In two days, UCLA Basketball could have three former players selected in the first round of the 2017 NBA Draft. Here’s a draft profile of one of those players: Ike Anigbogu.
Lonzo Ball has monopolized the airwaves but there is more than one former UCLA Basketball player with a bright NBA future. Ike Anigbogu also expects to be called in the first round despite only averaging 13 minutes per game with UCLA.
Anigbogu is intriguing because of his combination of length, athleticism, agility and defensive ability. He boasts a standing reach of 9’2.5″ and a 7’6.25″ wingspan which helped him average 4.0 blocks per 40 minutes.
NBA draft experts have taken notice with mock drafts picking him to go either earlier than the 23rd pick or be selected at number 25.
Keep an eye out for UCLA's Ike Anigbogu. Very green, but one of the most physically gifted prospects in the draft. Won't last past Nets (22)
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) June 11, 2017
What do NBA teams see in him?
Vital Stats
| Height | Weight | Age | Hometown |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6’10” | 252 | 18 | San Diego, CA |
Strengths
At 6’10” with a standing reach just over nine feet, Ike Anigbogu already has an NBA body. He couples that with a strong base and at 252 pounds, and can bang with most big men in the paint.
In college, he brought a lot of energy, running the floor very well on offense and contesting shots on defense. Plus, his length and large hands make him a great candidate to be on the business end of lob passes. He is a good offensive rebounder and reads the ball well off the rim.
Additionally, Ike Anigbogu is an impact player on the defensive end. He is a rim protector and really shines as a weak side defender. With his strength and lower body, he holds his own as a post defender but is also quick enough to challenge shots on the perimeter. Finally, Anigbogu is a capable pick and roll defender. He is athletic enough to hedge, switch or sag into the paint and recover.
Season Stats (per game)
| Points | Assists | Rebounds | FG% | Blocks | FT% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4.7 | 0.2 | 4.0 | 56.4 | 1.2 | 53.5 |
Weaknesses
Ike Anigbogu’s offensive skills are underdeveloped. He has an inconsistent midrange jumper and limited post moves. He has a hook shot going over his right shoulder but needs a reliable turnaround jumper.
At times, his enthusiasm got him out of position and he ended up in foul trouble which limited his effectiveness and time on the court. He does not pass well out of the post and struggled against double teams. He lacks touch around the rim when matched up with bigger players. Improving his free throw shooting should be a priority.
Final Analysis
Anigbogu has all the tools necessary to thrive in the modern NBA. He will contribute on defense immediately but is still raw on offense. However, the good news is that he plays with energy, works hard and is coachable. He doesn’t need to have plays called for him to be effective and fits teams with an uptempo attack.