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Milwaukee Bucks: 5 options for pick No. 48 in 2017 NBA Draft

By Josh Cornelissen

Mar 11, 2017; New York, NY, USA; Villanova Wildcats guard Josh Hart (3) watches his shot during the first half of the Big East Conference Tournament final game against the Creighton Bluejays at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 11, 2017; New York, NY, USA; Villanova Wildcats guard Josh Hart (3) watches his shot during the first half of the Big East Conference Tournament final game against the Creighton Bluejays at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports /
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2017 NCAA Tournament: 5 Players To Watch For In East Region
Feb 25, 2017; Hartford, CT, USA; Southern Methodist Mustangs forward Semi Ojeleye (33) drives to the basket against the Connecticut Huskies in the second half at XL Center. SMU defeated UConn 69-61. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Semi Ojeleye, F, SMU

The Milwaukee Bucks found a home this past season for Greg Monroe on their second units, where he starred as the primary creator offensively. Head coach Jason Kidd ran plays through Monroe in the high post, spotting up shooters and cutting behind the play to open up space and work to get open. This solved the problem of where to use Monroe and the problem of not having a strong bench creator.

Semi Ojeleye could be a solution to the second problem, whether Monroe leaves this offseason or next. At 6’7″ Ojeleye is right in the area of a combo forward, with a jacked frame capable of banging with power forwards. He showed the ability at SMU to run the offense, making plays with the ball in his hand.

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That isn’t Ojeleye’s only strength, as he also can catch-and-shoot anywhere on the perimeter. If defenders close out he then has the skills to put the ball on the deck, either pulling up in the midrange or finishing at the rim. He has good passing vision – not elite, but something that should continue to grow in time as he learns a new system.

He doesn’t boast elite size or length, and probably will never be a rim protector at the 4. But he is above-average in almost every offensive category, and a player with no major offensive weaknesses is a valuable selection in the second round. He doesn’t boast any elite offensive skills, but there is room for growth. He has a high work ethic and there is every reason to expect him to put in the work at the next level – a must on a Jason Kidd team.

The Bucks acquired Michael Beasley to fill a similar role, but whether he stays with the team is an unknown. Ojeleye could develop into filling the same sort of role Beasley filled, backing up Giannis Antetokounmpo and Jabari Parker. The upside is there for him to grow into something more.

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