Obekpa 2015/16

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SJU91_03

New member
I know this may not be the concensus, but who else feels that we have a very strong chance of returning C.O. for his senior year ?

This is a very deep draft, and with his slow but sure offensive improvement, he can really improve his draft stock.

Also, what do we know about his relationship with Diallo? Same High School...Cultural similarities..etc...is he helping recruit him?

An Obekpa/Diallo front court -even for 1 year- could be special .
 
Right now he's projected as the 48th pick by NBA draft express. IMO if his stock continues to rise, and we'll need it to if we are going to make any noise this year, then he's gone.
 
I know this may not be the concensus, but who else feels that we have a very strong chance of returning C.O. for his senior year ?

This is a very deep draft, and with his slow but sure offensive improvement, he can really improve his draft stock.

Also, what do we know about his relationship with Diallo? Same High School...Cultural similarities..etc...is he helping recruit him?

An Obekpa/Diallo front court -even for 1 year- could be special .
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Diallo is actually very good friends with Felix... although him and CO are friends too, just not as tight. ..It's all going to come down to who we have as the PG for next year. I feel we are still in the running because of our OSNA ties. If it were simply about his tightness with either CO or FB he probably would have committed to us. .. it comes down to what handlers believe the best situation is for him. Top of the line point will land Diallo. Hopefully it's either one we bring in or Sheed steps up his game and stays next year... we'll see
 
Interesting perspective.
Using what you're saying, let me turn the question around ...Does Diallo coming influence Obekpa staying?

Furthermore, I believe Jordan is not here next year, even if he doesn't declare for the draft.

If I were Lavin, I go get the absolute best JUCO PG you can find, and convince Obekpa and Diallo that between the PG and Sampson, you can not only make a run, but showcase those two as the premiere Big East front court duo next year. If Diallo is as good as the experts are saying, they probably get drafted together.
 
As for big men, anyone know what ADR was rated as a H.S. senior?
 
As for big men, anyone know what ADR was rated as a H.S. senior?
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3 star, #314 in his class per 247
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Can anyone tell me how this 247 site works. Everytime I go there I can't figure out how the heck to get a list of kids considering SJU. Only those who have committed. It's one of the poorest sites I've ever come across.
 
IMHO we would need to recruit a PG to lure Diallo as I don/t think Sheed would do as he really hasn't been playing point and his track record is far to unreliable to be counted on. Besides you need 2 point guards on a team.
 
As for big men, anyone know what ADR was rated as a H.S. senior?
Click to expand...

3 star, #314 in his class per 247
Click to expand...

That is a pretty crappy ranking of him. He's a top 150 player without a doubt--with top 50 potential that I don't think will be fully realized.

As for Obekpa, he is the #1 priority...Jordan a distant second and any other recruits beyond Sampson after that. This is a very deep and talnted draft class for bigs and international players. Obekpa has likely risen as high has he can based on his potential and shot-blocking stats, and can only fall from this point due to his raw offensive game.

There shouldn't be a rush for him. He has a former NBA big man working with him daily. I think he returns. As I've said all along, it comes down to his measurement. If he's 6'7 3/4, he's got an uphill battle...if he's a true 6'9...he'll get a chance in the league.
 
As for big men, anyone know what ADR was rated as a H.S. senior?
Click to expand...

3 star, #314 in his class per 247
Click to expand...

That is a pretty crappy ranking of him. He's a top 150 player without a doubt--with top 50 potential that I don't think will be fully realized.

As for Obekpa, he is the #1 priority...Jordan a distant second and any other recruits beyond Sampson after that. This is a very deep and talnted draft class for bigs and international players. Obekpa has likely risen as high has he can based on his potential and shot-blocking stats, and can only fall from this point due to his raw offensive game.

