The Athletic's John Hollinger, former long-time NBA talent evaluator and analytics expert, evaluated his "top nine players to watch in the madness of March." Oso was one of them.
Oso Ighodaro, 6-11 senior center, Marquette
Oso Ighodaro has been one of this draft cycle's more difficult evaluations, as a skilled big man who is also a non-shooting big. I'm a big believer in the idea that bigs who can pass usually figure out the rest, and some quirky-but-successful bigs of recent yore (Alperen Şengün, Nikola Jokić and, of course from my experience, Marc Gasol) are the proof of that concept. Well, Ighodaro can definitely pass; he averaged six dimes per 100 possessions in 2022-23 and is at 5.1 per 100 this season.
Ighorado also has a good handle for his size; his team even runs inverted pick-and-rolls for him at times. With that skill set, one can easily envision him operating at the elbows in a pro offense. He's a big fan of short floaters and shoots almost Şengün-esque push shots from 10 feet, plus can get to more standard jump hooks in the paint, especially against mismatches.
What's missing is the more nuts-and-bolts big man domination you'd expect to see at this level. His rebound rate of just 13.5 percent is piddling for a college five, and the shot-blocking numbers are just OK. He hasn't been an impactful rim runner either, with a tendency to turn down contact and rim attacks and settle for those short floaters. Additionally, drafting upperclassmen centers hasn't been a very productive strategy in recent times; Ighodaro will be 22 when he enters his first NBA season.
On the other hand, he's a legit 6-11 and has improved every year, and his fit at the pro level is perhaps neater than it is in college. Is that enough to get him into the top 20 in a draft where all the college bigs have question marks? A deep run from what is likely to be a No. 2 or No. 3 seed in the NCAA Tournament could help his cause.
None of us wants Oso to put additional pressure on himself, but the fact is that he can add millions of dollars to his coffers with an outstanding, extended NCAA tournament run that would be good for both himself and Marquette.
Let's go, Oso!
Quote from: MU82 on March 13, 2024, 07:58:48 AM
The Athletic's John Hollinger, former long-time NBA talent evaluator and analytics expert, evaluated his "top nine players to watch in the madness of March." Oso was one of them.
Oso Ighodaro, 6-11 senior center, Marquette
Oso Ighodaro has been one of this draft cycle's more difficult evaluations, as a skilled big man who is also a non-shooting big. I'm a big believer in the idea that bigs who can pass usually figure out the rest, and some quirky-but-successful bigs of recent yore (Alperen Şengün, Nikola Jokić and, of course from my experience, Marc Gasol) are the proof of that concept. Well, Ighodaro can definitely pass; he averaged six dimes per 100 possessions in 2022-23 and is at 5.1 per 100 this season.
Ighorado also has a good handle for his size; his team even runs inverted pick-and-rolls for him at times. With that skill set, one can easily envision him operating at the elbows in a pro offense. He's a big fan of short floaters and shoots almost Şengün-esque push shots from 10 feet, plus can get to more standard jump hooks in the paint, especially against mismatches.
What's missing is the more nuts-and-bolts big man domination you'd expect to see at this level. His rebound rate of just 13.5 percent is piddling for a college five, and the shot-blocking numbers are just OK. He hasn't been an impactful rim runner either, with a tendency to turn down contact and rim attacks and settle for those short floaters. Additionally, drafting upperclassmen centers hasn't been a very productive strategy in recent times; Ighodaro will be 22 when he enters his first NBA season.
On the other hand, he's a legit 6-11 and has improved every year, and his fit at the pro level is perhaps neater than it is in college. Is that enough to get him into the top 20 in a draft where all the college bigs have question marks? A deep run from what is likely to be a No. 2 or No. 3 seed in the NCAA Tournament could help his cause.
None of us wants Oso to put additional pressure on himself, but the fact is that he can add millions of dollars to his coffers with an outstanding, extended NCAA tournament run that would be good for both himself and Marquette.
Let's go, Oso!
He needs to come back and work on his game
Oso has a lot on the line in the upcoming weeks. That said, I have zero concern of him playing hero ball or trying to showcase himself over the team. He has proven to be as unique of a leader as he has a player. I hope he has great tournament for his sake, and it leads to deep run. He is part of a long list of MU players that is impossible not to root for.
Quote from: Goose on March 13, 2024, 08:05:16 AM
Oso has a lot on the line in the upcoming weeks. That said, I have zero concern of him playing hero ball or trying to showcase himself over the team. He has proven to be as unique of a leader as he has a player. I hope he has great tournament for his sake, and it leads to deep run. He is part of a long list of MU players that is impossible not to root for.
