2015 Draft

[gonzalo]

According to nbadraft.net we will have three players chosen in the 2015 NBA Draft:

Chris Obepka (12th).
JaKarr Sampson (44th).
D´Angelo Harrison (58th).

http://www.nbadraft.net/2015mock_draft

 

[redmannorth]

I pray that is correct as it means both Jakaar and Chris will play their junior seasons which if true we would be very strong in 2015 with Branch , Dlo and Phil as seniors. Surprising anyone wonders why Coach Lavin is not getting commitments for this class when we are absolutely loaded and deep at every position this year.

 

[Andrew]

Sam Dekker of Wisconsin is #11. That is going to be a difficult game and a big one to win.

 

[Marillac]

Sam Dekker of Wisconsin is #11. That is going to be a difficult game and a big one to win.

I actually think Dekker could be a first rounder if he left after this season. Obekpa at 12 has more to do with his absurd block #s I'd imagine. He did that as a frosh and people probably expect him to grow those #s and add offense. I expect his blocks to fall and I don't think his offense will grow enough this season to warrant ANY lottery or mid-first round expectations for 2014 or 2015. Offense or not, it is probably going to come down to his measurement. If he's 6'7 like Coach said, that will be tough to overcome. If he measures in at a true 6'9...he's in business.

 

[bk8664]

Sam Dekker of Wisconsin is #11. That is going to be a difficult game and a big one to win.

I actually think Dekker could be a first rounder if he left after this season. Obekpa at 12 has more to do with his absurd block #s I'd imagine. He did that as a frosh and people probably expect him to grow those #s and add offense. I expect his blocks to fall and I don't think his offense will grow enough this season to warrant ANY lottery or mid-first round expectations for 2014 or 2015. Offense or not, it is probably going to come down to his measurement. If he's 6'7 like Coach said, that will be tough to overcome. If he measures in at a true 6'9...he's in business.

Along with Obekpa's height, his weight will also be closely watched. Ben Wallace has admitted his true height is closer to 6'7'', but he was pretty thick. Obkekpa, if he comes in at 6'8'', and adds some weight could still be in business.

 

[bamafan]

Wallace pretty thick? He was a beast and was the most put together player in the league!

 

[bk8664]

Wallace pretty thick? He was a beast and was the most put together player in the league!

Wallace's attitude, probably most importantly was a beastly. Chris is only 17 lbs behind Ben. Ben listed at 240 in the pros, Chris right now as a kid is 223. Chris can get up to that weight. He has the frame for it. We'll see if he brings the fire.

 

[bamafan]

Wallace pretty thick? He was a beast and was the most put together player in the league!

Wallace's attitude, probably most importantly was a beastly. Chris is only 17 lbs behind Ben. Ben listed at 240 in the pros, Chris right now as a kid is 223. Chris can get up to that weight. He has the frame for it. We'll see if he brings the fire.

No way was Wallace only 240. That must have been his junior high school weight!

 

[bamafan]

Ron Ron was said to be 260 and he is shorter and not as well built as Wallace was. Wallace turned himself into a beast because he wasn't that talented and his physical presence and rebounding is what kept him in the league. Remember Jay Bilas at Duke having an undistinguished first 3 years at Duke and coming back his senior year all bulked up and being an asset his senior year.

 

[Marillac]

Sam Dekker of Wisconsin is #11. That is going to be a difficult game and a big one to win.

I actually think Dekker could be a first rounder if he left after this season. Obekpa at 12 has more to do with his absurd block #s I'd imagine. He did that as a frosh and people probably expect him to grow those #s and add offense. I expect his blocks to fall and I don't think his offense will grow enough this season to warrant ANY lottery or mid-first round expectations for 2014 or 2015. Offense or not, it is probably going to come down to his measurement. If he's 6'7 like Coach said, that will be tough to overcome. If he measures in at a true 6'9...he's in business.

Along with Obekpa's height, his weight will also be closely watched. Ben Wallace has admitted his true height is closer to 6'7'', but he was pretty thick. Obkekpa, if he comes in at 6'8'', and adds some weight could still be in business.

