Hoops Habit
Fansided

2017 NBA Draft: 5 potential second round steals

By Max Holm

Mar 10, 2017; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Duke Blue Devils guard Frank Jackson (15) drives around North Carolina Tar Heels guard Joel Berry II (2) during the first half during the ACC Conference Tournament at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 10, 2017; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Duke Blue Devils guard Frank Jackson (15) drives around North Carolina Tar Heels guard Joel Berry II (2) during the first half during the ACC Conference Tournament at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
4 of 6
Next
Mar 17, 2017; Tulsa, OK, USA; Southern Methodist Mustangs forward Semi Ojeleye (33) reacts during the second half against the USC Trojans in the first round of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at BOK Center. Mandatory Credit: Brett Rojo-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 17, 2017; Tulsa, OK, USA; Southern Methodist Mustangs forward Semi Ojeleye (33) reacts during the second half against the USC Trojans in the first round of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at BOK Center. Mandatory Credit: Brett Rojo-USA TODAY Sports /

3. Semi Ojeleye, SF/PF, SMU

Semi Ojeleye is a prospect who is in between going in the first and second round. After struggling at Duke, Ojeleye transferred to SMU and become the 2017 AAC Player of the Year. Posting averages of 18.9 points and 6.8 rebounds per game, he also shot the lights out of the ball. We’re talking about a guy who flat out knows how to score from anywhere.

Ojeleye shot 63 percent at the rim, 41 percent on two-point jumpers, 42 percent from three, and nearly 79 percent from the free throw line, per Hoop-Math. That is elite. So, what’s holding him back? Mostly age. He’ll be 23 next season. That being said, a team should take advantage of this and draft a very complete offensive weapon and a ridiculous athlete.

At just under 6-foot-7, it’s unclear what position he’s best suited for in the NBA. He’ll likely split time between the 3 and the 4.

Ojeleye should be able to thrive at both given his rare combination of strength, power, and speed. He finished in the top-eight at the draft combine in the max vertical leap, lane agility test and three-quarter court sprint, per Draft Express. His age may make him slide to the second round, but he has steal written all over him.

Home/NBA Draft