NBA Draft 2018: 5 players that could exceed their draft expectations

1. Mo Bamba, Texas

Mo Bamba is considered a sleeper pick but only because he’s the second-best alternative to DeAndre Ayton. Given that aspect, he’s going to give whoever selects him a very bright future for seasons to come so long as things remain on the up and up.

The seven-footer has a 7-foot-9 wingspan and the athleticism, size and quickness of an elite big man in the making. He was named to the Big 12 All-Defensive first team and All-Conference second team in his lone season with the Longhorns in 2017-18.

Bamba averaged 12.9 points, 10.5 rebounds and 3.7 blocks per contest as a freshman with the Texas Longhorns in 2017-18. He shot 54.1 percent from the field and just 27.5 percent from 3-point range although his shot is still developing.

Next: Complete two-round NBA Mock Draft

One team he did refuse to work out for is the Memphis Grizzlies, so that’s one team that could possibly have to pass on him if given the opportunity. Bamba could be selected just outside of the Top 5 but whoever selects him should consider themselves lucky to have him.