2020 Prospect Profile

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**DISCLAIMER: The following is an aggregate of player analysis from various media outlets and does not reflect the views of the Minnesota Timberwolves.**

Daniel Oturu is a strong big man with good length who emerged as a double-double threat as a freshman but flashed a budding skill level away from the rim as a sophomore at Minnesota.  Widely regarded as a top-50 prospect in the high school class of 2018 following his senior year at Cretin-Derham Hall High School in Saint Paul, Oturu made an instant impact for Head Coach Richard Pitino’s Golden Gophers averaging 10.8 points and 7 rebounds per game as a freshman despite being limited by foul constant trouble.

Taking a huge leap in terms of offensive ability as a sophomore, Oturu averaged 20.1 points, 11.3 rebounds, and 2.5 blocks per game to emerge as one of the most productive big men in the country across a grueling conference slate to earn All-Big Ten 2nd Team honors.

The Ringer (click to read full analysis):

NBADraft.net (click to read full analysis):

Mobile big with size and length (7-foot-3 wingspan) and intriguing productivity/skills … Light on his feet, possesses solid quickness for a 6-10 player … Shows a decent understanding of the game, making good decisions and doesn’t seem rushed or that the speed of the game affects him … Put up big numbers at Minnesota in his sophomore season posting 20 points and 11 boards in 34 minutes per game, coming out of nowhere to garner interest as a first round pick … Does most of his damage in the post and did a good job of not floating out to the perimeter too often … Post skills are developing as he understands how to create space utilizing post fundamentals, with use of pivot feet and drop steps, showing some clever up and under moves … Fights for position in the post, and does a good job of sealing opponents off and receiving entry passes in position to score … Has the ability to create offense for himself, showing the ability to face up and take opponents, big and small, off the dribble as well as pull up for shots …. His first step is surprising for a guy his size … Looked impressive shooting from the perimeter, ended up at 36% from three and his percentage was higher for much of the season … Form on his shot is solid, though slightly mechanical, but he should be able to extend it out to NBA 3 in time and find success … Utilizes a solid turnaround jumper when he receives the ball back to the basket … Was highly effective as a mid-range jump shooter, which is a skill that will translate exquisitely to the next level … Also proved to be a force on the defensive end with 2.5 blocks per game … Solid shot blocker showing good timing, and the length and explosiveness to block shots, both on the ball and as a help defender … Runs the floor well. Gets out on the break and can ignite the break playing the passing lanes with excellent anticipation and quick feet and reflexes for a bigman … Shows very good rebounding ability, especially on the offensive glass where he averaged nearly 4 per game (3.7) and 11 rebounds overall … Excellent hands, showing the ability to catch passes without having many mishaps and the ball seems to stick to his hands on rebounds or passes that aren’t completely on line … Appears to be just scratching the surface of his abilities, as a 20 year old (21 in October) with a lot of skill level yet to polish … Highly coachable, and seems to do a very good job of working on his weaknesses and in game mistakes in order to improve …
--Aran Smith

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2020 NBA Draft Profile: Daniel Oturu

Tre Jones is a gifted defensive point guard who made considerable strides on the offensive end as the leader of a young Duke team in his sophomore season.   The younger brother of Tyus Jones who was selected 24th overall in the 2015 NBA Draft, he emerged as a prospect early in his career averaging 4.6 points 6.2 rebounds, 3.6 assists, and 3.7 steals per game at the 2015 FIBA U16 Americas Championship.  Making appearances at the McDonald’s All-American Game, Jordan Brand Classic, and Nike Hoop Summit following his senior year at Apple Valley High School (MN), Jones was widely regarded as one of the top-12 prospects in the high school class of 2018.  Joining 2019 lottery picks Zion Williamson, RJ Barrett, and Cam Reddish at Duke, Jones played a complementary role in his first season under Head Coach Mike Krzyzewski, but impacted winning with his play defensively to earn a spot on the ACC All-Defensive Team.

Returning to Durham for his sophomore year, he slid into a more substantial offensive role averaging 16.2 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 6.4 assists per game to earn ACC Player of the Year honors.