I frequently wish he'd play more hero ball.
I suppose we all wish Oso would return for one more year, but that's not going to happen. Therefore, I sincerely hope the NBA works out for him if that's what he wants. He is one of my all-time favorite MU players and has been a joy to watch develop.
Not exactly a ringing endorsement...
Quote from: BobWildLoyalist on March 13, 2024, 08:32:31 AM
Not exactly a ringing endorsement...
Yup. Needs to comeback and work on his jumper
Quote from: BobWildLoyalist on March 13, 2024, 08:32:31 AM
Not exactly a ringing endorsement...
I suppose if you look past the premise that he could be a top 20 draft choice.
won't hurt for Oso, Tyler and Kam to all go through the NBA draft assessment process.
I even saw a mock draft a couple weeks ago that had Kolek as the 30th pick. I haven't seen him anywhere near that high in other mocks. I think Oso was 35th in that one.
Quote from: Uncle Rico on March 13, 2024, 08:35:32 AM
Yup. Needs to comeback and work on his jumper
Blocked shots and mid range game according to the League.
Quote from: MU82 on March 13, 2024, 07:58:48 AM
None of us wants Oso to put additional pressure on himself, but the fact is that he can add millions of dollars to his coffers with an outstanding, extended NCAA tournament run that would be good for both himself and Marquette.
Let's go, Oso!
This is so true. Players with lesser names from lesser schools have gotten bigger paychecks due to madness greatness. One name that comes to mind is Wally Szerbiak ... Yeah, I probably spelled his name wrong, which helps prove the point. He would have succeeded in the NBA anyway but got a high pick. I'm not comping their skills, just saying MU82 is correct. $$ bump awaits a good March Oso.
Blk% reigns supreme!
Quote from: Dr. Blackheart on March 13, 2024, 09:11:41 AM
Blocked shots and mid range game according to the League.
the issue is FT%
We have three guys that can improve their draft stock immensely with a deep NCAA run imo. Kam has been absolutely brilliant since Tyko's injury. in a perfect workd Tyko will be fine, and our Big 3 will collectively dominate in the dance. They are more than capable of getting it done. We have to rebound, of course, but there's not a trio I'd rather have leading us to the promised land. I'm feeling a bit better about Tyko being okay.
Quote from: MuggsyB on March 13, 2024, 09:31:29 AM
We have three guys that can improve their draft stock immensely with a deep NCAA run imo. Kam has been absolutely brilliant since Tyko's injury. in a perfect workd Tyko will be fine, and our Big 3 will collectively dominate in the dance. They are more than capable of getting it done. We have to rebound, of course, but there's not a trio I'd rather have leading us to the promised land. I'm feeling a bit better about Tyko being okay.
Yes, the best way they can do that is by winning.
Quote from: FairWeatherEagle on March 13, 2024, 09:18:29 AM
This is so true. Players with lesser names from lesser schools have gotten bigger paychecks due to madness greatness. One name that comes to mind is Wally Szerbiak ... Yeah, I probably spelled his name wrong, which helps prove the point. He would have succeeded in the NBA anyway but got a high pick. I'm not comping their skills, just saying MU82 is correct. $$ bump awaits a good March Oso.
Miami's tourney run might have helped a bit, but he was already well on the NBA radar. He was also either 1st or 2nd team AA in all the AA lists.
The one thing I disagree with Hollinger's analysis is about Oso's rim running. Oso was so fantastic last year rolling to the rim that teams have to game plan to take it away.
That's a big reason why Oso shoots so many floaters this year. Opposing bigs drop so far off, that the 10-15 foot push shots are what's open. Otherwise, they lose a footrace to the rim and it's dunk city.
There are also plenty of instances where Tyler and Kam get an easier layup because the big stays home on Oso and is a step late to challenge at the rim.
I also think Oso's rebound rate is affected by our scheme. He's often on the perimeter, either switching on defense or operating in the trigger position on offense. We've seen games where Oso has dominated on the boards. I think his rebounding ability might be better than what the numbers suggest.
Quote from: Juan Anderson's Mixtape on March 13, 2024, 10:09:27 AM
The one thing I disagree with Hollinger's analysis is about Oso's rim running. Oso was so fantastic last year rolling to the rim that teams have to game plan to take it away.
That's a big reason why Oso shoots so many floaters this year. Opposing bigs drop so far off, that the 10-15 foot push shots are what's open. Otherwise, they lose a footrace to the rim and it's dunk city.