Obekpa is going to be one of the more unique prospects the league has seen in some time. I don't really think Wallace is the best comparison, though. Wallace was a beast physically and mentally. Strong, scary dude.

Shawn James is the more appropriate comparison. Somebody tell me why Obekpa would be a lottery pick if Shawn James couldn't even get drafted? James was listed between 6'9 and 6'10 and 225 pounds. He actually measured 6'7 3/4. He averaged 10.28 points 7.75 boards and 5.44 blocks as a freshman. He also hit never hit lower that 71% from the FT line, was more athletic, and actually hit three pointers (45% one year at 1.8 attempts per game). As a soph, he blocked 6.33 shots per game.

 

[Moose]

Sam Dekker of Wisconsin is #11. That is going to be a difficult game and a big one to win.

I actually think Dekker could be a first rounder if he left after this season. Obekpa at 12 has more to do with his absurd block #s I'd imagine. He did that as a frosh and people probably expect him to grow those #s and add offense. I expect his blocks to fall and I don't think his offense will grow enough this season to warrant ANY lottery or mid-first round expectations for 2014 or 2015. Offense or not, it is probably going to come down to his measurement. If he's 6'7 like Coach said, that will be tough to overcome. If he measures in at a true 6'9...he's in business.

Along with Obekpa's height, his weight will also be closely watched. Ben Wallace has admitted his true height is closer to 6'7'', but he was pretty thick. Obkekpa, if he comes in at 6'8'', and adds some weight could still be in business.

Obekpa is going to be one of the more unique prospects the league has seen in some time. I don't really think Wallace is the best comparison, though. Wallace was a beast physically and mentally. Strong, scary dude.

Shawn James is the more appropriate comparison. Somebody tell me why Obekpa would be a lottery pick if Shawn James couldn't even get drafted? James was listed between 6'9 and 6'10 and 225 pounds. He actually measured 6'7 3/4. He averaged 10.28 points 7.75 boards and 5.44 blocks as a freshman. He also hit never hit lower that 71% from the FT line, was more athletic, and actually hit three pointers (45% one year at 1.8 attempts per game). As a soph, he blocked 6.33 shots per game.

Wasn't he hurt when he was shot?

 

[Marillac]

Sam Dekker of Wisconsin is #11. That is going to be a difficult game and a big one to win.

I actually think Dekker could be a first rounder if he left after this season. Obekpa at 12 has more to do with his absurd block #s I'd imagine. He did that as a frosh and people probably expect him to grow those #s and add offense. I expect his blocks to fall and I don't think his offense will grow enough this season to warrant ANY lottery or mid-first round expectations for 2014 or 2015. Offense or not, it is probably going to come down to his measurement. If he's 6'7 like Coach said, that will be tough to overcome. If he measures in at a true 6'9...he's in business.

Along with Obekpa's height, his weight will also be closely watched. Ben Wallace has admitted his true height is closer to 6'7'', but he was pretty thick. Obkekpa, if he comes in at 6'8'', and adds some weight could still be in business.

Obekpa is going to be one of the more unique prospects the league has seen in some time. I don't really think Wallace is the best comparison, though. Wallace was a beast physically and mentally. Strong, scary dude.

Shawn James is the more appropriate comparison. Somebody tell me why Obekpa would be a lottery pick if Shawn James couldn't even get drafted? James was listed between 6'9 and 6'10 and 225 pounds. He actually measured 6'7 3/4. He averaged 10.28 points 7.75 boards and 5.44 blocks as a freshman. He also hit never hit lower that 71% from the FT line, was more athletic, and actually hit three pointers (45% one year at 1.8 attempts per game). As a soph, he blocked 6.33 shots per game.

Wasn't he hurt when he was shot?

He was shot in the foot apparently and released in a few hours. The shooting (5 basketball players shot according to the article) occurred before the 2006-2007 season which James was sitting out as a transfer. After sitting out that year, he came back and averaged his highest PPG, 4 blocks, 7 boards, and similar shooting %s in about 5 less minutes per game.

6.33 blocks per game...he was known as a very good rebounder...he was a very good athlete...a little bigger than Obekpa and he hit his FTs at just under 80% and shot almost 40% form three in his career. He didn't get a sniff. He was even listed taller than Obekpa on a lot of rosters.

