NBA Mock Draft 2017, Week 20: The Sweet Sixteen edition

Gonzaga’s Zach Collins has risen up draft boards this season, but he may ultimately choose to return for his sophomore season to embrace a starting role. For now, though, we’ll leave him in the field and in the middle of the first round because of how well his skill set should translate as a modern NBA center. This season, the freshman is averaging 23.7 points, 13.1 rebounds and 3.8 blocks per 40 minutes.

Collins is at his best offensive working in ball screens where his ability to dive to the basket or pop out for a jumper is on display. He’s athletic enough that he can play above the rim catching lobs and has a good enough shot to be a threat from behind the 3-point arc in due time. Collins also has an impressive post game that he can use to isolate smaller players on switches in the NBA.

Defensively, Collins should be highly prized in this class because with Robert Williams opting to return to school, he may be its best rim protector. The 19-year old also moves his feet well and can defend smaller players on switches.

Collins will face an interesting test in the Sweet Sixteen on Thursday night when Gonzaga takes on West Virginia. The Mountaineers are known for their high pressure defense that forces opponents into turnovers, but if the Bulldogs can isolate them in the halfcourt, Collins’ size could be used as a massive advantage as West Virginia really struggles to defend post ups.