Gonzaga Basketball: 2019 NBA Draft breakdown of each player

By Andy Patton | Jun 18, 2019

ANAHEIM, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 28: Brandon Clarke #15 of the Gonzaga Bulldogs and Rui Hachimura #21 of the Gonzaga Bulldogs celebrate a play against the Florida State Seminoles during the 2019 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament West Regional at Honda Center on March 28, 2019 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /

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ANAHEIM, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 30: Brandon Clarke #15 of the Gonzaga Bulldogs dunks the ball against the Texas Tech Red Raiders during the second half of the 2019 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament West Regional at Honda Center on March 30, 2019 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /

Brandon Clarke, Power Forward/Center

Speaking of polarizing figures in college basketball, freak athlete Brandon Clarke is perhaps second only to Rui in dividing fans and draft analysts.

Clarke was a shot-blocking machine last season, racking up 117 blocks to lead the entire NCAA last season. He has a relentless motor and insane jumping ability, which helps mitigate his 6’8 frame.

Clarke is without a doubt the most NBA ready defensive player in the entire draft, and he will have an instant impact on the glass and as a shot-blocker in the league.

Most believe that is the extent of what he will do at the next level, but Clarke didn’t just lead the NCAA in defensive rating, but offensive rating as well – the first player to do so since Anthony Davis. In fact, Clarke’s PER of 37.2 would have been the highest mark in the last 10 years were it not for Duke’s Zion Williamson. That’s how good he was last year.

Clarke’s offense probably won’t translate as well as his defense at the next level, but he has the athleticism to thrive on putback dunks and in transition, at least while he adjusts to the speed of the NBA game. His lack of outside shooting is his biggest deterrent at the moment, and definitely limits him on the offensive side of the ball.

Some scouts worry about his limited size. Standing 6’8 and with a short reach, many believe his defense won’t translate well against bigger bodied players in the NBA – which coupled with his limited offensive versatility could make him a bust.

I see a player with enough athleticism and instincts on defense to thrive at the very least as a defensive minded backup post player – but who could easily become a true rim protector with some seasoning.