There shouldn't be a rush for him. He has a former NBA big man working with him daily. I think he returns. As I've said all along, it comes down to his measurement. If he's 6'7 3/4, he's got an uphill battle...if he's a true 6'9...he'll get a chance in the league.
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Good analysis. I've always felt Obekpa is not as tall as listed, but has a great wingspan, and quick springs. At a shade under 6'8" cannot be reasonably projected as an NBA skyjacker with zero NBA offensive skills. Wingspan could make him equivalent of 6'10 He is showing signs of being an offensive player against good D1 talent. I am starting to believe that with one more season could improve dramtically on current numbers (7.7 ppg, and 8.1 rebounds). If he can get to 12 ppg and 10+ rebounds, could move into mid-late first after senior year. Has shown signs of a mid range jumper, baby hook, and ability to put ball on floor around hoop - all a radical improvement over 2 years ago.
 
If Obekpa is 6'7", then Kobe is 6'3". It's all relative.
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It is typically what you measure in shoes with a round up to the nearest inch, but most players exaggerate their heights--and for good reason ($$$). That is what makes official measurements so important at the combine. Chris was only measured at 6'8.5 WITH shoes at the 2013 big man skills acadmey, although he did measure an excellent 7'4.5 wing span (his greatest asset for NBA).

At 6'8.5 WITH shoes, it will be really hard for him to stay with NBA centers given his below average strength and average to slightly above average athletic ability. For example, the #27 overall pick in 2013, Rudy Gorbert, measured in at 7'2 WITH shoes and a 7'8.5 wing span. Surrendering 5.5 inches to a guy like that is too much to overcome for a player like CO.

I've been posting for a few years about the size i and international talent shaping up to be in this year's draft...terrible year for him to come out. Here are some of the guys coming out and their measured heights/wingspans:

Projected Top 20 picks:
Jahlil Okafor 6'9.5 without shoes (7'6 wingspan)
Carl Towns 6'10.25 without shoes (7'3 wingspan)
Kristaps Porzingis 6'11 without shoes (7'4 wingspan)
Willie Cauley-Stein 6'11.25 without shoes (7'2.5 wingspan)
Robert Upshaw 7'0 WITH shoes (7'4 wingspan)
Kevon Loony 6'9.5 WITH shoes (7'3 wingspan)
Montrezl Harrell 6'6.5 WITH shoes (7'3 wingspan)
Christian Wood 6'10 WITH shoes (7'2 wingspan)
Cliff Alexander 6'9 WITH shoes (7'3.5 wingspan)
Myles Turner 6'10 without shoes (7'4 wingspan)
Frank Kaminsky not officially measured but looks to be 6'10 without shoes and 7'1wingspan

The next tier of bigs
Dakari Johnson 7'0.25 WITH shoes (7'0.25 wingspan)
Kennedy Meeks 6'9.5 297 pounds WITH shoes (7'0 wingspan)
Guillermo Hernangomez 6'11 WITH shoes (7'1.5 wingspan)
Chris Obepka 6'8.5 WITH shoes (7'4.5 wingspan)
Mo Jaiteh - 6'11 WITH shoes (7'4 wingspan)
AJ Hammons - 7'0 WITH shoes (7'3 wingspan)
Sean Long 6'10 WITH shoes (7'0 wingspan)


SFs and Combo Forwards:

Rondae Hollis-Jefferson 6'7 WITH shoes (71" wingspan)
Bobby Portis 6'10.5 WITH shoes (7'1.5 wingspan)
Chris McCullough 6'9 WITH shoes (7'3 wingspan)
Justin Anderson 6'6 WITH shoes (6'11 wingspan)
Chris Walker 6'9 WITH shoes (7'1.5 wingspan)
Jake Layman 6'9 listed SF no official height or wingspan
Brice Johnson 6'9.5 WITH shoes (6'11 wingspan)
Jarell Martin 6'7.5 WITH shoes (6'10 wingspan)
Sam Dekker 6'9 WITH shoes (6'10 wingspan)
 
As for big men, anyone know what ADR was rated as a H.S. senior?
Click to expand...

3 star, #314 in his class per 247
Click to expand...

That is a pretty crappy ranking of him. He's a top 150 player without a doubt--with top 50 potential that I don't think will be fully realized.

As for Obekpa, he is the #1 priority...Jordan a distant second and any other recruits beyond Sampson after that. This is a very deep and talnted draft class for bigs and international players. Obekpa has likely risen as high has he can based on his potential and shot-blocking stats, and can only fall from this point due to his raw offensive game.

