USC freshman phenom Okongwu entering NBA draft
USC star Onyeka Okongwu announced Wednesday on social media that he is entering the NBA draft.
To my family, coaches, teammates, fans, and everyone else whose been supporting me on my journey, thank you 🖤 #21Forever #FightOn pic.twitter.com/OZndkVo3io
— Onyeka Okongwu (@BigO21_) March 25, 2020
The 6-foot-9 forward doesn't intend on returning to USC next season.
"I am declaring for the draft, forgoing my final three years of school (and) planning on signing with an agent in the near future," Okongwu told ESPN's Jonathan Givony and Adrian Wojnarowski via text message.
Okongwu was one of the top freshmen in the country, averaging 16.2 points, 8.6 boards, 2.7 blocks, and 1.2 steals across 28 appearances this season. He shot a Pac-12-leading 61.6% from the field and ranked second in the conference with 76 total swats.
Okongwu is almost a sure bet to be taken within the lottery and was projected at sixth overall in the latest mock draft by The Athletic's Sam Vecenie. He runs the floor well in transition and his defensive instincts are excellent. The big man's ability to read passing lanes and react instantaneously resulted in plenty of steals.