Jahlil Okafor

McDonald’s All-American Recap:

Okafor’s size, width and footwork are too much for his high school counterparts. The big man dominated a traditionally guard-oriented setting. At 6-10, Okafor catches the ball with his back to the basket, quickly leans back to gauge his defender, and attacks with his best move. His ability to identify and simultaneously execute a post move are at an NBA level.

Okafor isn’t very explosive around the basket. But his touch, footwork, and back-to-the-basket arsenal are unrivaled. He can get his shot off with a 6-10 frame and gigantic hands, and his strength makes it hard to provide resistance.

He can use a hook shot over either shoulder, spin to carve out space, drop-step, or loft a tear-drop over the defense. Okafor gets deep post-up position, and then goes to work. Unstoppable in the post right now.

My biggest question mark surrounding Okafor is whether he’s able to finish over NBA length and athleticism. Okafor isn’t the most explosive player—he doesn’t rattle the rim, even at 6-10—so maybe a physical and athletic big man can bother him. Maybe not, though—I just haven’t seen him face an NBA-level center.

Okafor is a true center who can dominate in the half court. He runs the floor with urgency and strong hands. Unselfish, efficient, and extremely polished scoring in the low post. Let’s see how his game translates against players who match his size and surpass his athleticism.

McDonald’s All-American Preview:

Any evaluation of Okafor starts with his big frame and exceptional footwork. He is physically too big and too skilled for his peers right now.

He is the most polished post-up player in the country. Strong hands and a wide trunk to carve out space for the entry pass, and Okafor has a calculated post game that will immediately translate at Duke. The best part of Okafor’s game, though, is his footwork. He is a ballerina on the basketball court, in both face up and back to the basket situations. He squares up the defender, makes a quick move, and has impeccable timing and touch on his release.

He simply has low post skills that aren’t found on the high school level. Okafor could easily be argued as the best player in his class. In terms of a comparison, he reminds me of a young Elton Brand—not the most athletic player, but impeccable footwork, can dominate by facing up or back to the basket, and an automatic double-double. He can play either role on the high-low. Too skilled at 6-10, 265 pounds; his footwork makes it unfair at this level.

If I had to nit-pick, I’m a little concerned about Okafor’s lack of athleticism. He’s not a poor athlete, but his bounce leaves something to be desired. Perhaps if he continues to chisel out his frame he will gain some bounce. NBA defenders who match his size may be able to contest his shot at the rim. But that’s more than a year away.

It may not show in a transition-heavy setting like the McDonald’s Game, but on the high school and probably college level, Okafor can’t be guarded 1-on-1 in the post.

Nike Peach Jam 2013 (North Augusta, SC): Physically, Okafor is a level above his peers. The wide-bodied center has remarkable hands, and is the most polished post player in the country. The best part of Okafor’s game, though, is his footwork. He is truly a ballerina on the basketball court, in both face up and back to the basket situations. He has some of the most promising instincts and reflexes I’ve ever seen on the basketball court. Okafor is a big-man anchor that can take a program to the next level. He could easily be argued as the best player in his class.