Draft Prospect: C- Prince Ibeh (great measurements)

[Eddie20]

These are his measurables. For comparison, in parenthesis I put DeAndre Jordan's measurements.


Ht w/shoes 6-11   (6-11)
Wt 261   (250)
Wingspan 7-5.5    (7-6)
Standing Reach 9-4.5   (9-5.5)
No step vert 32.5   (26.0)

He's obviously not a good offensive player (only 4.1 ppg), but he did average 5 rpg and 2 bpg in only 18.1 mpg and shot 57.8% from the field and is still just 21. Could he be a good target as a defensive minded center that's a rim runner (in the mold of DeAndre Jordan) offensively?



Draft Express

With Cameron Ridley missing 20 games due to injury, head coach Shaka Smart turned to Ibeh, who had spent the majority of his first three years battling foul trouble, offensive limitations and confidence issues.

While he still fought some of those same demons, the London, England native set single-game career highs in points (17), rebounds (12) and blocks (7), and played 25 or more minutes eight times – a feat he accomplished only once in his first three seasons.

Unlike Rick Barnes before him, Smart found a way to get something out of Ibeh, highlighted by a seven-point, seven-rebound, seven-block performance versus Kansas in a career-high 35 minutes of play. At times, Ibeh looked like a poor man's DeAndre Jordan, who was also marred by lackluster college production, leading to second-round pick status.

While it would be unfair and irresponsible to compare Ibeh, a fairly underwhelming four-year college player, to Jordan, a ho-hum one-year college player turned fringe NBA All-Star, their measurables are almost identical.

He's quick off the floor, finishes above the rim with ease, and shows potential on the glass, despite average production in that area (career 10.3 rebounds per 40 minutes). The most important byproduct of Ibeh's physical gifts is his defensive impact, both on the interior and the perimeter.

Big men who can both protect the rim and provide versatility as a pick and roll defender aren't easy to come by, making Ibeh that much more valuable. He ranked second among DraftfExpress Top 100 prospects in blocks per 40 minutes with 4.6, doing so by using his tremendous reach, while showing excellent timing and quick leaping ability.

Ibeh's awareness and fundamentals often leave something to be desired, as he loses focus easily, and gets himself out of position by going after shots that he has very little chance of swatting, leaving the defense handicapped. But all in all, Ibeh has the tools to be one of the best rim protectors in the draft.

He also shines on the perimeter at times thanks to his ability to drop and contest, hard hedge and recover, blitz with active hands, switch and keep it in front, or stay step for step with the ball handler if beat off the bounce. Defensive flexibility, especially guarding ball screens, is in high demand in the NBA, and Ibeh is able to provide exactly that at the center position.

With that said, it's important to note that Ibeh is still far from polished defensively. He struggles to stay on the floor due to foul trouble (7.3 per 40 minutes), bites on shot fakes from non-shooters, and doesn't always have his motor running as hot as you might like. Ibeh's physical gifts can't be taught, but he'll have to continue to improve his awareness and find a way to pick up the sometimes-complex NBA defensive schemes, while bringing maximum intensity on every possession.

Rim protection, pick and roll switch-ability and athleticism at the center position in the NBA, and, despite all of his deficiencies, Ibeh has proven, albeit in small doses, that he can do exactly that. It's easy to classify 21-year-old Ibeh as an underachiever during his four years at Texas. He lacked consistency and never quite made the impact his tools would suggest. But he's a better fit for the NBA game, and as he slowly realizes that, there aren't a surplus of players who can do the things he can on the floor, he may very well finally put it all together and become the player he showed he can be for stretches of his senior campaign.

[Roy H.]

Normally, if a guy is that unproductive in college, it's hard to see him developing into even a third-stringer in the pros.

I disagree with the Jordan comparison. DJ was more athletic, and was one-and-done. This guy did almost nothing despite four years of opportunity.

[Eddie20]

Normally, if a guy is that unproductive in college, it's hard to see him developing into even a third-stringer in the pros.