There are also plenty of instances where Tyler and Kam get an easier layup because the big stays home on Oso and is a step late to challenge at the rim.
I also think Oso's rebound rate is affected by our scheme. He's often on the perimeter, either switching on defense or operating in the trigger position on offense. We've seen games where Oso has dominated on the boards. I think his rebounding ability might be better than what the numbers suggest.
These are all outstanding points.
Quote from: Uncle Rico on March 13, 2024, 08:35:32 AM
Yup. Needs to comeback and work on his jumper
Why do you think he would improve more at Marquette then the G league. Its not 2002 anymore.
I've said it before, but it absolutely astounds me that Oso hasn't spent every waking moment of free time in the past 2 years developing a 3 point shot. It would literally have been worth (tens of) millions of dollars for him to do that. If he was knocking down 3s at a 33% rate he'd be a lotto pick.
Quote from: 1SE on March 13, 2024, 03:07:32 PM
I've said it before, but it absolutely astounds me that Oso hasn't spent every waking moment of free time in the past 2 years developing a 3 point shot. It would literally have been worth (tens of) millions of dollars for him to do that. If he was knocking down 3s at a 33% rate he'd be a lotto pick.
That's why he'll be back. Shaka will give him the green light next year
Quote from: Uncle Rico on March 13, 2024, 03:08:12 PM
That's why he'll be back. Shaka will give him the green light next year
And Cam will write a letter?
Quote from: 1SE on March 13, 2024, 03:09:28 PM
And Cam will write a letter?
He's going to Memphis
Quote from: 1SE on March 13, 2024, 03:07:32 PM
I've said it before, but it absolutely astounds me that Oso hasn't spent every waking moment of free time in the past 2 years developing a 3 point shot. It would literally have been worth (tens of) millions of dollars for him to do that. If he was knocking down 3s at a 33% rate he'd be a lotto pick.
I've seen him shoot 3s pregame and he actually has a decent stroke. I think it's mostly a case of us being able to find a better shot rather than him being incapable. Sucks we won't see it at MU, but won't be the least bit surprised if he's knocking down jump shots at the next level.
Quote from: #UnleashSean on March 13, 2024, 02:55:28 PM
Why do you think he would improve more at Marquette then the G league. Its not 2002 anymore.
Why do you think Uncle Rico is making a serious post? He hasn't been serious since 2002
Quote from: TAMU, Knower of Ball on March 13, 2024, 05:10:35 PM
Why do you think Uncle Rico is making a serious post? He hasn't been serious since 2002
I need more teal in my life.
Quote from: TAMU, Knower of Ball on March 13, 2024, 05:10:35 PM
Why do you think Uncle Rico is making a serious post? He hasn't been serious since 2002
When Oso goes undrafted without a degree, good luck learning Chinese
Not mentioned in Hollinger's' report is Oso's intelligence and leadership, both of which were obvious even before Oso received the conference's top scholar-athlete award today.
Despite the time commitment he had to make to basketball, Oso got his finance degree in 3 years (3.54 GPA) and is expected to earn his MBA this summer (3.80 GPA as a grad student).
That's super-impressive, and it goes right with his high basketball IQ. I always love when they show the huddles during timeouts and it's Oso leading it.
We won't see the likes of him again soon, if ever.
Quote from: Uncle Rico on March 13, 2024, 05:12:33 PM
When Oso goes undrafted without a degree, good luck learning Chinese
我说中文很好，婊子
Quote from: MU82 on March 13, 2024, 05:15:27 PM
Despite the time commitment he had to make to basketball, Oso got his finance degree in 3 years (3.54 GPA) and is expected to earn his MBA this summer (3.80 GPA as a grad student).
I'd like to seem him try this at the Harvard of the Midwest.
Quote from: TAMU, Knower of Ball on March 13, 2024, 05:10:35 PM
Why do you think Uncle Rico is making a serious post? He hasn't been serious since 2002January 1, 2020
https://www.illinois.gov/news/press-release.20242.html (https://www.illinois.gov/news/press-release.20242.html)
Quote from: oldwarrior81 on March 13, 2024, 09:01:37 AM
I even saw a mock draft a couple weeks ago that had Kolek as the 30th pick.
Hmmm, we've had a 30th pick that worked out pretty well.
Quote from: MU82 on March 13, 2024, 05:15:27 PM
We won't see the likes of him again soon, if ever.
True. But sad.
Quote from: Pakuni on March 13, 2024, 05:18:03 PM
I'd like to seem him try this at the Harvard of the Midwest.
Aw c'mon ... he'd have excelled at St. Thomas, too!
