Opening Weekend Recap of Top NBA Draft Prospects

1. Jahlil Okafor-C, Duke; Freshman. 22.5 ppg, 21-27 FGM-A, 4.5 rpg in two games

Mar 20, 2015; Charlotte, NC, USA; Duke Blue Devils center Jahlil Okafor (15) shoots the ball against Robert Morris Colonials forward Lionel Gomis (1) during the first half in the second round of the 2015 NCAA Tournament at Time Warner Cable Arena. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports

Though Kentucky’s Karl-Anthony Towns has made strides as of late, many have had Duke center Jahlil Okafor penciled in as the first overall pick in the 2015 Draft since before he even enrolled in college. Okafor delivered on the hype in the regular season, securing the ACC’s Player of the Year Honors and a potential National Player of the Year distinction to go along with it. The Blue Devils entered the tournament as a one seed looking to put 2014’s early exit behind them.

For a team whose postseason efforts had been derailed in year’s past for a reliance on its perimeter game and porous defense, Duke must be thrilled to have a go-to inside option in Okafor this season. Coach Mike Krzyzewski has made it a priority to have Okafor as the focal point of the offense and the 19-year-old has delivered. He has been the leading scorer in both of Duke’s convincing first weekend victories, posting 21 points against Robert Morris and 26 points against San Diego State.

What has impressed everyone most about Okafor is what has been especially on display thus far in the tournament. The freshman’s staggering array of post moves paired with a man’s body and a maturity level on the court make him almost un-guardable in one-on-one situations. His advanced ability to beat double teams, either with his ball-handling skills or kick-out passes, has led to countless open Duke baskets and a pair of no-sweat victories for a team with National Title expectations.

Those who have criticized Okafor at different times during the season have noted his deficiencies on the defensive end. While part of it may have to do with Coach K having to preserve his most important player on the court and prevent him from collecting unnecessary fouls, it’s not a secret that lateral defense is something that does not come as naturally to Okafor.

That has not been an issue for Duke in its first two games, but the second weekend could be a different story. The Blue Devils face Utah in the Sweet 16 and their own 7’0″ freshman, Jakob Poeltl, is coming off back-to-back double-digit scoring games in which he missed just one field goal between the two wins. Should Duke get past Utah, in all likelihood they will face Gonzaga with a spot in the Final Four on the line. The Bulldogs boast a potent offensive roster and one of the few players in the tournament able to match-up with Okafor physically. Przemek Karnowski comes in a 7’1″, 288 pounds and is a handful of a big man. Should Duke and Gonzaga meet in the Elite Eight, there’s no doubt this will be a battle to keep an eye on.

All things considering, all Okafor has done to this point in the tournament is solidify his status as the most likely first overall pick in the 2015 Draft. If a team prefers Karl-Anthony Towns, it will be much more because of the type of player he is rather than any sort of slip in Okafor’s production.