Floor general at point guard, works to set up teammates for open looks … Great decision maker, limits turnovers … Finds passing lanes and makes easy dump-offs to big men … Shows potential on three-point shot (increased from 26.2% to 36.1% in sophomore campaign) … Can hit pull-up for jumpers off the dribble on the break as well as in the half court set … Effective use of head fakes helps collapse defenses … Runs a transition offense very well … Footwork is solid on both ends of the court … Defensively, one of the best at anticipating and jumping passing lanes, leading to easy transition buckets … Very capable on ball, perimeter defender against quicker, shorter guards … Has the ability to stay in front of ball-handler from baseline to baseline in press defense … Disciplined defender, doesn’t reach or leave the ground on head fakes … Arguably the best defensive point guard in the class … Has shown a willingness to take the big shot down the stretch and has been successful when doing so … Has a lot of competitiveness and inner-strength. Wants to win at all costs, low-ego and plays unselfishly … Just turned 20 in January and improvement from year one to two shows promise in future progression …-- Nick Mazone

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2020 NBA Draft Profile: Tre Jones

Josh Green is a long, athletic swingman whose defensive ability and budding roleplayer potential made him an x-factor throughout his single season at Arizona.  Born in Australia, Green moved to the United States when he was 14 years old and finished his high school career at IMG Academy (FL).  Making an appearance at the McDonald’s All-American Game and a pair of Nike Hoop Summits, he was widely regarded as one of the top-15 prospects in the high school class of 2019.

Stepping into a key complementary role for Head Coach Sean Miller at Arizona this season, Green battled back from some mid-season struggles from the perimeter to finish the year well averaging 12 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 2.6 assists over 30.9 minutes per game.

ESPN/Draft Express (click to read full analysis):

Elite defender who leads Arizona in steals per game … Picturesque frame for a NBA shooting guard at 6’6, 210 pounds … Has the ability to take over the PG role when Nico Mannion is not in the game with good ball-handling and excellent vision … Above average facilitator and three-point shooter … Sees the floor well and knows where to be for an extra pass and knockdown shot … Smart player who will pass up a three for a better shot for himself as he attempts to develop a better three-point shot … Great rebounder and outlet passer … Freakish 6’10 wingspan for a guard which contributes to his 1.6 steals per game and ability to guard multiple positions … Extremely athletic player who can play 3 or 4 different positions … Versatile player who can become a knockdown three-point shooter, pass-first point guard, or playmaking slasher depending on the team’s needs … Great composure and confidence on and off the court … Improved his free throw percentage from 59% to 78% since Under Armour Association in 2018 … Very high potential with all of the traits to be an elite NBA player. -- Derek Bast

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2020 NBA Draft Profile: Josh Green

Tyrell Terry is a smooth, skilled guard who emerged as a significant difference maker for a Stanford team that exceeded expectations this season.  Widely regarded as one of the top-100 prospects in the high school class of 2019 following his senior year at DeLaSalle High School (MN), Terry carved out a significant role for the Cardinal as a true freshman under Head Coach Jerod Haase.

Averaging 14.6 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 3.2 assists per game, the 19-year old guard was a pleasant surprise all year on his way to Pac-12 All-Freshman Team honors.

Sharp shooting point guard with a slight frame but a ton of upside if his body develops … Very cerebral and focused player with great maturity from a mental standpoint … “Slick”. Advanced offensive skill set … One of the purest shooters in this year’s draft … His release is clean, and concise … “Makes it look easy” … When he has time to get set and release the ball, he rarely misses … Quick and consistent shooting motion … Rarely forces up bad shots, and shows an excellent feel for the game … His passing ability is also very impressive as he shows innate vision and creativity … Makes his teammates better … Shows an excellent understanding of playing the pick and roll and can facilitate for teammates as well as come off screen for pull ups … Has the ability to make plays for his teammates as his passing ability sets up opportunities …He can spot teammates and drop the ball on a dime in the full court … Anticipates the game extremely well, on both ends of the floor … Sees plays before they happen, leading to breakaway steals, as well as passing teammates open for easy baskets … Pushes the ball up the floor well and sees the entire floor making excellent decisions … Solid ability to utilize runners in the lane, over the trees, to avert blocked shots … His 89% FT shooting confirms his elite level shooting stroke … Solid foot speed and quickness allows him to get by defenders and creates separation for scoring opportunities … Excellent ball handler, who is solid at getting by defenders off the bounce and can split double teams and handle full court pressure with ease … Also shows a solid ability to stop on a dime and pull up for shots … Despite lack of strength, plays with toughness and seems to fight through contact well … Finishes with either hand around the basket … Has sneaky athleticism, with the ability to get up and dunk when he gets the right momentum and is able to gather his feet … Has toughness, as shown by his surprising 4.5 rebounds per game … Has a fearless demeanor … Competitive player who plays with fire and passion … Never shies away from big moments, and seems to perform well at the end of games, when the pressure intensifies … One of the high risk/reward picks for this year’s draft who may have jumped the gun on a NBA career, but if his body comes around, watch out! -- Aran Smith

