NBA Draft 2020 Prospect Watch: Daniel Oturu

COLUMBUS, OH - JANUARY 23: Daniel Oturu #25 of the Minnesota Golden Gophers looks on against the Ohio State Buckeyes during a game at Value City Arena on January 23, 2020 in Columbus, Ohio. Minnesota defeated Ohio State 62-59 (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
COLUMBUS, OH - JANUARY 23: Daniel Oturu #25 of the Minnesota Golden Gophers looks on against the Ohio State Buckeyes during a game at Value City Arena on January 23, 2020 in Columbus, Ohio. Minnesota defeated Ohio State 62-59 (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /
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COLUMBUS, OH – JANUARY 23: (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
COLUMBUS, OH – JANUARY 23: (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /

Strengths

Much of Oturu’s sophomore leap this season can be attributed to his offensive production.

While his offensive repertoire can certainly be seen as a throwback to a different time, Oturu uses his physicality, athleticism and skilled back-to-the-basket game to overpower defenders in the post. On top of that, Oturu is able to put the ball down on the floor and take defenders off the dribble one-on-one and finish at the rack. Oturu converted 71.8 percent of his opportunities at the rim, per Hoop-Math.

As far as his ability to function in pick-and-rolls, Oturu possesses great hands and while not an impressive leaper, can catch lobs and/or muscle through opposing big men to finish at the basket.

Defensively, the combination of Oturu’s athleticism, mobility, and physical tools all shine in the way he protected the basket for the Gophers. Having averaged 1.8 blocks per game over his two years in Minnesota, Oturu’s nine-foot standing reach stands as quite the detriment for opponents to maneuver around when looking to penetrate the paint.

Lastly, Oturu’s nose for the ball and overall hustle lends itself well in cleaning up on the glass on both ends of the floor where he averaged double figures in rebounds (12.4) for both of his college seasons by per-40 minute standards. Whether it’s being able to extend offensive possessions as well as create second opportunities or win the possession battle, Oturu is more than capable of doing all of those things.