Strengths: 6’11 athletic big man … Great size, strength, and aggression. Has great length with a 7’5 wingspan. Takes up a lot of space and holds position against the biggest opponents … Plays physical and likes to bang. It’s common for defenders to get out of the way after he catches it where he wants it and attacks. Needs to be tracked every offensive possession and wears down the man guarding him … Explosive athlete. Gets off the ground very well for a player with his size. Reliable finisher … Good shot blocker. Can serve as an anchor on defense … Very good rebounder on both ends. Holds position well and secures nearly everything he can get his hand on … Shows some touch and a developing jump hook from in close for a solid foundation for a back to the basket game … Embraces his role as a big man. Doesn’t try to step out to the perimeter and play outside his game …

Weaknesses: Still very raw in terms of skillset. Doesn’t provide much outside the paint. Can improve his post-game and footwork. Can improve his face up game and free throw shooting … Foul prone. Uses hands too much on defense and can develop a better understanding of defensive positioning … Even though his size and length stand out even at the highest levels, he will need to add more to his offensive game. He gets by with simply catching and finishing at the high school level … Needs to improve conditioning, gets winded throughout the game. Not very effective when he’s the last one up the court …

Outlook: Azubuike stands out with his size, strength, and athleticism. Still raw in his development, he has the opportunity to make an impact at Kansas, where he will spend a minimum of two years due to his listed age. Azubuike played in the McDonald’s All American Game, Jordan Brand Classic, and Nike Hoop Summit.

Notes: Measured 6’9, 268 lbs with a 7’5 wingspan at the 2014 Nike Elite 100 … Measured 6’11.5’’ in shoes, with a 7’5’’ wingspan and 267 lbs at the 2015 Nike Basketball Academy

Evan Tomes 7/5/16

September 22, 2013