Quote from: MU82 on March 13, 2024, 05:15:27 PM
Not mentioned in Hollinger's' report is Oso's intelligence and leadership, both of which were obvious even before Oso received the conference's top scholar-athlete award today.
Despite the time commitment he had to make to basketball, Oso got his finance degree in 3 years (3.54 GPA) and is expected to earn his MBA this summer (3.80 GPA as a grad student).
That's super-impressive, and it goes right with his high basketball IQ. I always love when they show the huddles during timeouts and it's Oso leading it.
We won't see the likes of him again soon, if ever.
I was speaking with Dr. Kati Tusinski Berg tonight. She's Associate Dean of Academics and head of student athlete academics. She said her job is not hard because we're blessed with excellent academic student athletes. They're all great students.
Except Tyler. Waitng for him to be cleared.
Quote from: tower912 on March 13, 2024, 07:40:00 PM
Except Tyler. Waitng for him to be cleared.
LOL!
After the discussion I had the, aw shucks, moment that I should have asked that on behalf of MUScoop.
Quote from: CountryRoads on March 13, 2024, 03:33:06 PM
I've seen him shoot 3s pregame and he actually has a decent stroke. I think it's mostly a case of us being able to find a better shot rather than him being incapable. Sucks we won't see it at MU, but won't be the least bit surprised if he's knocking down jump shots at the next level.
wouldn't be surprised at all, agree. Look at Brooke Lopez. I don't recall him raining threes against MU back in the day but it's now his specialty in the league
Quote from: tower912 on March 13, 2024, 07:40:00 PM
Except Tyler. Waitng for him to be cleared.
Tyler has almost finished Dr. Seuss' Green Eggs and Ham.
Quote from: Uncle Rico on March 13, 2024, 08:35:32 AM
Yup. Needs to comeback and work on his jumper
NIL $$$$
Watching Nova tonight I think I see what Oso is missing....it's what Dixon has. Not saying he's better than Oso but his game looks NBA ready and Oso College ready. I'm changing my mind, Now I think 1 more year for him.
One more year isn't going to help him. This is who he is. He's going to get his graduate degree in May. It's time.
He should be watching every second of tape on Draymond that he can. Other than the head case part of the game.
Quote from: wadesworld on March 14, 2024, 10:35:58 PM
He should be watching every second of tape on Draymond that he can. Other than the head case part of the game.
What's Draymond without the case in his head? ;D
Nm
whoops
Quote from: FairWeatherEagle on March 14, 2024, 10:25:53 PM
Watching Nova tonight I think I see what Oso is missing....it's what Dixon has. Not saying he's better than Oso but his game looks NBA ready and Oso College ready. I'm changing my mind, Now I think 1 more year for him.
You're wrong at least twice here.
Quote from: FairWeatherEagle on March 14, 2024, 10:25:53 PM
Watching Nova tonight I think I see what Oso is missing....it's what Dixon has. Not saying he's better than Oso but his game looks NBA ready and Oso College ready. I'm changing my mind, Now I think 1 more year for him.
Dixon will be missing the NCAAt, Oso won't.
Dixon will be missing the 1st round of the NBA Draft, Oso won't.
I'm not sure the last few games have been particularly good for Oso from an NBA draft perspective. He has to develop some sort of a face-up jumper. I believe he can but it is odd to me that he has this push shot. He also tends to drive and jump off of one foot in lieu of planting and having a serviceable post game. Tyko makes his offensive game considerably better. I think his ability to guard and switch is an asset, as well as his passing and ball handling, but he has a ways to go offensively imo.
宮保雞丁
Quote from: MuggsyB on March 17, 2024, 12:25:24 PM
I'm not sure the last few games have been particularly good for Oso from an NBA draft perspective. He has to develop some sort of a face-up jumper. I believe he can but it is odd to me that he has this push shot. He also tends to drive and jump off of one foot in lieu of planting and having a serviceable post game. Tyko makes his offensive game considerably better. I think his ability to guard and switch is an asset, as well as his passing and ball handling, but he has a ways to go offensively imo.
Won't matter. He won't be here next year.
Quote from: Uncle Rico on March 17, 2024, 12:52:51 PM
Won't matter. He won't be here next year.
I realize that.
Quote from: MuggsyB on March 17, 2024, 12:25:24 PM
I'm not sure the last few games have been particularly good for Oso from an NBA draft perspective. He has to develop some sort of a face-up jumper. I believe he can but it is odd to me that he has this push shot. He also tends to drive and jump off of one foot in lieu of planting and having a serviceable post game. Tyko makes his offensive game considerably better. I think his ability to guard and switch is an asset, as well as his passing and ball handling, but he has a ways to go offensively imo.
