James Snook-USA TODAY Sports
Gonzaga Bulldogs’ Kelly Olynyk broke out in a big way in the 2012-13 college basketball season. He even helped the Bulldogs reach No. 1 in the rankings. As a result of such a great year, Olynyk decided to take his talents to the NBA. So, how is that stock looking for the 2013 NBA Draft?
Olynyk should be a lock for the lottery, but there are a couple of mock drafts out there that have him just outside of it. For the most part, though, Olynyk should go anywhere from pick No. 10 to pick No. 16.
Olynynk went from 5.8 points per game and 3.8 rebounds per game to 17.8 points per game and 7.3 rebounds per game in one season. A lot of that had to do with a big increase in playing time, but Olynyk definitely got better as a player.
He was one of the best big men in the game this year and his seven-foot height will attract many NBA teams in the draft. It would be crazy if he actually did fall out of the lottery, but I don’t think that will actually be the case. His team may have had an early exit in the 2013 NCAA Tournament, despite being a No. 1 seed, but Olynyk was one of the best players in college hoops all season long and he has the talent to succeed at the next level.
I think Olynyk is worthy of a top 10 pick, but going in the lottery would not be bad whatsoever. If he does not get picked in the top 14, teams will be all over him after that–as they should be.
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