2016 Draft Prospect: Chinanu Onuaku

[Chinook]

http://content.draftexpress.com/headshots/chinanuonuaku.jpg

Height: 6-10
Weight: 246 lbs
Date of Birth: 11/01/1996
School: Louisville

DraftExpress (http://www.draftexpress.com/profile/Chinanu-Onuaku-7254/)
NBADraft.net (http://www.nbadraft.net/players/chinanu-onuaku)

[Drom John]

DEEP(ish) THOUGHTS by Chris Horwedel and J.R. Glymph, 4 May 2016


29. San Antonio Spurs – Chinanu Onuaku (C) Louisville
– Analytics guys are in love with Onuaku’s per-40 numbers. At 6-10 and 245 pounds, Onuaku’s upside is that of the best defensive bigman to come out of this year’s draft. He racked up steals and blocks during his time at Louisville in addition to being a tremendous per-minute rebounder. While he may never be a double-digit scorer, his value on the defensive side of the ball will keep him employed for a long time.

[BD24]

I'm a Lville fan and think Onuaku is a great value late in round 1. With that said I would still rather get a good guard. Our backcourt needs more help than our frontcourt.

[Drom John]

Chad Ford stolen by:
Bleacher Report: Chad Ford NBA Mock Draft 2016: Notable Picks from ESPN Guru's 7th Mock
By Timothy Rapp , Featured Columnist May 18, 2016

29 San Antonio Spurs Chinanu Onuaku, C, Louisville

[SAGirl]

http://www.draftexpress.com/article/NBA-Combine-Day-Two-and-Event-Recap-5480/
10 points, 3 rebounds, 0 assists, 3 steals, 3 blocks, 0 turnovers, 5-7 2P, 0-0 3P, 0-0 FT, 21 minutes

He was a solid presence on defense, beyond the three steals and three blocks he accumulated, protecting the paint nicely while making the right rotations and doing a nice job of communicating with his teammates. He also was able to score by drawing deep post position and backing down weaker defenders, while hitting a short range jumper out of the post and catching a lob in transition.

His perimeter defense was again somewhat of a mixed bag, as he is often late to step out on closeouts, and will bit on pump fakes at times. He's clearly more of a center than a power forward at 6'9 barefoot, even if his 7'3 wingspan and 245 pound frame helps.

Onuaku has a tough decision ahead of himself now, as he clearly helped himself over the week in Chicago, but probably is still very much on the bubble as far as his first round prospects go. If he's content being a second round pick (possibly an early one) then he should be able to find a spot for himself in the NBA next year, but at only 19 years old, there's a chance he could continue to improve his standing with a better junior season at Louisville. He has all the makings of a future NBA rotation big man regardless, especially if he can find a way to keep his intensity level high at all times.

[Drom John]

Behind the Buck Pass: NBA Mock Draft 2.0: Who Will Be Picked In The Top 60?
by Adam McGee 21 hours ago [AKA 30 May 2016]


29 CHINANU ONUAKUC, Louisville
It’s a testament to how well-equipped Onuaku seems to be for the NBA, that his draft stock has remained largely unaffected by a heart condition that was discovered at the Combine and since rectified with a minor procedure.

Onuaku is an outstanding defender who will put a body on strong big men, protect the rim and also surprise perimeter defenders with the quickness that allows him to switch with ease and close out to and beyond the three-point line.

Offensively, Onuaku may be relatively limited, something which is unsurprising for those familiar with his underhand free throw routine, but he brings high energy and intensity in his time on the floor which coupled with his finishing inside will make him a good rim runner in the NBA.

San Antonio possess plenty of versatility among their big men, but with Boban Marjanovic set to enter free agency this summer, physicality and size could quickly become a glaring need.

Popovich will value Onuaku’s high IQ and effort on defense, while his underrated passing ability and low-key offensive presence will ensure that he can be a positive influence, if not a busy one on both ends. The Louisville big represents excellent value at 29.

[Captivus]

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[Drom John]

Shooting FTs underhanded means Onuaku has gotten over himself.

[duncan2150]

I really like this guy as an energy big.

[keithington1]

He has the strengths the Spurs needed in the Thunder series