Wingspan: 6’10.75″, 224 pounds, 7’5.5″
Slash Line: N/A
Season Averages: N/A

Though his decision to play for the Texas Longhorns caught some by surprise, Jarrett Allen made the perfect decision. Allen has all of the tools to be an elite defensive player at the next level, but many question his lack of vocal leadership on the court.

If any coach can tap into Allen’s full defensive potential, it’s the incomparable Shaka Smart.

Allen has elite physical tools at 6’11” and 224 pounds with a 7’6″ wingspan, a 9’1.5″ standing reach, and fluid athleticism. He moves well enough to defend the pick-and-roll, and that’s what makes him so intriguing.

Even if Allen fails to live up to his potential, finding a near 7’0″ center who can defend the pick-and-roll is no easy task.

Offensively, Allen runs the floor well, has a jump hook out of the post, and should be a consistent threat in running the pick-and-roll. He hasn’t yet shown a willingness to consistently take over games, but coach Smart will have a chance to develop that aspect of Allen’s game.

Allen’s upside is as immense as any prospect’s in this draft class.

Next: Ridiculous Potential