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2020 NBA Draft Profile: Tyrell Terry

Leandro BolmaroForward, FC Barcelona (Spain)

Leandro Bolmaro is a lanky, versatile forward who was thrust into action with Barcelona’s first team this season flashing intriguing potential as a facilitator in limited action at a high level.  A bit of a late bloomer whose breakout performance came at the 2017 FIBA U17 South American Championship where he averaged 13.8 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 2 assists per game, Bolmaro got his first opportunity to compete at the professional level with Weber Bahia in his native Argentina.  Competing in the 2018 Nike Hoop Summit, Bolmaro subsequently signed with Barcelona but has spent much of this and last season with their second team in the LEB Gold and Silver.  He averaged 10.4 points and 2.7 assists per game last year in the 2nd Division where he figured to play much of this year before injuries forced him into action in the EuroLeague and ACB.

Providing valuable minutes as a point forward, Bolmaro averaged 3.2 points and 1.8 assists over just 11.2 minutes per game displaying an advanced feel for the game against quality competition amid standout performances in the 3rd Division.

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2020 NBA Draft Profile: Leandro Bolmaro

Jahmi’us Ramsey is an aggressive offensive guard who scored in bunches from the perimeter for stretches of his freshman year at Texas Tech.  Emerging as a prospect early in his career but breaking out in the spring of his junior year of high school, Ramsey finished his senior year at Duncanville High School (TX) widely regarded as one of the top-35 prospects in the high school class of 2019.  After an appearance at the Jordan Brand Classic, Ramsey headed to play for Head Coach Chris Beard at Texas Tech where he figured to play a prominent role for a program replacing the core of the team that made it to the National Championship Game a year ago.

Averaging 15 points, 4 rebounds, and 2.2 assists per game, Ramsey earned Big XII Freshman of the Year honors flashing significant potential as a jump shooter despite losing the early part of December to a hamstring injury.

A mature, tough nosed freshman combo with intriguing versatility … Possesses a scorer’s mentality. Has an excellent feel for the game, displaying a variety of ways to score and generally makes the right play … Brings a lot of versatility with his ability to defend either guard position and play a smart brand of unselfish, team ball … Effective scorer who was excellent from behind the arch this year (42.6% from three on a high volume of shots 60-141, making 2.2 of 5.2 per game) … Has a developed body for a freshman and solid length with a 6-foot-7 wingspan … Shows solid intangibles and leadership qualities … Excels at creating in isolation, with the ability to get opponents off balance and pull up quickly … Quality ball handler … Takes what the defense gives him … Very good in catch and shoot situations … Not a speed burner, but makes up for it with hesitation dribbles and fakes to get open … Solid floor game, with good ability to pull up in mid-range … Clean, concise shooting motion … Polished step back jumper … His quick release and long arms help him to get shots off on defenders … Comfortable shooting without much space … Utilizes floaters well when there are bigs obstructing his path to the rim … Did not play the point position a great deal at Texas Tech, but there’s intrigue in his potential as a combo guard that can defend and play back up point guard at the next level … Has surprising ability to rise and block shots, utilizing his quick leaping ability and sneaky length … Solid rebounder for a guard with 4 per game, getting up for boards and seeking them out with good energy … -- Aran Smith

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2020 NBA Draft Profile: Jahmi’us Ramsey

RJ HamptonGuard, New Zealand Breakers (ABL)

Regarded as one of the most promising high school players in the United States, RJ made the surprise move of first reclassifying to the 2019 recruiting class, then forgoing college altogether to play professionally in the Australia-based National Basketball League (NBL) Hampton possesses an elite combination of speed, explosiveness, and length. His most noteworthy skill is his ability to attack the rim downhill in transition and isolation situations. He is smooth with the ball and is emerging as a playmaker who can create solid opportunities for teammates out of the pick and roll. Despite nice looking shooting mechanics, he struggles both with his accuracy and willingness to shoot the three-ball. This reluctance has led defenses in the NBL to often go under screens to dare him to shoot.