I disagree with the Jordan comparison. DJ was more athletic, and was one-and-done. This guy did almost nothing despite four years of opportunity.

Jordan graduated at 20 (1 year older than Ibeh is now) and averaged 7.9 ppg and and 6.0 rpg in 20.1 mpg, which is pretty similar to Ibeh's numbers. I'm not sure if Jordan was more athletic. Based on the measurement, Ibeh has a standing vert of 6 1/2 inches higher.

Maybe he's a complete bust, but as a projected 2nd rd pick, of which we have plenty, why not take a gamble? If he ends of being a Mahimni or Festus type player then that would be considered a great pick for the draft slot.

[CelticsFan166]

Normally, if a guy is that unproductive in college, it's hard to see him developing into even a third-stringer in the pros.

I disagree with the Jordan comparison. DJ was more athletic, and was one-and-done. This guy did almost nothing despite four years of opportunity.

Jordan graduated at 20 (1 year older than Ibeh is now) and averaged 7.9 ppg and and 6.0 rpg in 20.1 mpg, which is pretty similar to Ibeh's numbers. I'm not sure if Jordan was more athletic. Based on the measurement, Ibeh has a standing vert of 6 1/2 inches higher.

Maybe he's a complete bust, but as a projected 2nd rd pick, of which we have plenty, why not take a gamble? If he ends of being a Mahimni or Festus type player then that would be considered a great pick for the draft slot.

Exactly. I've always thought a long, athletic center would fit great on this roster (which is why I thought we should sign McGee last season despite his low bball iq) and the worst thing that could happen is that a late 2nd round pick doesn't pan out (which is the norm in that range). All he would have to do would be rebound, block shots, and maybe catch a lob every now and then. I think he'd fit perfectly.

[Who]

Comparison: Fab Melo ??

[Roy H.]

Normally, if a guy is that unproductive in college, it's hard to see him developing into even a third-stringer in the pros.

I disagree with the Jordan comparison. DJ was more athletic, and was one-and-done. This guy did almost nothing despite four years of opportunity.

Jordan graduated at 20 (1 year older than Ibeh is now) and averaged 7.9 ppg and and 6.0 rpg in 20.1 mpg, which is pretty similar to Ibeh's numbers. I'm not sure if Jordan was more athletic. Based on the measurement, Ibeh has a standing vert of 6 1/2 inches higher.

Maybe he's a complete bust, but as a projected 2nd rd pick, of which we have plenty, why not take a gamble? If he ends of being a Mahimni or Festus type player then that would be considered a great pick for the draft slot.

Jordan played one year, Ibeh played four. That's 135 games worth of proof that he's a scrub.

http://www.sports-reference.com/cbb/players/prince-ibeh-1.html

[Eddie20]

Comparison: Fab Melo ??

Maybe, he's a bust like Fab, but he'd be a second rd pick not a 1st. That said, Melo didn't have his length (9-2 reach/7-2 wingspan).

[Eddie20]

Normally, if a guy is that unproductive in college, it's hard to see him developing into even a third-stringer in the pros.

I disagree with the Jordan comparison. DJ was more athletic, and was one-and-done. This guy did almost nothing despite four years of opportunity.

Jordan graduated at 20 (1 year older than Ibeh is now) and averaged 7.9 ppg and and 6.0 rpg in 20.1 mpg, which is pretty similar to Ibeh's numbers. I'm not sure if Jordan was more athletic. Based on the measurement, Ibeh has a standing vert of 6 1/2 inches higher.

Maybe he's a complete bust, but as a projected 2nd rd pick, of which we have plenty, why not take a gamble? If he ends of being a Mahimni or Festus type player then that would be considered a great pick for the draft slot.

Jordan played one year, Ibeh played four. That's 135 games worth of proof that he's a scrub.

http://www.sports-reference.com/cbb/players/prince-ibeh-1.html

He's a college scrub, no doubt. However, I'm not advocating taking him in the 1st round. So what's the risk in taking him in the second round with all our picks? Surely his potential upside based on his physical prowess is higher than other potential draftees in the same range.

