Tobe Awaka is a right-handed big and one of those rare rebounders born with the toughness, timing, and instinctive pursuit of the rock. Awaka averaged 9.3 points and 9.1 rebounds this season at Arizona while bringing real strength, power, and athletic ability to the frontcourt. At 6'8" with a 7'2.25" wingspan and 261 pounds, Awaka is powerful, but he will still be giving up length against many NBA centers. He led the Big 12 in total offensive rebounds and posted a plus 2.7 DDiff. Awaka also jumped a 37.5" max vertical, which helps explain some of the physical force he brings near the basket. The offensive fit is limited. Awaka attempted only 17 three-point shots in four NCAA seasons, making seven of them for 41.2%, but that sample is too small to treat as a true shooting indicator. He shot 64.2% from the free throw line and had more turnovers than assists in every NCAA season. He played two seasons at Tennessee before finishing with two seasons at Arizona. There is probably a 50/50 chance Awaka is drafted. If he goes undrafted, he would make a tremendous Summer League and G League guy. His strength, power, rebounding, and defensive activity are real. There was a time, in the 1980s and early 1990s, when a player like Awaka might have thrived as a beast power forward. In today’s NBA, the shooting and positional fit make the projection more complicated, but his rebounding gift gives him a legitimate chance to earn his way into a role.
