DraftExpress: Some of the guys I'm hearing could be on the USA U19 WC roster Marcus Smart Jabari Parker Rasheed Sulaimon Jahlil Okafor Tyus Jones... 2013-04-22 17:29:45
DraftExpress: From what I've seen Jahlil Okafor and Trey Lyles are the only guys that would be in the conversation in that class for me personally. 2013-04-17 12:54:26
DraftExpress: Great stuff from @312media at the Illinois State playoffs Top-rated big men Jahlil Okafor & Cliff Alexander face off http://t.co/WnggeXecNs 2013-03-08 18:36:27
DraftExpress: Jahlil Okafor looked good as expected. Impossible to find guys with that size length frame hands touch & footwork. Let alone at age 17. 2013-01-19 19:15:22
DraftExpress: Easy to see how a kid like Jahlil Okafor could get bored playing in this type of setting. He can pretty much score whenever he wants here. 2013-01-19 17:59:27
Strengths:
-6-10 in shoes with a 7-3 wingspan
-Massive frame. 272 pounds, but looks to be in good shape physically
-Huge, soft hands. Palms ball like a grapefruit
-Very comfortable operating with back to the basket
-Excellent footwork and a natural feel for posting up and taking what the defender gives him
-Great body control and an array of spin moves
-Establishes position inside with ease
-Catches everything that is thrown to him
-A magnet for drawing fouls
-Finishes with either hand
-Tremendous offensive rebounder. Terrific length. Gives multiple efforts on the glass. Catches anything in his area
-Very good basketball IQ for his age
-Seems very grounded and well spoken off the court
-Incredibly young. Won't turn 17 until December
Weaknesses:
-With his body type, conditioning could be an issue in the future
-Good, not incredible athlete. Must continue to work on becoming more explosive
-Needs to improve free throw shooting
-Didn't log a single assist in eight games at the FIBA U17 World Championship. Only recorded six assists in 19 EYBL games
-Relatively untested defensively. Can he handle other players his size?
Outlook: Extremely poised young big man with tremendous size, length and strength. Has no qualms about playing inside. Very difficult to contain with his physical tools, skill-level and basketball IQ. A bigger version of Jared Sullinger? Still only 16 years old.
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