Hoops Habit
Fansided

2020 NBA Draft Profile: USC big man Onyeka Okongwu

By Corey Rausch

CORVALLIS, OREGON - JANUARY 25: Onyeka Okongwu #21 of the USC Trojans reacts after a dunk during the first half against the Oregon State Beavers at Gill Coliseum on January 25, 2020 in Corvallis, Oregon. (Photo by Soobum Im/Getty Images)
CORVALLIS, OREGON - JANUARY 25: Onyeka Okongwu #21 of the USC Trojans reacts after a dunk during the first half against the Oregon State Beavers at Gill Coliseum on January 25, 2020 in Corvallis, Oregon. (Photo by Soobum Im/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 3
Next
Onyeka Okongwu, NBA draft (Photo by Leon Bennett/Getty Images)
Onyeka Okongwu, NBA draft (Photo by Leon Bennett/Getty Images) /

Onyeka Okongwu’s weaknesses

Sometimes Onyeka Okongwu tries to do a little too much and can overcommit. Instead of making the smart play, he will try too hard to block the ball into the stands, allowing his opponent to blow by him to the rim for an easy score. For him to thrive as a starter in this league he will need to commit more to the right play rather than the highlight.

He does not have much consistent range outside of the paint (shooting just 25.0 percent from long range) and will need to develop more outside of the post if he is to fulfill his complete potential. Okongwu could also become more communicative on both sides of the ball. He has the personality and worth ethic to be a leader but he needs to step out of his comfort zone and lead.

Finally, he is slightly undersized as a rim protector in some of the more daunting matchups in the league. As he continues to grow and add muscle he will be able to do better but it needs to happen for him to thrive. This is commonplace for many young bigs but especially for one who plans to anchor a modern defense.

Home/NBA Draft