2019 NBA Draft: Ja Morant headlines top 9 mid-major prospects
By Brian Rauf
9) Mike Daum, PF/C, South Dakota State
Daum is a name college basketball fans have known for years.
The 6-9 big man averaged over 15 points per game off the bench as a freshman for the Jackrabbits and has averaged well over 20 points per game every year since. He’s also a double-double machine, averaging double-digit rebounds each of the last two years.
That is the biggest case for Daum as an NBA player – his sheer level of production. He scores at an extremely high and efficient clip. And, despite playing at South Dakota State, his production hasn’t dipped when facing high-major competition in non-conference play or in the NCAA Tournament.
However, he’s not a lock to be drafted. Why is that? Despite having a very reliable three-point shot, Daum is small for an NBA big man (6-9) and is not a good athlete. He has worked hard to get in shape and improve his quickness, but scouts still have their doubts.
If Daum gets drafted, it will be at the end of the second round with a team gambling that his production will be able to translate at least a bit.