Stanford Basketball: 2019 NBA draft profile of Cardinal forward KZ Okpala

CHAPEL HILL, NORTH CAROLINA - NOVEMBER 12: KZ Okpala #0 of the Stanford Cardinal dunks against the North Carolina Tar Heels during the first half of their game at the Dean Smith Center on November 12, 2018 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images) /

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LAWRENCE, KANSAS – DECEMBER 01: Marcus Garrett #0 of the Kansas Jayhawks shoots as KZ Okpala #0 of the Stanford Cardinal defends during the game at Allen Fieldhouse on December 01, 2018 in Lawrence, Kansas. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images) /

Strengths of Okpala

For Okpala, his biggest asset is the athleticism he has at his size. At 6-9, he is explosive and can be very tough to defend in the open floor, and excels in the transition game both with and without the ball in his hands. When in the half court, he is very good at knowing how to get open and moving off screens to find open space, as well as being able to post up smaller defenders in the paint.

He has shown the desire to improve his game, having improved his shooting from 39% as a freshman to 46% this past season, including 36.8% from beyond the arc. He is extremely comfortable with the ball in his hands, he can drive past defenders and being a solid passer can drive and dish or finish strong at the rim. He can also pull up and knock down shots if defenders play off of him, respecting his ability to drive.

As a defender, Okpala is versatile with the ability to guard either forward position and even some shooting guards. His elite athleticism and versatile offensive game make Okpala an intriguing prospect that has a game that fits the NBA game in 2019.

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