NBA Draft 2019: Analyzing under the radar mid-major basketball selections
By Zac Voynow
Miye Oni, Yale
Oni was drafted 58th overall by the Utah Jazz, and was the last mid-major player taken in the 2019 NBA draft.
Miye Oni is a project piece, but his athleticism and already polished skills show that he could land an NBA contract a little ways down the road. Oni’s biggest strength is his frame. He’s 6’6″, 206-lbs, with great leaping ability and body control. Oni has long arms, and great vertical leaping ability. He changes gears quickly and effectively, which makes him fantastic at slashing towards the rim. Oni’s biggest issue is his jump shooting. He lacks consistent form, especially when shooting off the dribble. It’s fairly mechanically and robotic, but with work he can turn that into a more fluid motion.
He averaged 17.1 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 3.6 assists last season at Yale, which earned him the Ivy League Player of the Year award. Despite his impressive numbers, Oni isn’t NBA ready. He lacks the natural instincts that are needed to excel on the defensive end of the floor in the NBA, and he lacks a consistent jumper that he will need to develop if he wants to make it in the league.
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Oni was drafted due to his size and potential, but he has some work to do if he wants to ink and NBA contract.