Hoops Habit
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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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Nov 13, 2015; Berkeley, CA, USA; California Golden Bears forward Ivan Rabb (1) tires to pass Rice Owls guard Bishop Mency (15) in the second half at Haas Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: John Hefti-USA TODAY Sports Cal won 97-55.
Nov 13, 2015; Berkeley, CA, USA; California Golden Bears forward Ivan Rabb (1) tires to pass Rice Owls guard Bishop Mency (15) in the second half at Haas Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: John Hefti-USA TODAY Sports Cal won 97-55. /

5. Ivan Rabb, California Golden Bears

Position: Power Forward
Age: 19 (2/4/1997)
Height, Weight, Wingspan: 6’9.75″, 215 pounds, 7’2″
Slash Line: .615/.500/.669
Season Averages: 28.7 MPG, 12.5 PPG, 8.6 RPG, 2.8 ORPG, 0.9 APG, 1.2 BPG

California Golden Bears sophomore Ivan Rabb has the instincts of an NBA player. He knows when to use glass, reacts to what he’s given instead of forcing the issue, and displays the potential for elite consistency on both ends of the floor.

Assuming Rabb makes the improvements to his game that a return to college suggests he will, he should be a Top 5 pick.

Rabb made the surprising decision to bypass his shot at being a lottery pick in 2016 to return to California. Back in college, Rabb will look to continue expanding his range as a shooter, and further develop his inside game offensively.

With the physical gifts to thrive at the next level, Rabb’s upside is based entirely on how hard he’s willing to work to get to the next level.

While others get by on athleticism, Rabb has the raw skill and patience to impact a game offensively. He needs to improve his discipline on defense and bulk up, but there’s star potential here.

Rabb has a lot of Chris Bosh in him, and he could further convey that with the brilliant sophomore season he’s capable of putting forth.

Next: Pure Point Guard