2018 NBA mock draft: The NCAA season is here

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TUCSON, AZ – OCTOBER 28: The Arizona Wildcats flag is shown after a scoring drive during the college football game between the Washington State Cougars and the Arizona Wildcats on October 28, 2017, at Arizona Stadium in Tucson, AZ. Arizona defeated the 15th-ranked Cougars 58-37. (Photo by Carlos Herrera/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

Emmanuel Akot

F, Arizona

There are few players in this draft I want to face with a full head of steam than Akot, who downright gallops when given the space in the open floor. Akot proved in the FIBA U17 Championships (where he played for Team Canada) that he will be valuable in transition right away.

Elsewhere, it will be a matter of him fulfilling potential as a legit point forward. He’ll be a head taller than most guys guarding him if he can truly play on the ball that way. The shot is coming along, and Akot will benefit from the space allowed by having a big man like DeAndre Ayton who draws attention inside and outside in the halfcourt.

Akot can rely on a quick crossover that should buy him space while the rest of tools are sharpened during a full college season. He’s more raw, clearly, than his teammate Ayton, but those tools are enticing for any team looking to add versatility and mobility from its bigger players.

Who knows what he will be on defense at this point, aside from a few highlight blocks in international and high school competition? That’s what the college season is for — to find out things like this!