I might be higher on the Minnesota Golden Gophers sophomore under-the-radar center Daniel Oturu than most. But there is a high ceiling and a clear NBA role that accompanies the skill set that Oturu showed under head coach Richard Pitino during his time with the Golden Gophers.
The 6-foot-10 and 240 pound towering big man averaged 20.1 points per game, 11.3 rebounds, and 2.5 blocks, while shooting 56.3 percent from the field, 36.5 percent from beyond the arc, and 70.7 percent from the charity stripe. Oturu also did a good job getting to the line more often last season than his first in college, averaging around six free-throw attempts per game.
Yet another potential gem find that could go late in the first round of the 2020 NBA Draft is the Mississippi State Bulldogs sophomore 6-foot-10 forward Reggie Perry. The athletic Thomasville, GA, native improved nearly every faced of his game during his sophomore campaign with Mississippi State. His shooting percentages, rebounding numbers, and advanced numbers all showed significant strides.
The real challenge for Perry will be changing his game to a modified role up front at the next level. At least he showed he’s adaptable during his time in Starkville thus far.
For the second year in a row, an injury prone but ultra-talented Vanderbilt Commodores guard is getting hype as a potential first round pick in the NBA Draft. Last year, it was the former five-star recruit and point guard Darius Garland that was picked up by the Cleveland Cavaliers.
This time around, it will be the 6-foot-6 lengthy shooting guard Aaron Nesmith that could translate his ultra-efficient shot creation, defensive prowess, and facilitating to the NBA if he stays healthy.