2018 NBA mock draft: The NCAA season is here
Chimezie Metu
PF/C, USC
Sometimes I think we get carried away projecting players into infinity. Sure, it would be fantastic if the 6-foot-11 Metu could continue to fill out his frame and use his body as a defender, but there’s a necessary appreciation when considering his scoring ability.
Last year for the Trojans, Metu posted a 22.5 PER on the back of a 15-8 line per game on 55 percent shooting and solid free throw numbers. He remains the focal point of USC’s offense this year as the team, with several players returning, attempts to build on their second round tournament run from a season ago.
Ideally, he develops his passing up past a .100 assist percentage with so much talent around him. If the defense gets there while he’s still in college, you’re ecstatic, but Metu has the body and scoring talent to earn legitimate lottery consideration already.
Helping the reinvigorated Trojans program win games this year will be his best bet to earn the attention of NBA teams before next June.