New York Knicks: 14 NBA Draft Targets in the 2017 NCAA Tournament

Chip Murphy • 03/16/2017

Nov 23, 2016; Lexington, KY, USA; Kentucky Wildcats forward Edrice Bam Adebayo (3) shoots the ball against the Cleveland State Vikings in the first half at Rupp Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark Zerof-USA TODAY Sports

14. Bam Adebayo, Kentucky Wildcats

Position: Center
Age: 19 (07/18/1997)
Height, Weight, Wingspan: 6’10”, 250 pounds, 7’1.5″
2016-17 Slash Line: .614/.000/.650
2016-17 Averages: 29.6 MPG, 13.3 PPG, 7.8 RPG, 1.6 BPG, 0.7 SPG

Bam Adebayo is the most enigmatic of the many five-star recruits on John Calipari’s Kentucky team. With guards Malik Monk and De’Aaron Fox getting all the headlines, Adebayo has flown under the radar.

His appeal as an NBA prospect begins with his tremendous potential to dominate on the interior on both ends of the court with a ridiculous combination of strength and athleticism.

https://youtu.be/R0LHLlqdryA

A 7’1.5″ wingspan and 39.5″ maximum vertical leap are incredible for a player of that size. Bam used those physical gifts to dominate the SEC this season.

The 19-year-old finished in the top ten in the conference in rebounding, blocks, and field goal percentage. According to Hoop-math.com, Adebayo converted on a staggering 79.2 percent of his field goal attempts at the rim.

Right now, the youngster can’t do much away from the basket. He’s raw and any team choosing him would be taking a risk.

Once his skill level improves, Adebayo has a chance to be one of the most explosive big men in the NBA.

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