[ChammesParticipant]

 Saw this guy on reddit compare Semi to Jimmy butler, gotta say it makes a ton of sense. Butler played 4 and even 5 as a college player, and to Ojeleye’s advantage hes a much better prospect than butler was. Right now there basically the same size but Semi is pure muscle and is a better shooter than  butler at marquette. Wanted to know what yall think on this….

[OhCanada-Participant]

 Been saying it all year. If this guy shows ball handling abillity in his pre draft workouts hes going lottery. Will probally be a three position guy in the NBA (SG, SF, PF) lile a bigger Jaylen Brown (Jaylen is huge) or like a Danny Granger. Hope hes still availabke when the Raptors pick but highly doubt it. No way I would pick Justin Jackson ahead of him. 

[Dazzling Dunks and Basketball BloopersParticipant]

 I don’t love the comparison. They are both about 6-7 but ojeleye projects much more as a pf who could possibly play some SF at the next level. He has a nice touch and could develop his ability off the dribble over time, but I don’t think he’ll ever have the diverse offensive repetiore butler does. He has a much thicker and more powerful frame than butler and is not nearly as mobile on the perimeter. They are both very good athletes, but ojeleye has a different type of athleticsm than butler does. He is not nearly as adept creating off the dribble as butler was even as a college player. I’d say someone like jae crowder is a much more accurate comparison. 

[OhCanada-Participant]

I spoke about him earlier in the year. I feel like my assessment was right on the money especially with him taking a back seat to Milton in crunch time which is why they lost to USC.

To be honest he has the perfect physical and athletic makeup for a wing. His skills scream 3 and D but anything more is kind of a stretch but hes still way behind on his development so that should be taken into consideration which is a good and bad thing at his age. He plays alot of minutes and lacks the alpha mentality but should make a great role player with potential for morw. Here it is.

Semi Ojeyele/SMU/6’7 235/

Projected NBA POS/SF/20th-30th pick

STRENGTHS

At the college level he starts at C for SMU. He is 6’7 and incredibly built at least 230-240 pounds. Although he is heavy he is very light on his feet displays great athletic ability and first step. His endurance seems to be limitless as he is one of the league leaders in minutes played and seems to be giving it his all while on the court. Although he starts at C and guards opposing teams C he can switch off that position all the way up to PG in the AAC although he projects as a guy you would want gaurding SF’s and sometimes SG’s and PF’s. He has a very smooth jumpshot from 3-pt range when he sets his feet set. Plays the game the right way, is very physical and stays on the court, sets good picks/screens and crashes the glass. Uses his body well. While being composed and mature he is still a tough competitor and brings a physical edge that guys like Justin Anderson bring without the crazy factor.

WEAKNESSES

Really lacks an in between game. Has yet to prove he can do more than shoot the three, excel in transition, and clean up buckets around the rim. His lack of a handle makes his explosive first step useless on offense and he also lacks a polished midrange game allowing teams to easily cheat on closeouts without being scared of him opting to blow by them. Plays in a weak conference without much size. Likely will not be as versatile in the NBA and has some tweener potential. Couldn’t Crack the lineup at Duke in a tougher environment but seems to have learned from that experience. Does not look to dominate much and seems incapable of doing so. Shake Milton usually dictates the flow of the game for SMU and he concedes to him more often than not.

OVERALL

Ojeyele has very good role player potential. He projects as a great athlete, an exceptional defender at his position and a capable shooter. With his size, height, length, physicality and versatility he is a pretty safe bet to be able to fit a role in the league sooner than later. You wish that he had a better handle and more complete game but it’s not like he is completely done developing either. I’d say he impresses in workouts. I wouldn’t let him slide past the 40th pick in any of my mocks but I see him as a likely late 1st.

[r377Participant]

I really like Semi, he is one of my favourite prospects. He can do a bit of everything – shoot, pass, defend, rebound. He is quick and explosive and has a body of greek god!!

He can play SF or PF at the next level – he isn’t a bad Anthony bennett tweener. He can play inside or outside as he has the strength and speed. He might be able to occasionally guard SG but will primarily be SF or PF.

ohcanada is quite accurate about his description. I do think he does have a bit of in between game and is good inside and outside. He is good all-round.

Comparisons – I am thinking Stanley Johnson. In fact when I was watching him play – I would love to see Semi go one on one with Jaylen Brown and/or Stanley Johnson (I think both are overrated).

I just don’t know where he will be selected and how good he will be as a pro – Will he become a starter or role player ? Teams will fall in love with him but I don’t know where he will go in the draft – it might be as high as late lottery or drop as much as early second rounder.

He is bit of a question mark and bit of a draft risk – but a good risk if he goes late first round. I wouldn’t take him (high risk)like Isaac (5th or 6th) or Jaylen Brown (3rd) or Stanley Johnson (8th)

Ideal scenario for Semi – go late in the first to Spurs or Warriors – he will get guidance from Kahwi and Popp or Durant and Green from Warriors – WIN-WIN for both player and team

[kobyzParticipant]

 I will take Nigel Hayes over him in that category… 

[kobyzParticipant]

Semi Ojeleye-Jeff Green

[tblazer_NZParticipant]

I think he is like Ron Artest lite on offense, without the crazy. They are both strongly built and around 6’8 and use that strength to score.

[Author]

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