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Los Angeles Lakers hosting six more draft prospects

By Kenneth Teape

Apr 1, 2017; Glendale, AZ, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks guard Sindarius Thornwell (0) shoots the ball against Gonzaga Bulldogs guard Jordan Mathews (4) during the second half in the semifinals of the 2017 NCAA Men's Final Four at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 1, 2017; Glendale, AZ, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks guard Sindarius Thornwell (0) shoots the ball against Gonzaga Bulldogs guard Jordan Mathews (4) during the second half in the semifinals of the 2017 NCAA Men's Final Four at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports /
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Los Angeles Lakers
Mar 17, 2017; Tulsa, OK, USA; Southern Methodist Mustangs forward Semi Ojeleye (33) reacts during the second half against the USC Trojans in the first round of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at BOK Center. Mandatory Credit: Brett Rojo-USA TODAY Sports /

SMU Forward, Semi Ojeleye

Ojeleye was a top recruit coming out of high school. He actually committed to Duke, playing his first two collegiate seasons there. He didn’t play much for the Blue Devils, deciding to transfer to SMU after his sophomore season. After sitting out the 2015-16 season, Ojeleye exploded onto the scene for the 2016-17 season.

Ojeleye led the Mustangs to a 30-5 season. They won the American Athletic Conference before losing in the first round of the NCAA Tournament to USC. Ojeleye was a big reason for SMU’s success throughout the season.

He averaged 19 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 1.5 assists per game. He took home AAC Player of the Year honors, as well as being named an All-American honorable mention. The range on his jump shot is something teams like, as he can spread the floor from the power forward spot.

He has an NBA body already, as he is strong and physical. Some people would consider him a tweener, but he should be able to carve a role out in today’s positionless NBA. The biggest concern for Ojeleye comes on the defensive end of the court.

He brings very little there, as he averaged only 0.4 blocks and steals per game. He did not grade out well defensively either. If he doesn’t improve on that end of the court, he may have a lower ceiling compared to the other fringe first round prospects.

With the Lakers, Ojeleye could pair with the more defensively minded Larry Nance Jr. on the second unit in the front court. The two should fit well alongside each other given their skill sets.

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