NBA Draft Scouting Report: D’Angelo Russell

Prospect Overview: 

MEASURABLES (Courtesy of Draftexpress.com): 6’5″, 193 pounds, 2/23/1996 (19 years old)

D’Angelo Russell was a prolific, albeit somewhat overlooked recruit upon arriving at Ohio State. The Louisville, Kentucky native had just finished up a stellar career at the esteemed Montverde Academy in Florida and was named a 2014 McDonald’s All-American. Rivals.com had him rated as the 18th-best prospect in the class of 2014. He would be joining a Ohio State team that, relatively speaking, was somewhat limited in terms of overall talent. That did not stop Russell from turning in one of the more spectacular freshman campaigns in 2014.

In 35 games (34 starts) Russell averaged 19.3 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 5.0 assists per contest. He was named a consensus first team All-American by the Associated Press and awarded with the Big Ten’s Freshman of the Year honor. Russell led a somewhat undermanned Ohio State team to an NCAA Tournament berth and a thrilling win over VCU in which he posted 28 points, five rebounds, and six assists. The Buckeyes would bow out at the hands of 2nd-seeded Arizona. Not too long after, Russell declared for the NBA Draft after just one season at OSU.

Unlike his front-court draft class counterparts, Russell has been a bit more available in the evaluation process. He was arguably the most notable name to attend the Draft Combine in Chicago held in mid-May. Russell made headlines at the event when, at his interview with the collective media, he declared himself the top player in the draft.

Confidence goes a long way in the NBA and Russell appears to have it in spades. Whether or not teams at the top of the draft agree with his self-assessment is an answer that we’ll have to wait for. The Sixers were among the teams to have conducted an interview with Russell at the combine.

On the night of the draft lottery, Russell added a bit of fuel to the fire in regards to him being a possible fit in Philadelphia.

"“There’s been a lot of talk, but you never know what’s going to happen. I don’t know what they want. I know they need a wing, a guard or whatnot…If I end up there, man, it would be a blessing…I know I’m going to make the best out of the situation and I’m ready for it. Nerlens is my guy and Joel and I went to the same high school together [Montverde Academy in Florida] and we shared the same laughs . . . and being on the bench half of the time. It’s good to be in the position that we’re in right now”"

The previous quote came courtesy of Inquirer Sixers writer Bob Cooney’s story from the lottery. Russell would go on to have an interesting evening in terms of social media activity, a storyline we addressed on Section215.com. Whether Russell is available with the 3rd overall pick is something the Sixers cannot control at this point. What they do have working for them is that it seems as if Russell would be more than happy to land in Philadelphia when draft night does roll around.