Defensively he has a combination of athleticism and instincts that create the potential of a high-level defensive player. Presently, he lacks upper body strength to hold his position defensively as well as the ability to finish and draw fouls. After playing 15 games in the NBL with modest success Hampton returned to the US in February to prepare for the NBA draft.  

Good size and length for position with a 6’7 wingspan and 8’4 standing reach … Very good ball handler. Creates and breaks down the defense off the dribble; effectively uses his crossover, changing direction/speed, and knows how to shift his defender. Can fit in tight spaces and gets where he wants with the ball. Good pick and roll ball handler. Doesn’t rely on triple threat, can get to the rim off the dribble in the half court. Fearless driver and very good at drawing fouls. Shot third best 6.6 free throws per game over the Under Armour Association in 2018. Shot 12.3 free throws per game over his four games of the Nike EYBL in 2019, which was the highest of the session … Good court vision and passing ability. Very good in drive and kick situations when attacking the baseline. Makes accurate cross-court passes. Averaged a second most six assists per game over the Under Armour Association in 2018. Averaged 4.5 assists per game in his four games over the Nike EYBL in 2019 … Good scoring ability. Led the Under Armour Association in scoring with 24.6 points per game in 2018. Averaged 28.8 points per game in his four games of the Nike EYBL in 2019, which was the second best of the session … Very good athlete. Finishes plays above the rim with good body control and attacks with aggression. Quick off the ground and first step. Handles the ball well at a high speed, gets going downhill and blows by the defense. Can lead and finish in transition … Good defensive tools with his length and quickness. Will lock in and pick the ball handler on occasions. Anticipates and covers a lot of ground jumping passing lanes. Averaged 1.8 steals per game at the U16 Americas Championship in 2017. Averaged 1.5 steals per game at the U17 World Cup in 2018. Averaged 1.8 steals per game over the Under Armour Association in 2018. Averaged two steals per game over his four games of the Nike EYBL in 2019 … Blocks shots well for a guard … -- Evan Tomes

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2020 NBA Draft Profile: RJ Hampton

Zeke Nnaji is an agile big man with a strong motor who emerged as one of the bigger breakout stars in the freshman class in his single season at Arizona.  A late bloomer who was widely regarded as a top-35 prospect in the high school class of 2019 following his senior year at Hopkins High School (MN), Nnaji was the third highest ranked recruit in Head Coach Sean Miller’s incoming class, but exceeded expectations from the start in Tucson.

Averaging 16.1 points and 8.6 rebounds per game, he earned All-Pac-12 Freshman of the Year honors while gaining considerable momentum ahead of the 2020 NBA Draft.

Nnaji is a wiry strong, mobile big man who is skilled enough to stretch the floor and threaten with perimeter shooting with a little development … Plays with great passion and intensity, bringing very solid consistency for a player his age (turned 19 in January) … Has great footwork in the post and in the pick and roll/pop game … Excellent rebounder due to his energy, positioning, and length … Averaged over 3 offensive rebounds per game … Solid 7’1 wingspan on a 6’10 frame … Mixes up his variety of post moves well and moves his feet well to pivot to an ideal spot for a hook shot … Smooth shooting stroke that will allow for quick development at the next level … Quick first step off the dribble allows him to drive by taller, less athletic big men … Efficient interior scorer at 58% on the season … Prevents foul trouble with great technique and footwork in the post … Plays under control with good hands and athleticism in the post … Very solid free throw percentage for a big man (76%) … Solid upside. One of the youngest players available in this year’s draft … -- Derek Bast

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2020 NBA Draft Profile: Zeke Nnaji

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