 

[Moose]

Sam Dekker of Wisconsin is #11. That is going to be a difficult game and a big one to win.

I actually think Dekker could be a first rounder if he left after this season. Obekpa at 12 has more to do with his absurd block #s I'd imagine. He did that as a frosh and people probably expect him to grow those #s and add offense. I expect his blocks to fall and I don't think his offense will grow enough this season to warrant ANY lottery or mid-first round expectations for 2014 or 2015. Offense or not, it is probably going to come down to his measurement. If he's 6'7 like Coach said, that will be tough to overcome. If he measures in at a true 6'9...he's in business.

Along with Obekpa's height, his weight will also be closely watched. Ben Wallace has admitted his true height is closer to 6'7'', but he was pretty thick. Obkekpa, if he comes in at 6'8'', and adds some weight could still be in business.

Obekpa is going to be one of the more unique prospects the league has seen in some time. I don't really think Wallace is the best comparison, though. Wallace was a beast physically and mentally. Strong, scary dude.

Shawn James is the more appropriate comparison. Somebody tell me why Obekpa would be a lottery pick if Shawn James couldn't even get drafted? James was listed between 6'9 and 6'10 and 225 pounds. He actually measured 6'7 3/4. He averaged 10.28 points 7.75 boards and 5.44 blocks as a freshman. He also hit never hit lower that 71% from the FT line, was more athletic, and actually hit three pointers (45% one year at 1.8 attempts per game). As a soph, he blocked 6.33 shots per game.

Wasn't he hurt when he was shot?

He was shot in the foot apparently and released in a few hours. The shooting (5 basketball players shot according to the article) occurred before the 2006-2007 season which James was sitting out as a transfer. After sitting out that year, he came back and averaged his highest PPG, 4 blocks, 7 boards, and similar shooting %s in about 5 less minutes per game.

6.33 blocks per game...he was known as a very good rebounder...he was a very good athlete...a little bigger than Obekpa and he hit his FTs at just under 80% and shot almost 40% form three in his career. He didn't get a sniff. He was even listed taller than Obekpa on a lot of rosters.

Call up some teams and get him out of Israel. Maybe he will give you a cut

 

[Marillac]

Sam Dekker of Wisconsin is #11. That is going to be a difficult game and a big one to win.

I actually think Dekker could be a first rounder if he left after this season. Obekpa at 12 has more to do with his absurd block #s I'd imagine. He did that as a frosh and people probably expect him to grow those #s and add offense. I expect his blocks to fall and I don't think his offense will grow enough this season to warrant ANY lottery or mid-first round expectations for 2014 or 2015. Offense or not, it is probably going to come down to his measurement. If he's 6'7 like Coach said, that will be tough to overcome. If he measures in at a true 6'9...he's in business.

Along with Obekpa's height, his weight will also be closely watched. Ben Wallace has admitted his true height is closer to 6'7'', but he was pretty thick. Obkekpa, if he comes in at 6'8'', and adds some weight could still be in business.

Obekpa is going to be one of the more unique prospects the league has seen in some time. I don't really think Wallace is the best comparison, though. Wallace was a beast physically and mentally. Strong, scary dude.

Shawn James is the more appropriate comparison. Somebody tell me why Obekpa would be a lottery pick if Shawn James couldn't even get drafted? James was listed between 6'9 and 6'10 and 225 pounds. He actually measured 6'7 3/4. He averaged 10.28 points 7.75 boards and 5.44 blocks as a freshman. He also hit never hit lower that 71% from the FT line, was more athletic, and actually hit three pointers (45% one year at 1.8 attempts per game). As a soph, he blocked 6.33 shots per game.

Wasn't he hurt when he was shot?

He was shot in the foot apparently and released in a few hours. The shooting (5 basketball players shot according to the article) occurred before the 2006-2007 season which James was sitting out as a transfer. After sitting out that year, he came back and averaged his highest PPG, 4 blocks, 7 boards, and similar shooting %s in about 5 less minutes per game.