There shouldn't be a rush for him. He has a former NBA big man working with him daily. I think he returns. As I've said all along, it comes down to his measurement. If he's 6'7 3/4, he's got an uphill battle...if he's a true 6'9...he'll get a chance in the league.
Click to expand...

Marillac did you watch ADR play in High School? I know rankings are a somewhat subjective thing, and I haven't seen many of the other 313 kids in front of him, but based on what I did see that ranking is pretty close to spot on. One thing I can tell is that he was nowhere near a top 150 kid coming out of CTK.
 
If Obekpa is 6'7", then Kobe is 6'3". It's all relative.
Click to expand...

It is typically what you measure in shoes with a round up to the nearest inch, but most players exaggerate their heights--and for good reason ($$$). That is what makes official measurements so important at the combine. Chris was only measured at 6'8.5 WITH shoes at the 2013 big man skills acadmey, although he did measure an excellent 7'4.5 wing span (his greatest asset for NBA).

At 6'8.5 WITH shoes, it will be really hard for him to stay with NBA centers given his below average strength and average to slightly above average athletic ability. For example, the #27 overall pick in 2013, Rudy Gorbert, measured in at 7'2 WITH shoes and a 7'8.5 wing span. Surrendering 5.5 inches to a guy like that is too much to overcome for a player like CO.

I've been posting for a few years about the size i and international talent shaping up to be in this year's draft...terrible year for him to come out. Here are some of the guys coming out and their measured heights/wingspans:

Projected Top 20 picks:
Jahlil Okafor 6'9.5 without shoes (7'6 wingspan)
Carl Towns 6'10.25 without shoes (7'3 wingspan)
Kristaps Porzingis 6'11 without shoes (7'4 wingspan)
Willie Cauley-Stein 6'11.25 without shoes (7'2.5 wingspan)
Robert Upshaw 7'0 WITH shoes (7'4 wingspan)
Kevon Loony 6'9.5 WITH shoes (7'3 wingspan)
Montrezl Harrell 6'6.5 WITH shoes (7'3 wingspan)
Christian Wood 6'10 WITH shoes (7'2 wingspan)
Cliff Alexander 6'9 WITH shoes (7'3.5 wingspan)
Myles Turner 6'10 without shoes (7'4 wingspan)
Frank Kaminsky not officially measured but looks to be 6'10 without shoes and 7'1wingspan

The next tier of bigs
Dakari Johnson 7'0.25 WITH shoes (7'0.25 wingspan)
Kennedy Meeks 6'9.5 297 pounds WITH shoes (7'0 wingspan)
Guillermo Hernangomez 6'11 WITH shoes (7'1.5 wingspan)
Chris Obepka 6'8.5 WITH shoes (7'4.5 wingspan)
Mo Jaiteh - 6'11 WITH shoes (7'4 wingspan)
AJ Hammons - 7'0 WITH shoes (7'3 wingspan)
Sean Long 6'10 WITH shoes (7'0 wingspan)


SFs and Combo Forwards:

Rondae Hollis-Jefferson 6'7 WITH shoes (71" wingspan)
Bobby Portis 6'10.5 WITH shoes (7'1.5 wingspan)
Chris McCullough 6'9 WITH shoes (7'3 wingspan)
Justin Anderson 6'6 WITH shoes (6'11 wingspan)
Chris Walker 6'9 WITH shoes (7'1.5 wingspan)
Jake Layman 6'9 listed SF no official height or wingspan
Brice Johnson 6'9.5 WITH shoes (6'11 wingspan)
Jarell Martin 6'7.5 WITH shoes (6'10 wingspan)
Sam Dekker 6'9 WITH shoes (6'10 wingspan)
Click to expand...

Agree with you. CO has looked overmatched against some of the bigs(Waldow, etc) he's gone against in college, let alone who he'll see on a nightly basis in the pros. .
 
As for big men, anyone know what ADR was rated as a H.S. senior?
Click to expand...

3 star, #314 in his class per 247
Click to expand...