[Roy H.]

Normally, if a guy is that unproductive in college, it's hard to see him developing into even a third-stringer in the pros.

I disagree with the Jordan comparison. DJ was more athletic, and was one-and-done. This guy did almost nothing despite four years of opportunity.

Jordan graduated at 20 (1 year older than Ibeh is now) and averaged 7.9 ppg and and 6.0 rpg in 20.1 mpg, which is pretty similar to Ibeh's numbers. I'm not sure if Jordan was more athletic. Based on the measurement, Ibeh has a standing vert of 6 1/2 inches higher.

Maybe he's a complete bust, but as a projected 2nd rd pick, of which we have plenty, why not take a gamble? If he ends of being a Mahimni or Festus type player then that would be considered a great pick for the draft slot.

Jordan played one year, Ibeh played four. That's 135 games worth of proof that he's a scrub.

http://www.sports-reference.com/cbb/players/prince-ibeh-1.html

He's a college scrub, no doubt. However, I'm not advocating taking him in the 1st round. So what's the risk in taking him in the second round with all our picks? Surely his potential upside based on his physical prowess is higher than other potential draftees in the same range.

It's a wasted draft pick. There's risk is that, because you're losing the chance, no matter how slim, of drafting a contributor.

I'm a big believer in track record. In the history of the NBA, has there ever been a guy who sucked in four years of college who became an even marginal contributor?

[Eddie20]

Normally, if a guy is that unproductive in college, it's hard to see him developing into even a third-stringer in the pros.

I disagree with the Jordan comparison. DJ was more athletic, and was one-and-done. This guy did almost nothing despite four years of opportunity.

Jordan graduated at 20 (1 year older than Ibeh is now) and averaged 7.9 ppg and and 6.0 rpg in 20.1 mpg, which is pretty similar to Ibeh's numbers. I'm not sure if Jordan was more athletic. Based on the measurement, Ibeh has a standing vert of 6 1/2 inches higher.

Maybe he's a complete bust, but as a projected 2nd rd pick, of which we have plenty, why not take a gamble? If he ends of being a Mahimni or Festus type player then that would be considered a great pick for the draft slot.

Jordan played one year, Ibeh played four. That's 135 games worth of proof that he's a scrub.

http://www.sports-reference.com/cbb/players/prince-ibeh-1.html

He's a college scrub, no doubt. However, I'm not advocating taking him in the 1st round. So what's the risk in taking him in the second round with all our picks? Surely his potential upside based on his physical prowess is higher than other potential draftees in the same range.

It's a wasted draft pick. There's risk is that, because you're losing the chance, no matter how slim, of drafting a contributor.

I'm a big believer in track record. In the history of the NBA, has there ever been a guy who sucked in four years of college who became an even marginal contributor?

Miles Plumlee didn't start at Duke, averaged 4.8 ppg and 4.8 rpg in his college career, was a 1st rd pick (based largely on the combine), and has been a marginal contributor.

[Roy H.]

Normally, if a guy is that unproductive in college, it's hard to see him developing into even a third-stringer in the pros.

I disagree with the Jordan comparison. DJ was more athletic, and was one-and-done. This guy did almost nothing despite four years of opportunity.

Jordan graduated at 20 (1 year older than Ibeh is now) and averaged 7.9 ppg and and 6.0 rpg in 20.1 mpg, which is pretty similar to Ibeh's numbers. I'm not sure if Jordan was more athletic. Based on the measurement, Ibeh has a standing vert of 6 1/2 inches higher.

Maybe he's a complete bust, but as a projected 2nd rd pick, of which we have plenty, why not take a gamble? If he ends of being a Mahimni or Festus type player then that would be considered a great pick for the draft slot.

