NBA Comparison: Ronny Turiaf/PJ Brown

Strengths: Nnaji is a wiry strong, mobile big man who is skilled enough to stretch the floor and threaten with perimeter shooting with a little development … Plays with great passion and intensity, bringing very solid consistency for a player his age (turned 19 in January) … Has great footwork in the post and in the pick and roll/pop game … Excellent rebounder due to his energy, positioning, and length … Averaged over 3 offensive rebounds per game … Solid 7’1 wingspan on a 6’10 frame … Mixes up his variety of post moves well and moves his feet well to pivot to an ideal spot for a hook shot … Smooth shooting stroke that will allow for quick development at the next level … Quick first step off the dribble allows him to drive by taller, less athletic big men … Efficient interior scorer at 58% on the season … Prevents foul trouble with great technique and footwork in the post … Plays under control with good hands and athleticism in the post … Very solid free throw percentage for a big man (76%) … Solid upside. One of the youngest players available in this year’s draft …

Weaknesses: While he has good speed and quickness and plays extremely hard, his upside is limited to some degree by his lack of great explosiveness … One of Nnaji’s main weaknesses is ball security. He turns the ball over (2.2 TPG) entirely too often … Three-point shooting needs to improve at the next level as he shot just 5-17 in his freshman season. He has a solid shot so it will be a matter of working on extending his range through work in the gym … Below average passer who averaged under one assist per game as a freshman … Even with a solid willingness to play physical, he is too lean to compete with some of the elite big men in the NBA … Listed at 240 lbs, but looks lighter. Needs to bulk up if he wants to play consistently in the post … Did not showcase as an elite rim protector at the college level which leaves questions about whether or not he will be able to in the NBA … His inability to block shots at the college level speaks to his lack of great verticality and explosiveness …

Outlook: Proved to be one of the most prolific and productive freshmen in the nation after coming into Arizona as their third highest rated recruit (Mannion, Green) … Shows solid upside as a stretch four if he improves his perimeter shooting … Projected mid-late first round pick … NBA ready player who can become an instant starter in the right situation … Could thrive as a glass cleaner early on as he develops from a center into a stretch four … Did not have a good season shot blocking, (0.9 per game) but with his size, wingspan, and desire, he should be able to improve in this area at the next level …

Notes: Measured: 6’9.25” barefoot, 6’10.50” in shoes, 8’9.50” standing reach, 246.8 lbs, 7’2.00” wingspan at the 2020 NBA Combine … Nnaji measured 6’10 barefoot, 6’11 in shoes, 228 lbs, with a 7’1 wingspan, and a 8’11 standing reach in mid 2018 …Averaged 16.1 PPG, 8.6 RPG, 0.9 BPG, and 0.7 SPG as a freshman at Arizona … Measures at 6’11, 240 pounds … Pac-12 Rookie of the Year … 1st team all Pac-12

Derek Bast 4/11/20