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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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TREVISO, ITALY – JUNE 08: Edrice Adebayo of team USA in action during adidas Eurocamp at La Ghirada sports center on June 8, 2015 in Treviso, Italy. (Photo by Roberto Serra/Iguana Press/Getty Images)
TREVISO, ITALY – JUNE 08: Edrice Adebayo of team USA in action during adidas Eurocamp at La Ghirada sports center on June 8, 2015 in Treviso, Italy. (Photo by Roberto Serra/Iguana Press/Getty Images) /

13. Edrice Adebayo, Kentucky Wildcats

Position: Power Forward
Age: 18 (7/18/1997)
Height & Weight: 6’9″ & 225 pounds
Slash Line: N/A
Season Averages: N/A

When a recruit signs with the Kentucky Wildcats, an understandable echoes throughout the basketball world. Though nothing is guaranteed, analysts feel comfortable referring to just about any incoming Kentucky freshman as an NBA-caliber talent.

In the case of Bam Adebayo, the hype is real and warranted.

Adebayo is built like a tank. He’s listed at 6’9″ and 225 pounds, which is ideal for a a freshman big man, and has broad shoulders with a muscular frame and effortless bounce at the rim.

Physically, Adebayo is reminiscent of Dwight Howard in the sense that he can brutalize opponents physically and finish powerfully above the rim.

Adebayo is still quite raw on both ends of the floor, but he’s improved his skill level in tremendous ways. He’s closer to stabilizing his shooting mechanics from midrange, can face up and attack, and projects to be a productive rebounder on both ends.

Adebayo has unfathomable upside, and John Calipari is the perfect coach to help with the improvement of his fundamentals.

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