6.33 blocks per game...he was known as a very good rebounder...he was a very good athlete...a little bigger than Obekpa and he hit his FTs at just under 80% and shot almost 40% form three in his career. He didn't get a sniff. He was even listed taller than Obekpa on a lot of rosters.

Call up some teams and get him out of Israel. Maybe he will give you a cut

Hahaha. I honestly don't know the difference between the two. I didn't watch James play that much...I remember seeing some highlights when we were after him and Delroy. He's really the best comparison I could think of. 6.33 blocks per game is just ridiculous and the size is nearly identical to Obekpa. The unique thing about Obekpa is that he isn't a center at the next level...same with James. You just don't see shot-blocking like that from the PF spot often.

 

[Moose]

Sam Dekker of Wisconsin is #11. That is going to be a difficult game and a big one to win.

I actually think Dekker could be a first rounder if he left after this season. Obekpa at 12 has more to do with his absurd block #s I'd imagine. He did that as a frosh and people probably expect him to grow those #s and add offense. I expect his blocks to fall and I don't think his offense will grow enough this season to warrant ANY lottery or mid-first round expectations for 2014 or 2015. Offense or not, it is probably going to come down to his measurement. If he's 6'7 like Coach said, that will be tough to overcome. If he measures in at a true 6'9...he's in business.

Along with Obekpa's height, his weight will also be closely watched. Ben Wallace has admitted his true height is closer to 6'7'', but he was pretty thick. Obkekpa, if he comes in at 6'8'', and adds some weight could still be in business.

Obekpa is going to be one of the more unique prospects the league has seen in some time. I don't really think Wallace is the best comparison, though. Wallace was a beast physically and mentally. Strong, scary dude.

Shawn James is the more appropriate comparison. Somebody tell me why Obekpa would be a lottery pick if Shawn James couldn't even get drafted? James was listed between 6'9 and 6'10 and 225 pounds. He actually measured 6'7 3/4. He averaged 10.28 points 7.75 boards and 5.44 blocks as a freshman. He also hit never hit lower that 71% from the FT line, was more athletic, and actually hit three pointers (45% one year at 1.8 attempts per game). As a soph, he blocked 6.33 shots per game.

Wasn't he hurt when he was shot?

He was shot in the foot apparently and released in a few hours. The shooting (5 basketball players shot according to the article) occurred before the 2006-2007 season which James was sitting out as a transfer. After sitting out that year, he came back and averaged his highest PPG, 4 blocks, 7 boards, and similar shooting %s in about 5 less minutes per game.

6.33 blocks per game...he was known as a very good rebounder...he was a very good athlete...a little bigger than Obekpa and he hit his FTs at just under 80% and shot almost 40% form three in his career. He didn't get a sniff. He was even listed taller than Obekpa on a lot of rosters.

Call up some teams and get him out of Israel. Maybe he will give you a cut

Hahaha. I honestly don't know the difference between the two. I didn't watch James play that much...I remember seeing some highlights when we were after him and Delroy. He's really the best comparison I could think of. 6.33 blocks per game is just ridiculous and the size is nearly identical to Obekpa. The unique thing about Obekpa is that he isn't a center at the next level...same with James. You just don't see shot-blocking like that from the PF spot often.

I was ready to dismiss his Northeastern numbers and chalk it up to competition. But then you mentioned still very strong numbers blocking shots when he moved up in level to A10 level. Not much difference but still a difference to me. And yes his offensive numbers are light years better than Obekpa.

Interesting that his pro numbers overseas dropped a lot in terms of blocks

 

[rawdognyc]

Sam Dekker of Wisconsin is #11. That is going to be a difficult game and a big one to win.

I actually think Dekker could be a first rounder if he left after this season. Obekpa at 12 has more to do with his absurd block #s I'd imagine. He did that as a frosh and people probably expect him to grow those #s and add offense. I expect his blocks to fall and I don't think his offense will grow enough this season to warrant ANY lottery or mid-first round expectations for 2014 or 2015. Offense or not, it is probably going to come down to his measurement. If he's 6'7 like Coach said, that will be tough to overcome. If he measures in at a true 6'9...he's in business.

