On April 10th, Stanford freshman Obuka Okori just declared for the NBA draft, and after dropping 23.2 points per game this season. It's a move that makes total sense. The 19-year-old guard also grabbed 3.6 rebounds, dished 3.6 assists, and swiped 1.6 steals, shooting 46. 0.5% from the field, and 35.4% from 3.
Dudes a bucket-gitter who attacks the rim and stretches the floor. Draft experts have him all over the map right now. ESPN slots him at number 38 on their big board, while the ringer has him at number 30, hinting he could slide to Dallas if they pick. There.
He jumps him to number 28 in a mock to Minnesota, but CBS Sports left him out of their first round projection entirely. Stanford fans are buzzing about what this means for the program, especially with the Kory's star power fueling hopes for a deep tournament run next, year. His departure leaves a gap, but his spotlight's how NIL deals are changing the game, tempting top talents to stay in school for big money instead of. Late picks worth a couple million guaranteed.
The next month shapes everything, with workouts and feedback from teams wrapping up. Reports say he's fully in on the draft, but open to returning if a first round spot isn't locked, and Stanford's already hustling NIL cash to sway him. Over path Okori takes, he's got the tools to light up the league or elevate the cardinal, keep an eye on that May 27 deadline when he decides for real.