That is a pretty crappy ranking of him. He's a top 150 player without a doubt--with top 50 potential that I don't think will be fully realized.

As for Obekpa, he is the #1 priority...Jordan a distant second and any other recruits beyond Sampson after that. This is a very deep and talnted draft class for bigs and international players. Obekpa has likely risen as high has he can based on his potential and shot-blocking stats, and can only fall from this point due to his raw offensive game.

There shouldn't be a rush for him. He has a former NBA big man working with him daily. I think he returns. As I've said all along, it comes down to his measurement. If he's 6'7 3/4, he's got an uphill battle...if he's a true 6'9...he'll get a chance in the league.
Click to expand...

Marillac did you watch ADR play in High School? I know rankings are a somewhat subjective thing, and I haven't seen many of the other 313 kids in front of him, but based on what I did see that ranking is pretty close to spot on. One thing I can tell is that he was nowhere near a top 150 kid coming out of CTK.
Click to expand...

I followed him pretty closely. You just can't teach that size and he is very skilled with soft hands and very good fundamentals. Obviously not an above average athlete, but every year there are 5-10 bigs ranked ahead of guys like ADR based on potential that will never be able to do something like a baby hook that comes easily to player like ADR.

If CO had his skill...fahgetabouit.

The two best comparisons to Obekpa for pro potential are Deng Gai and Shawn James. Gai played two games in the NBA and James didn't play any. Both appeared on mock drafts for a few seasons.

Deng Gai -6'9.25 with shoes - 7'4.5 wingspans
Shawn James -6'9.0 with shoes -7'5 wingspan
Chris Obekpa -6'8.5 with shoes -7'4.5 wingspan

Here is a scouting report on James that sounds very familar:
"For James it’s not so much the incredible shot-blocking numbers he puts up, but the way he does it in a completely different style than anyone else among the other top shot-blockers in the country that makes it so remarkable. James blocks shots with his mind just as much as he does with his arms. He anticipates and times his jump beautifully, getting high in the air with his pterodactyl-like arms outstretched, tapping the ball to himself or a teammate to almost always keeping the ball in-bounds, and just intimidating and rejecting shot attempts from angles that most players have never had their shot blocked before thanks to his incredible reach."

From DraftExpress.comhttp://www.draftexpress.com#ixzz3Ohgf8fLN
http://www.draftexpress.com

Deng Gai averaged 12.7 points, 7 boards, and 4.4 blocks per game over his four year career, leading the nation with 5.5 blocks as a senior. He declared for the NBA draft after his junior year and was invited to the pre-draft camp, but withdrew his name shortly after.

Both guys were much better offensively than CO.
 
As for big men, anyone know what ADR was rated as a H.S. senior?
Click to expand...

3 star, #314 in his class per 247
Click to expand...

That is a pretty crappy ranking of him. He's a top 150 player without a doubt--with top 50 potential that I don't think will be fully realized.

As for Obekpa, he is the #1 priority...Jordan a distant second and any other recruits beyond Sampson after that. This is a very deep and talnted draft class for bigs and international players. Obekpa has likely risen as high has he can based on his potential and shot-blocking stats, and can only fall from this point due to his raw offensive game.

There shouldn't be a rush for him. He has a former NBA big man working with him daily. I think he returns. As I've said all along, it comes down to his measurement. If he's 6'7 3/4, he's got an uphill battle...if he's a true 6'9...he'll get a chance in the league.
Click to expand...

Marillac did you watch ADR play in High School? I know rankings are a somewhat subjective thing, and I haven't seen many of the other 313 kids in front of him, but based on what I did see that ranking is pretty close to spot on. One thing I can tell is that he was nowhere near a top 150 kid coming out of CTK.
Click to expand...

I followed him pretty closely. You just can't teach that size and he is very skilled with soft hands and very good fundamentals. Obviously not an above average athlete, but every year there are 5-10 bigs ranked ahead of guys like ADR based on potential that will never be able to do something like a baby hook that comes easily to player like ADR.

If CO had his skill...fahgetabouit.

