NBA Draft: 5 biggest questions for rest of 2019-20 college hoops season
2. Which player has seen their stock rise the most?
Marks
Whether it’s because he was slept on (yes) or because there’s a lack of top-shelf center depth in the 2020 draft class (also yes), USC’s Onyeka Okongwu has exploded onto the college scene and has watched his draft stock skyrocket. At 6-foot-9 with a sturdy base, quick leaping ability, awesome defensive instincts (2.6 STL% and 12.0 BLK%), workable shooting mechanics and otherworldly production (14.0 BPM), Okongwu offers traits that fit the mold of a modern center that can impact winning at the next level. After entering the season as a fringe first-rounder according to mainstream sites, he’s quickly risen into lottery territory — with room to jump into the top-10 (or higher) if he keeps up the historic production.
Simberg
I wanted to get creative here and say Terrance Shannon Jr., but he might not enter the draft this year so I’ll play it safe and say Auburn’s Isaac Okoro. The Tigers’ surprising undefeated start has been spearheaded by the two-way play of Okoro. The Georgia native was a four-star prospect entering college but he has been uber effective as a powerful wing. He’s shown the ability to guard multiple positions and strong finishing ability around the rim. Okoro will need to improve on his sub 25 percent mark from deep but projects as a late lottery pick right now.
Priest
The obvious answer to go with here is Dayton’s Obi Toppin, but I’m going to give the honor to USC big man Onyeka Okungwu. The freshman has been one of the best defensive players in the country this season, averaging over a steal and three blocks per game. Add on top of that the fact that he has three games with over five blocks and is averaging 18 points and 9 boards and Okungwu has definitely been a premier big in the country. With James Wiseman stepping away from college basketball completely, Okungwu can try ti build his case for the best big man of the class. He should be a premier defender at the next level pretty quickly.
Rauf
Obi Toppin, easily. Went from a second round-to-undrafted guy all the way to a consensus top 10 pick. Some of that has to do with how weak this class is overall, but his improvement from last year to this year as also been tremendous. If Dayton wins a few games in the NCAA Tournament, there’s a great chance he’ll be the first non-freshman taken.