Evan Mobley is fresh off a fantastic season with the USC Trojans and is ready to take the NBA by storm after just one collegiate season.
Evan Mobley 2021 NBA Draft Profile
College Career
Mobley committed to USC as a five-star recruit out of California, and one of the top 2020 high school players in all of the United States.
His career started off with a bang – lighting up California Baptist with 21 points and nine boards in a win.
When his first season was all said and done, Mobley averaged 16.4 points, 8.7 rebounds, and 2.9 blocks per game – making him one of the top big men in the country. What’s also very impressive is that Mobley only averaged 1.8 fouls per game in over 33 minutes on the floor. Big men and rim protectors tend to rack up fouls, but Mobley separates himself from the rest in this category.
Mobley also swept the floor with awards, winning the Pac-12 Player of the Year, Defensive Player of the Year, and Freshman of the Year. He’s the first power-five conference player to win all of these awards since Anthony Davis in 2012.
Strengths
Mobley immediately passes the eye test. At 7 feet tall, he’s extremely athletic and mobile. Mobley is quick, powerful, and far more coordinated than typical traditional centers.
All of these traits are going to help Mobley develop into a perennial All-Star, but he’s more than just athleticism. His IQ and timing are simply off the charts. It’s baffling that he averaged nearly three blocks a game and dominated as a rim-protector while averaging less than two fouls per game.
Mobley’s athleticism also allows him to take advantage of other bigs offensively, but he’s also a high-flyer with a decent pop-up shot. He has the tools necessary to succeed.
Weaknesses
To fully excel as a modern five, Mobley will have to extend his range beyond the 3-point line. The flashes have been there, but the skill isn’t fully built yet.
Mobley can also improve his moves in the post. With the coordination he already has, this should come with time. Another thing that will surely come with time is bulking up. Mobley already has an impressive frame but will need to add more weight to compete with the best bigs in the game.
NBA Comparison for Evan Mobley
Mobley has the ability to develop into a Chris Bosh type player, but one who can also consistently make All-NBA Defensive teams.
2021 NBA Draft Projection
Mobley is a sure-fire top-five pick. He may go as high as second to the Houston Rockets, but the lowest looks to be fourth to the Toronto Raptors.
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