Regional Final Weekend Recap of Top NBA Draft Prospects

1. Jahlil Okafor-C, Duke; Freshman.  7.5 ppg, 7-16 FGM-A, 8.0 rpg, 1.5 bpg in 2 games

Mar 29, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Duke Blue Devils guard Quinn Cook (2) and center Jahlil Okafor (15) react during the second half in the finals of the south regional of the 2015 NCAA Tournament at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

If there was going to be a two-game stretch that consensus top NBA Draft prospect Jahlil Okafor was going to struggle, this past weekend’s double-dip of Utah and Gonzaga was a pretty easy call to serve as such. Both of the Blue Devils’ opponents had plenty of size and length to throw at the big man and, despite some impressive flashes of talent, Okafor had to take a back seat as his team advanced to the Final Four.

The regional semi-final and final were the first pair of back-to-back games Okafor failed to reach double-figures and just the second and third instance all season of him not registering at least 10 points. It was clear from the tip of its game against Utah that Duke was going to have to beat teams from the perimeter. There was simply no way either the Utes or Bulldogs, both equipped with the resources to slow down Okafor, were going to let the Blue Devils operate from the inside.

There were a few instances where Okafor still managed to provide eye-opening highlights. The 7’0″, 270 pound center managed a steal and score in transition early on against Gonzaga. He also air-balled a free throw attempt and seemed somewhat indecisive when operating on the offensive end. Both Utah and Gonzaga had a strict double-team attached to Okafor at almost all times. Usually so adept at working out of those types of situations, Okafor instead appeared rushed in a few instances and turned the ball over more often than one would like.

Especially against Gonzaga and opposing bigs Przemek Karnowski and Domantas Sabonis, Okafor was forced to play man-up defense on individuals who could match him in the size / strength department. Usually sheltered to preserve him from falling into foul trouble, coach Mike Krzyzewski had to allow Okafor to engage defensively in order to prevent teams from operating easily on the inside. Much like the entire Blue Devil team this tournament (see media below), Okafor’s defense has been refreshing to see recently. 

With Duke moving on to the Final Four, Okafor has one final stage to showcase at the college level. His grip on the first overall selection in June’s draft seems to be a firm one, though Kentucky’s Karl-Anthony Towns is making up ground rapidly. A dominant showing by Okafor, perhaps with one of the games against Towns and Kentucky in everyone’s dream National Championship scenario, would almost assure his status as the top overall prospect heading into the pre-draft process. To their credit, Duke has not leaned too heavily on Okafor in recent weeks and he should be relatively fresh for his final collegiate game(s). Though there’s a strong chance Duke’s opponents will continue to prioritize stopping Okafor inside, he may have to show he can work through that at times if the Blue Devils are to capture their fifth National Championship.