Jordan played one year, Ibeh played four. That's 135 games worth of proof that he's a scrub.

http://www.sports-reference.com/cbb/players/prince-ibeh-1.html

He's a college scrub, no doubt. However, I'm not advocating taking him in the 1st round. So what's the risk in taking him in the second round with all our picks? Surely his potential upside based on his physical prowess is higher than other potential draftees in the same range.

It's a wasted draft pick. There's risk is that, because you're losing the chance, no matter how slim, of drafting a contributor.

I'm a big believer in track record. In the history of the NBA, has there ever been a guy who sucked in four years of college who became an even marginal contributor?

Miles Plumlee didn't start at Duke, averaged 4.8 ppg and 4.8 rpg in his college career, was a 1st rd pick (based largely on the combine), and has been a marginal contributor.

Yeah, but even Plumlee averaged 7 points / 7 rebounds / 1 block / 61% as a senior, where he started roughly half his games at an elite school.

[Celtics4ever]

I hope, we don't draft a guy for measurements.  Great measurement, without production should be a huge warning signal.   Maybe a draft and stash in the late second, eh?   But with these stats I would even pass on that.  Combine stats could change this with athletic measurements, I suppose but I would be skeptical of Ibeh.

[CFAN38]

I would rather take a shot on Onuako from Louisville

http://www.draftexpress.com/profile/Chinanu-Onuaku-7254/

Younger more productive and from what I saw of him he actually seems to have an ok feel for the game. Has had some really nice passes in the paint this past season.

[hwangjini_1]

Normally, if a guy is that unproductive in college, it's hard to see him developing into even a third-stringer in the pros.

I disagree with the Jordan comparison. DJ was more athletic, and was one-and-done. This guy did almost nothing despite four years of opportunity.

Jordan graduated at 20 (1 year older than Ibeh is now) and averaged 7.9 ppg and and 6.0 rpg in 20.1 mpg, which is pretty similar to Ibeh's numbers. I'm not sure if Jordan was more athletic. Based on the measurement, Ibeh has a standing vert of 6 1/2 inches higher.

Maybe he's a complete bust, but as a projected 2nd rd pick, of which we have plenty, why not take a gamble? If he ends of being a Mahimni or Festus type player then that would be considered a great pick for the draft slot.

Jordan played one year, Ibeh played four. That's 135 games worth of proof that he's a scrub.

http://www.sports-reference.com/cbb/players/prince-ibeh-1.html

perhaps, but some players take years to develop. i am not saying ibeh will develop, only that it may be premature to make firm predictions. he did improve in his last year, so there is that.

heck, ainge has 2nd rounders oozing out of him. if he used one on this guy i wouldnt mind one way or the other. i trust ainge's evaluations on 2nd rounders. he has a good track record there in the draft.

[Roy H.]

Normally, if a guy is that unproductive in college, it's hard to see him developing into even a third-stringer in the pros.

I disagree with the Jordan comparison. DJ was more athletic, and was one-and-done. This guy did almost nothing despite four years of opportunity.

Jordan graduated at 20 (1 year older than Ibeh is now) and averaged 7.9 ppg and and 6.0 rpg in 20.1 mpg, which is pretty similar to Ibeh's numbers. I'm not sure if Jordan was more athletic. Based on the measurement, Ibeh has a standing vert of 6 1/2 inches higher.

Maybe he's a complete bust, but as a projected 2nd rd pick, of which we have plenty, why not take a gamble? If he ends of being a Mahimni or Festus type player then that would be considered a great pick for the draft slot.

Jordan played one year, Ibeh played four. That's 135 games worth of proof that he's a scrub.

http://www.sports-reference.com/cbb/players/prince-ibeh-1.html

perhaps, but some players take years to develop. i am not saying ibeh will develop, only that it may be premature to make firm predictions. he did improve in his last year, so there is that.

heck, ainge has 2nd rounders oozing out of him. if he used one on this guy i wouldnt mind one way or the other. i trust ainge's evaluations on 2nd rounders. he has a good track record there in the draft.

I trust Ainge, too.  I think Danny has generally leaned toward productive college players. But, whoever he picks in the late second, I'm not going to stress.