Along with Obekpa's height, his weight will also be closely watched. Ben Wallace has admitted his true height is closer to 6'7'', but he was pretty thick. Obkekpa, if he comes in at 6'8'', and adds some weight could still be in business.

Obekpa is going to be one of the more unique prospects the league has seen in some time. I don't really think Wallace is the best comparison, though. Wallace was a beast physically and mentally. Strong, scary dude.

Shawn James is the more appropriate comparison. Somebody tell me why Obekpa would be a lottery pick if Shawn James couldn't even get drafted? James was listed between 6'9 and 6'10 and 225 pounds. He actually measured 6'7 3/4. He averaged 10.28 points 7.75 boards and 5.44 blocks as a freshman. He also hit never hit lower that 71% from the FT line, was more athletic, and actually hit three pointers (45% one year at 1.8 attempts per game). As a soph, he blocked 6.33 shots per game.

Wasn't he hurt when he was shot?

He was shot in the foot apparently and released in a few hours. The shooting (5 basketball players shot according to the article) occurred before the 2006-2007 season which James was sitting out as a transfer. After sitting out that year, he came back and averaged his highest PPG, 4 blocks, 7 boards, and similar shooting %s in about 5 less minutes per game.

6.33 blocks per game...he was known as a very good rebounder...he was a very good athlete...a little bigger than Obekpa and he hit his FTs at just under 80% and shot almost 40% form three in his career. He didn't get a sniff. He was even listed taller than Obekpa on a lot of rosters.

Do you think the level of competition factored in to him not getting drafted? A10 (especially 6 years ago) is not the Big East. I think if CO was playing the likes of those caliber teams his block totals would be higher. Just look at his block totals when they were playing out of conference games against inferior conferences. He probably would've averaged double digits blocks for the year. All speculation of course but point is I think his ceiling is a lot higher than Shawn James ceiling was and scouts/talent evaluators see that.

 

[rawdognyc]

Sam Dekker of Wisconsin is #11. That is going to be a difficult game and a big one to win.

I actually think Dekker could be a first rounder if he left after this season. Obekpa at 12 has more to do with his absurd block #s I'd imagine. He did that as a frosh and people probably expect him to grow those #s and add offense. I expect his blocks to fall and I don't think his offense will grow enough this season to warrant ANY lottery or mid-first round expectations for 2014 or 2015. Offense or not, it is probably going to come down to his measurement. If he's 6'7 like Coach said, that will be tough to overcome. If he measures in at a true 6'9...he's in business.

Along with Obekpa's height, his weight will also be closely watched. Ben Wallace has admitted his true height is closer to 6'7'', but he was pretty thick. Obkekpa, if he comes in at 6'8'', and adds some weight could still be in business.

Obekpa is going to be one of the more unique prospects the league has seen in some time. I don't really think Wallace is the best comparison, though. Wallace was a beast physically and mentally. Strong, scary dude.

Shawn James is the more appropriate comparison. Somebody tell me why Obekpa would be a lottery pick if Shawn James couldn't even get drafted? James was listed between 6'9 and 6'10 and 225 pounds. He actually measured 6'7 3/4. He averaged 10.28 points 7.75 boards and 5.44 blocks as a freshman. He also hit never hit lower that 71% from the FT line, was more athletic, and actually hit three pointers (45% one year at 1.8 attempts per game). As a soph, he blocked 6.33 shots per game.

Wasn't he hurt when he was shot?

He was shot in the foot apparently and released in a few hours. The shooting (5 basketball players shot according to the article) occurred before the 2006-2007 season which James was sitting out as a transfer. After sitting out that year, he came back and averaged his highest PPG, 4 blocks, 7 boards, and similar shooting %s in about 5 less minutes per game.

6.33 blocks per game...he was known as a very good rebounder...he was a very good athlete...a little bigger than Obekpa and he hit his FTs at just under 80% and shot almost 40% form three in his career. He didn't get a sniff. He was even listed taller than Obekpa on a lot of rosters.

Call up some teams and get him out of Israel. Maybe he will give you a cut

Hahaha. I honestly don't know the difference between the two. I didn't watch James play that much...I remember seeing some highlights when we were after him and Delroy. He's really the best comparison I could think of. 6.33 blocks per game is just ridiculous and the size is nearly identical to Obekpa. The unique thing about Obekpa is that he isn't a center at the next level...same with James. You just don't see shot-blocking like that from the PF spot often.

