Draft Profile: Brandon Ingram

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If you pay any attention to NBA mock drafts, then you’ve seen Brandon Ingram’s name near the top of virtually every list for the 2016 Draft. The Duke forward is regarded by many as one of the top two prospects in the nation, alongside highly-touted LSU forward Ben Simmons. Ingram played one season at Duke and earned ACC Rookie of the Year honors. The lanky 18-year-old saved his best ball for the NCAA Tournament in March, when he averaged 23.0 points per game and played 119 of a possible 120 minutes during the Blue Devils’ three tourney games.

Possessions Scouted from 2015-16 Season:
OFFENSE: 21.6 percent of possessions
DEFENSE: 29.0 percent of possessions

Brandon Ingram is the best all-around prospect in this Draft because of his full skill set, his potential for growth (physically and skill-wise), and his effort. At a wiry 6-foot-9, he is a fantastic athlete who has the frame to add strength. Even with his current frame, he absorbs contact well on the move; however, he does not yet finish well through contact around the rim. He is an excellent ball handler with both hands and while going in either direction. He is poised and rarely forces things. He plays like a guard, and actually was a guard for Coach K as Duke attacked presses, which says a lot. He has a bit of a slingshot motion on his jumper, but it’s consistent; he shot 41.0 percent from long range last season with a solid sample size. His shooting sets him apart from other candidates for the top pick. That being said, he sometimes misses wildly on perimeter shots; that deviation is a bit worrisome. I think he can eventually shoot mid-to high-30s from NBA 3. He has a great motor and is a very capable passer. He can become a great playmaker in the league, both for himself and others. He can drive and post, and heavily favors the drop step toward the baseline in the latter. Ingram attacks rebounds with his length and athleticism but isn’t physical on the glass. Defensively, he cares, and that matters. Rarely does he fall asleep. He understands the scouting report and communicates well with teammates. He’s versatile, with very good feet, and played at the top and bottom of Duke’s zones. His length can really be a factor in contesting shots, but he must add strength to compete with NBA 3s and 4s.

Brandon Xavier Ingram was born on Sept. 2, 1997 in Kinston, N.C. to Donald and Joann Ingram. His older brother Donovan played Division I basketball at the University of Texas at Arlington (2010-12) and played professionally in Mexico. Ingram played all four seasons of high school ball at Kinston High. He and teammate Darnell Duncan became the first two players in North Carolina High School Athletic Association history to win four straight state titles. During his senior season (2014-15), Ingram averaged 24.3 points 10.4 rebounds, 3.6 assists, 3.0 blocks and 1.6 steals per game. The forward was selected to the 2015 McDonald’s All-America team and scored 15 points for the West. He was ranked No. 3 overall and No. 1 among small forwards on the ESPN 100 recruiting class of 2015. Ingram played one season at Duke University, appearing in 36 games and averaging 17.3 points and 6.8 rebounds per contest. The forward scored at least 25 points during seven contests, but never topped 26. He posted career highs of 26 points and 14 rebounds on Dec. 15, 2015 in a win over Georgia Southern. The Blue Devils appeared in three NCAA Tournament games and Ingram played all but one minute of those contests, averaging 23.0 PPG and 6.3 RPG. He was named ACC Rookie of the Year and earned a spot on the Second-Team All-ACC. Ingram declared for the NBA Draft on April 4.