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Name: Trevor Mbakwe
Age: 24
Height: 6-foot-8
Position: Power Forward
School/Country: Minnesota
Latest Stats: 10.0 ppg, 8.7 rpg, 1.4 bpg, 1.1 apg
If you’re looking for a long and somewhat unusual path to the 2013 NBA Draft, look no further than Minnesota senior power forward, Trevor Mbakwe. Mbakwe began his collegiate career at Marquette as a freshman during the 2007-08 season. A decision to transfer and some off-the-court issues circulated early on in his playing career, but Mbakwe eventually hit the court again in 2010-11. Mbakwe finally reached his peak at Minnesota, settling in, and quickly becoming a double-double machine for the Golden Gophers.
Mbakwe is now a legitimate second round prospect, but he is old (24) and his upside is certainly not anything substantial. However, Mbakwe is a banger and he has the strength and ability to bring a sense of toughness to one NBA franchise. Mbakwe has some baggage in his past, but his talent level and size are worthy of a selection. Mbakwe could go anywhere in the mid-to-late portion of the second round.
Strengths: Mbakwe has good size at 6-foot-8, 245 lbs. and his talent level has never been brought into question. Mbakwe can score with a sense of physicality around the rim and his size also allows him to be a force on the glass. In turn, Mbakwe has no trouble getting to the free throw line.
Weaknesses: Mbakwe has some baggage in his past and his collegiate career lasted six years, so he’s entering the draft at 24 years of age. Mbakwe brings a sense of toughness and physicality, but he’s a little undersized for the power forward position at 6-foot-8. Mbakwe is going to need to refine his face-up game, so he can be more successful on the offensive end of the floor.
Draft Projection: Mid-to-Late Second Round
Follow Paul Seaver on Twitter: @PaulSeaverRS
