New Orleans Pelicans: 3 players to watch in the 2020 NBA Draft
By Eliot Clough
2. A defensive big – Onyeka Okongwu, USC
Onyeka Okongwu jumps off the computer screen. Watch two minutes of this guy’s tape and you’ll want him in New Orleans.
The USC product averaged 16.2 points, 8.6 rebounds and 2.7 blocks his freshman season, and has even more potential to grow at power forward/small ball center, flashing bits and pieces of transcendent athleticism for the Trojans in the 2019 season. Off pick-and-rolls, backdoor cuts and other plays designed for lobs to the big man, he flew through the air and nearly ripped the hoop from the ground.
He’s not just an athlete either. In situations where the 6’9″ 245-pounder sat with his back to the basket and ball in hand, he was able to score at will showing off a variety of post moves. He’s also shown that he can finish through contact and isn’t the least afraid of it.
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On the defensive end of the floor, Okongwu is a natural. With constant awareness of the ball and his position to the basket, the southern California native is a natural shot blocker and is a good enough defender to step out and play help when needed.
Throw in the fact that he played at Chino Hills High School with Ball, and he’s near the perfect draft selection at 13th overall.
No player is without his deficiencies though, Okongwu certainly leaves much to be desired in terms of a jump shot. He’s got excellent touch around the rim, but take a few steps back, and the excellence fades to mediocrity. In an NBA that virtually requires all players to have a jumpshot, Okongwu will need to develop one before he’s a consistent starter in the league.