Oso will be drafted on his ability to play multiple defensive positions well, his passing ability and his intelligence. A number of teams will be interested in him, and those teams will feel confident they can work with him on his shooting.
Quote from: MuggsyB on March 17, 2024, 12:58:53 PM
I realize that.
Any 4-year kid has some flaws in their game. If they didn't, they'd have declared earlier.
The ability to guard 5 positions got Omax drafted. Oso is better. And a better passer. Can run the offense through him.
Quote from: MU82 on March 14, 2024, 11:34:46 PM
You're wrong at least twice here.
You're wrong saying I'm wrong. Oso standing around on the three point line with no one within 10 feet of him is a bad look. At least dribble in 3 feet and shoot a jumper. Can't do that. Dixon is confident at the three line and is also a strong body. Oso is better for sure around the basket and passing. Yes, he's better than Dixon but he lacks key NBA abilities. Sorry it's true. As for first round, I hope so. And you can ping me back with "I told you so" if he does. But Im not sure about that
Quote from: MuggsyB on March 17, 2024, 12:25:24 PM
I'm not sure the last few games have been particularly good for Oso from an NBA draft perspective. He has to develop some sort of a face-up jumper. I believe he can but it is odd to me that he has this push shot. He also tends to drive and jump off of one foot in lieu of planting and having a serviceable post game. Tyko makes his offensive game considerably better. I think his ability to guard and switch is an asset, as well as his passing and ball handling, but he has a ways to go offensively imo.
I agree
Quote from: FairWeatherEagle on March 17, 2024, 01:12:35 PM
You're wrong saying I'm wrong. Oso standing around on the three point line with no one within 10 feet of him is a bad look. At least dribble in 3 feet and shoot a jumper. Can't do that. Dixon is confident at the three line and is also a strong body. Oso is better for sure around the basket and passing. Yes, he's better than Dixon but he lacks key NBA abilities. Sorry it's true. As for first round, I hope so. And you can ping me back with "I told you so" if he does. But Im not sure about that
I'll be happy to bet you about which player goes earlier in the NBA Draft.
I'm not sure Oso has ever taken a jump shot in his time at MU. It's a testament to his other abilities that he's even a draft prospect with such a limited skill set offensively as a scorer.
Quote from: MU82 on March 17, 2024, 02:17:50 PM
I'll be happy to bet you about which player goes earlier in the NBA Draft.
🤣Bet me again?, you said that on another thread. That has the juice of a 12 year old.
Quote from: FairWeatherEagle on March 17, 2024, 02:54:49 PM
🤣Bet me again?, you said that on another thread. That has the juice of a 12 year old.
Got it. You're sure enough to repeat something over and over, but not
quite sure enough about it ...
Quote from: FairWeatherEagle on March 17, 2024, 01:12:35 PM
You're wrong saying I'm wrong. Oso standing around on the three point line with no one within 10 feet of him is a bad look. At least dribble in 3 feet and shoot a jumper. Can't do that. Dixon is confident at the three line and is also a strong body. Oso is better for sure around the basket and passing. Yes, he's better than Dixon but he lacks key NBA abilities. Sorry it's true. As for first round, I hope so. And you can ping me back with "I told you so" if he does. But Im not sure about that
One disappointment this year has Oso not trying 3 point shots or even a 15 footer, Kolek mentioned earlier this year year that Oso would surprise this year with that shot. UConn was just laying back and giving him that, that affects the whole offense when they do that. Can not make back cuts
I will go out on a limb here and suggest that neither Shaka nor Nevada believe that the key to our offense is Oso taking 3s.
Quote from: BCHoopster on March 17, 2024, 03:47:36 PM
One disappointment this year has Oso not trying 3 point shots or even a 15 footer, Kolek mentioned earlier this year year that Oso would surprise this year with that shot. UConn was just laying back and giving him that, that affects the whole offense when they do that. Can not make back cuts
He's taken a number of 15-footers, all push shots from right at or around the FT line.
Quote from: The Sultan of Semantics on March 17, 2024, 03:52:41 PM
I will go out on a limb here and suggest that neither Shaka nor Nevada believe that the key to our offense is Oso taking 3s.
That's not the point, just make the bigs come out a tad
Quote from: BCHoopster on March 17, 2024, 04:48:17 PM
That's not the point, just make the bigs come out a tad
The point is the coaches don't want him too. I've seen him take practice 3 pointers.
It appears this is an unusually weak NBA draft.