Freshman forward Onyeka Okongwu has officially declared for the 2020 NBA Draft. The USC Trojans’ big man is projected to be a highly sought after lottery pick. He is considered one of the best forwards in the draft. The “one and done” forward is not expected to return to the Trojans and will enter the NBA after just one year in college. He was also teammates with the Ball brothers at Chino Hills High School and was a big part of the team’s success.
To my family, coaches, teammates, fans, and everyone else whose been supporting me on my journey, thank you ? #21Forever #FightOn pic.twitter.com/OZndkVo3io
— Onyeka Okongwu (@BigO21_) March 25, 2020
Onyeka Okongwu was incredible in his lone year with the USC Trojans. He averaged 16.2 points, 8.6 rebounds, 2.7 blocks, and 1.2 steals per game. His rebounding and defense should translate immediately to the NBA. The big man’s ability to score is also a valuable tool and in college, he shot 61.6 percent from the field. He only took four shots from beyond the arc and hit one of them. His offensive game has more merit around the rim.
Onyeka Okongwu looked like a top-3 pick last night vs. Colorado.
21 points on 10-13. Post footwork, lefty touch, quick back-to-basket hips. Special mobility/coordination. Four steals, reacting with speed. Moved OO ahead of Wiseman on board after 1 NCAA game, haven’t looked back pic.twitter.com/WDZXyODRPg
— Jonathan Wasserman (@NBADraftWass) February 21, 2020
This era of basketball has trended toward more small ball and Okongwu could slide right into the center position in that type of lineup. He can also play power forward in a more traditional lineup, standing at 6’9″ with a 245-pound frame. His position as one of the top forwards wasn’t always a sure thing. The level of play he showed this year put him in that position.