The two best comparisons to Obekpa for pro potential are Deng Gai and Shawn James. Gai played two games in the NBA and James didn't play any. Both appeared on mock drafts for a few seasons.

Deng Gai -6'9.25 with shoes - 7'4.5 wingspans
Shawn James -6'9.0 with shoes -7'5 wingspan
Chris Obekpa -6'8.5 with shoes -7'4.5 wingspan

Here is a scouting report on James that sounds very familar:
"For James it’s not so much the incredible shot-blocking numbers he puts up, but the way he does it in a completely different style than anyone else among the other top shot-blockers in the country that makes it so remarkable. James blocks shots with his mind just as much as he does with his arms. He anticipates and times his jump beautifully, getting high in the air with his pterodactyl-like arms outstretched, tapping the ball to himself or a teammate to almost always keeping the ball in-bounds, and just intimidating and rejecting shot attempts from angles that most players have never had their shot blocked before thanks to his incredible reach."

From DraftExpress.comhttp://www.draftexpress.com#ixzz3Ohgf8fLN
http://www.draftexpress.com

Deng Gai averaged 12.7 points, 7 boards, and 4.4 blocks per game over his four year career, leading the nation with 5.5 blocks as a senior. He declared for the NBA draft after his junior year and was invited to the pre-draft camp, but withdrew his name shortly after.

Both guys were much better offensively than CO.
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Big difference between "following him pretty closely" and actually seeing him play ..... as I did multiple time ;) Now I don't claim to be some sort of a scout, but what seeing him tells you a lot of things that statistics and videos don't. For instance, every guy that I saw him play against last year he had a good 6" on, and still he not dominate. And his conditioning, which is taken in to account when ranking a kid, was nowhere near Big East level. Furthermore it was not going to get to Big East level with one summer of hard work as many on here projected. Likewise seeing Shamorie play on Sunday told be that the kid is not a PG, as advertised, but a 2G. And a 6' 2G at that. Now maybe he develops in to a PG, but he isnt one as of yet. McKennon, a damn good ballplayer, is the PG on that team. The High School ranks are littered with high scoring 6' 2Gs, not to many at the high D1 level.
 
As for big men, anyone know what ADR was rated as a H.S. senior?
Click to expand...

3 star, #314 in his class per 247
Click to expand...

That is a pretty crappy ranking of him. He's a top 150 player without a doubt--with top 50 potential that I don't think will be fully realized.
.
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Why do you do this to yourself? Why do you keep giving these guys these expectations when you have no idea how well he will play at a college level? Top 50 potential? Why continually set yourself up for disappointment by saying these guys are much better than they actually are.

I hope ADR is a really good player for us, but I would temper my expectations to keep from dissapointment.
 
As for big men, anyone know what ADR was rated as a H.S. senior?
Click to expand...

3 star, #314 in his class per 247
Click to expand...

That is a pretty crappy ranking of him. He's a top 150 player without a doubt--with top 50 potential that I don't think will be fully realized.

As for Obekpa, he is the #1 priority...Jordan a distant second and any other recruits beyond Sampson after that. This is a very deep and talnted draft class for bigs and international players. Obekpa has likely risen as high has he can based on his potential and shot-blocking stats, and can only fall from this point due to his raw offensive game.

There shouldn't be a rush for him. He has a former NBA big man working with him daily. I think he returns. As I've said all along, it comes down to his measurement. If he's 6'7 3/4, he's got an uphill battle...if he's a true 6'9...he'll get a chance in the league.
Click to expand...

Marillac did you watch ADR play in High School? I know rankings are a somewhat subjective thing, and I haven't seen many of the other 313 kids in front of him, but based on what I did see that ranking is pretty close to spot on. One thing I can tell is that he was nowhere near a top 150 kid coming out of CTK.
Click to expand...

Agree Monte, unlike some site "experts", I have seen him many times in HS. No way was he near a top 150 kid. He has the potential to be a functional BE player if he commits himself to hard work and getting into decent shape. Stainbrook at Xavier did that and is now a solid college player. Will Adonis pay the price? It would be a shame if he wastes his opportunity, but thus far I don't know.
 
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