I was ready to dismiss his Northeastern numbers and chalk it up to competition. But then you mentioned still very strong numbers blocking shots when he moved up in level to A10 level. Not much difference but still a difference to me. And yes his offensive numbers are light years better than Obekpa.

Interesting that his pro numbers overseas dropped a lot in terms of blocks

Better competition overseas. You put CO in the A10 6 years ago and he would've been averaging double digit blocks imo

 

[Marillac]

Sam Dekker of Wisconsin is #11. That is going to be a difficult game and a big one to win.

I actually think Dekker could be a first rounder if he left after this season. Obekpa at 12 has more to do with his absurd block #s I'd imagine. He did that as a frosh and people probably expect him to grow those #s and add offense. I expect his blocks to fall and I don't think his offense will grow enough this season to warrant ANY lottery or mid-first round expectations for 2014 or 2015. Offense or not, it is probably going to come down to his measurement. If he's 6'7 like Coach said, that will be tough to overcome. If he measures in at a true 6'9...he's in business.

Along with Obekpa's height, his weight will also be closely watched. Ben Wallace has admitted his true height is closer to 6'7'', but he was pretty thick. Obkekpa, if he comes in at 6'8'', and adds some weight could still be in business.

Obekpa is going to be one of the more unique prospects the league has seen in some time. I don't really think Wallace is the best comparison, though. Wallace was a beast physically and mentally. Strong, scary dude.

Shawn James is the more appropriate comparison. Somebody tell me why Obekpa would be a lottery pick if Shawn James couldn't even get drafted? James was listed between 6'9 and 6'10 and 225 pounds. He actually measured 6'7 3/4. He averaged 10.28 points 7.75 boards and 5.44 blocks as a freshman. He also hit never hit lower that 71% from the FT line, was more athletic, and actually hit three pointers (45% one year at 1.8 attempts per game). As a soph, he blocked 6.33 shots per game.

Wasn't he hurt when he was shot?

He was shot in the foot apparently and released in a few hours. The shooting (5 basketball players shot according to the article) occurred before the 2006-2007 season which James was sitting out as a transfer. After sitting out that year, he came back and averaged his highest PPG, 4 blocks, 7 boards, and similar shooting %s in about 5 less minutes per game.

6.33 blocks per game...he was known as a very good rebounder...he was a very good athlete...a little bigger than Obekpa and he hit his FTs at just under 80% and shot almost 40% form three in his career. He didn't get a sniff. He was even listed taller than Obekpa on a lot of rosters.

Call up some teams and get him out of Israel. Maybe he will give you a cut

Hahaha. I honestly don't know the difference between the two. I didn't watch James play that much...I remember seeing some highlights when we were after him and Delroy. He's really the best comparison I could think of. 6.33 blocks per game is just ridiculous and the size is nearly identical to Obekpa. The unique thing about Obekpa is that he isn't a center at the next level...same with James. You just don't see shot-blocking like that from the PF spot often.

I was ready to dismiss his Northeastern numbers and chalk it up to competition. But then you mentioned still very strong numbers blocking shots when he moved up in level to A10 level. Not much difference but still a difference to me. And yes his offensive numbers are light years better than Obekpa.

Interesting that his pro numbers overseas dropped a lot in terms of blocks

Better competition overseas. You put CO in the A10 6 years ago and he would've been averaging double digit blocks imo

I don't buy extra production argument for conferences like the MVC or the A-10...maybe for MAAC. The A-10 for James' senior season had three teams play in the tournament (St. Joes, Xavier, and Temple) and Xavier was a three seed that went to the Elite Eight. In 2004 St. Joe's was a Final Four team.

Derrick Rose averaged only 14 points and 4.7 assists that year in Conference USA. Jason Thompson, the 12th pick in the draft that year averaged only 2.7 blocks at 6'11 for Rider in the MAAC. If you are blocking 6.33 shots PER GAME, you are blocking damn near everything that comes near you. How much more can anyone block? I can't imagine Obekpa going in and doing that much better against that comp.

