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2017 NBA Draft: How Semi Ojeleye fits into Boston’s plans for the future

By Andrew Nostvick

Mar 17, 2017; Tulsa, OK, USA; Southern Methodist Mustangs forward Semi Ojeleye (33) reacts with guard Sterling Brown (3) during the first half against the USC Trojans in the first round of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at BOK Center. Mandatory Credit: Brett Rojo-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 17, 2017; Tulsa, OK, USA; Southern Methodist Mustangs forward Semi Ojeleye (33) reacts with guard Sterling Brown (3) during the first half against the USC Trojans in the first round of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at BOK Center. Mandatory Credit: Brett Rojo-USA TODAY Sports /
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AAC Player of the Year Semi Ojeleye was picked in second round by the Boston Celtics during the 2017 NBA Draft, but could be a major draft steal looking back.

It took awhile, but the AAC Player of the Year heard his name called in the NBA Draft, and he’ll certainly be going to a good team.

The Boston Celtics selected SMU forward Semi Ojeleye with the 37th overall pick.

The second rounders, including Ojeleye, flipped the script of freshman draftees from the first round this year. Unlike the other young prospects, Ojeleye just finished his junior season with SMU.

Ojeleye was one of two players from SMU selected on draft night.

Teammate Sterling Brown was drafted 46th by the Philadelphia 76ers, although his draft rights have reportedly been traded to Milwaukee.

That said, how in the world did Ojeleye fall to the second round? This could be one of the steals of the draft, and this is a pretty good pick.

If given the chance, Ojeleye can make a big impact on the Celtics next season. He’d likely come off the bench, but when he does, he would be an immediate scoring threat.

He might have played just one season at SMU, but Ojeleye made it a good and memorable one.

In 35 games this season, Ojeleye averaged 18.9 points (third in the AAC) and 6.8 rebounds per game. He finished second in the conference in field goal percentage (.488), effective field goal percentage (.574), and was also third in three-point field goal percentage (.424).

It’s frustrating to see Ojeleye drafted in the second round. Some projected a late in the first round pick.

That said, Ojeleye has come a long way from his short stint at Duke.

Next: NBA Draft Tracker and Analysis

Ojeleye did a lot for SMU this season. He was the right guy at the right time and I don’t think they win the conference this season without him. I don’t think they’d defeat Cincinnati two out of three times, like they did this season, without him. He will be welcomed in Boston as a very solid second round pick who should get some playing time as well.