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2017 NBA Mock Draft, Week 22: College basketball is over

By Chris Stone

Jan 14, 2017; Stanford, CA, USA; Washington Huskies guard Markelle Fultz (20) moves the ball against the Stanford Cardinal in the second half at Maples Pavilion. Stanford won 76-69. Mandatory Credit: John Hefti-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 14, 2017; Stanford, CA, USA; Washington Huskies guard Markelle Fultz (20) moves the ball against the Stanford Cardinal in the second half at Maples Pavilion. Stanford won 76-69. Mandatory Credit: John Hefti-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 1, 2017; Glendale, AZ, USA; Gonzaga Bulldogs forward Zach Collins (32) shoots as South Carolina Gamecocks forward Maik Kotsar (21) defends during the first half in the semifinals of the 2017 NCAA Men’s Final Four at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 1, 2017; Glendale, AZ, USA; Gonzaga Bulldogs forward Zach Collins (32) shoots as South Carolina Gamecocks forward Maik Kotsar (21) defends during the first half in the semifinals of the 2017 NCAA Men’s Final Four at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /
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Zach Collins

C, Gonzaga

Gonzaga’s Zach Collins put himself on the national radar during the Bulldogs’ first Final Four appearance in school history. The 7-footer delivered a terrific performance in a semifinal win over South Carolina, tallying 14 points, 13 rebounds and six blocks in just 23 minutes. The freshman was not afforded the same opportunity in the national title game, though, as foul trouble held him to just 14 minutes. He still managed nine points, seven boards and three blocks.

Collins is the top center prospect in this class for good reason. He’s moves fluidly for a player of his size and can explode vertically in space. His offensive game is well-rounded, but focused heavily on post ups at Gonzaga. Still, he’s a capable pick-and-roll big and even has the ability to step out and knock down the occasional 3-pointer. His struggles as a passer stuck out sometimes during the Gamecocks as he didn’t always handle double teams well.

Defensively, Collins is a tremendous rim protector with a great understanding of verticality. He averaged 4.1 blocks per 40 minutes this season. Collins is also athletic enough to step out onto the perimeter and shut down guard penetration as well. That combination of two-way skill is what makes Collins such an intriguing prospect.