 

[rawdognyc]

Sam Dekker of Wisconsin is #11. That is going to be a difficult game and a big one to win.

I actually think Dekker could be a first rounder if he left after this season. Obekpa at 12 has more to do with his absurd block #s I'd imagine. He did that as a frosh and people probably expect him to grow those #s and add offense. I expect his blocks to fall and I don't think his offense will grow enough this season to warrant ANY lottery or mid-first round expectations for 2014 or 2015. Offense or not, it is probably going to come down to his measurement. If he's 6'7 like Coach said, that will be tough to overcome. If he measures in at a true 6'9...he's in business.

Along with Obekpa's height, his weight will also be closely watched. Ben Wallace has admitted his true height is closer to 6'7'', but he was pretty thick. Obkekpa, if he comes in at 6'8'', and adds some weight could still be in business.

Obekpa is going to be one of the more unique prospects the league has seen in some time. I don't really think Wallace is the best comparison, though. Wallace was a beast physically and mentally. Strong, scary dude.

Shawn James is the more appropriate comparison. Somebody tell me why Obekpa would be a lottery pick if Shawn James couldn't even get drafted? James was listed between 6'9 and 6'10 and 225 pounds. He actually measured 6'7 3/4. He averaged 10.28 points 7.75 boards and 5.44 blocks as a freshman. He also hit never hit lower that 71% from the FT line, was more athletic, and actually hit three pointers (45% one year at 1.8 attempts per game). As a soph, he blocked 6.33 shots per game.

Wasn't he hurt when he was shot?

He was shot in the foot apparently and released in a few hours. The shooting (5 basketball players shot according to the article) occurred before the 2006-2007 season which James was sitting out as a transfer. After sitting out that year, he came back and averaged his highest PPG, 4 blocks, 7 boards, and similar shooting %s in about 5 less minutes per game.

6.33 blocks per game...he was known as a very good rebounder...he was a very good athlete...a little bigger than Obekpa and he hit his FTs at just under 80% and shot almost 40% form three in his career. He didn't get a sniff. He was even listed taller than Obekpa on a lot of rosters.

Call up some teams and get him out of Israel. Maybe he will give you a cut

Hahaha. I honestly don't know the difference between the two. I didn't watch James play that much...I remember seeing some highlights when we were after him and Delroy. He's really the best comparison I could think of. 6.33 blocks per game is just ridiculous and the size is nearly identical to Obekpa. The unique thing about Obekpa is that he isn't a center at the next level...same with James. You just don't see shot-blocking like that from the PF spot often.

I was ready to dismiss his Northeastern numbers and chalk it up to competition. But then you mentioned still very strong numbers blocking shots when he moved up in level to A10 level. Not much difference but still a difference to me. And yes his offensive numbers are light years better than Obekpa.

Interesting that his pro numbers overseas dropped a lot in terms of blocks

Better competition overseas. You put CO in the A10 6 years ago and he would've been averaging double digit blocks imo

I don't buy extra production argument for conferences like the MVC or the A-10...maybe for MAAC. The A-10 for James' senior season had three teams play in the tournament (St. Joes, Xavier, and Temple) and Xavier was a three seed that went to the Elite Eight. In 2004 St. Joe's was a Final Four team.

Derrick Rose averaged only 14 points and 4.7 assists that year in Conference USA. Jason Thompson, the 12th pick in the draft that year averaged only 2.7 blocks at 6'11 for Rider in the MAAC. If you are blocking 6.33 shots PER GAME, you are blocking damn near everything that comes near you. How much more can anyone block? I can't imagine Obekpa going in and doing that much better against that comp.

Right, but he didn't average that in his year for the dukes. He was 24 years old in the A10 averaging 4 blocks per game that year. CO at 19 with only a few years of organized basketball under his belt averaged the same amount as a freshmen in one of the premier conferences. Shawn was/is a great player. CO has a higher ceiling.

 

[fuchsia]

I think of Dennis Rodman and Paul Silas as pros when I think about CO in the future. He's not there yet but his body control and strength that are evidenced in his shot blocking should show through in defense and rebounding as he gets more coaching and experience.