NBA Comparison: Trevor Booker / Gani Lawal

Strengths: Explosive and rugged forward with a high motor and physicality well-suited for the NBA … Possesses a sturdy 6’9”, 230-pound frame with long arms (7’3” wingspan and 9-foot standing reach) and excellent leaping ability … A powerful two-foot jumper with an elite second jump, allowing him to play above the rim and finish through contact … His tools make him a strong paint protector and vertical contest threat, especially at the college level … Rebounding is a major strength—he averaged 8.9 rebounds per game in 2024–25, including 2.6 on the offensive glass, showcasing great anticipation and relentless effort … Routinely outworks bigger or more experienced players for second-chance opportunities … Defensively, he offers switchability and toughness—capable of battling post scorers or guarding wings in space for short stretches … Averaged 1.1 blocks per game, using timing and discipline to alter shots without biting on fakes or jumping too early … His footwork and timing in drop coverage are advanced for a sophomore big … Offensively, he’s a dynamic finisher as a lob target and in transition … Sprints the floor consistently and cuts with purpose, catching defenses off guard … Shot an efficient 57.0% from the field, relying on soft hands, touch around the rim, and frequent dunks … Has shown solid coordination on catches in tight spaces—whether on rolls, dump-offs, or post seals … There are flashes of developing face-up skill—he can put the ball on the floor for a dribble or two and finish with a spin or euro step … His touch on short floaters and hooks hints at scoring upside beyond just dunks and put-backs … Projects as a high-energy vertical spacer with the defensive chops to contribute early in a switch-heavy system …

Weaknesses: Productivity plateaued from freshman to sophomore season—he made strides, but not enough to suggest a steep developmental curve going forward … Still learning the game, and his feel can come and go, leading to inconsistent reads on both ends … His post game and pick-and-roll decision-making are both in early stages and require considerable refinement … Often forces plays or overhelps on defense, which contributes to foul trouble (3.2 fouls per game) and occasional breakdowns in coverage … His discipline as a shot contester needs polish, as he can be overly aggressive or leave his feet too early … While he shot a promising 36.8% from three, his low volume and poor free throw percentage (66.4%) raise questions about long-term shooting reliability … Rarely attempts midrange shots and lacks a go-to jumper, which limits his offensive versatility in the halfcourt … Touch is evident at times, but not yet consistent from beyond the paint … His ball-handling is functional for straight-line drives but remains loose—he struggles to protect the ball under pressure and isn’t comfortable initiating or creating … Passing remains an area for growth; his assist-to-turnover ratio (1.6 to 2.4) reflects undeveloped decision-making and limited vision … Laterally, his foot speed is average—quick enough to contain in spots, but not at a high level … May struggle in switch-heavy defensive schemes when matched against quicker fours or guards, especially until he sharpens his angles and reaction timing … Not an above-the-rim athlete by NBA standards, which could limit his margin for error in the pros …

Outlook: Arguably the most consistent motor in the ACC … Ndongo projects as a high-energy, two-way big with upside as a modern power forward or small-ball five … His NBA path is likely as a rim-runner, rebounder, and defensive presence early on, with the potential to grow into more as his offensive polish and feel improve … Averaged 11.8 points, 8.9 rebounds, 1.3 assists, 1.1 blocks, and shot 57.0% FG during the 2024–25 season … If he can develop a reliable 15–18 foot jumper, improve his passing reads, and cut back on fouls, he could stick as a valuable rotation piece … His age, athletic profile, and relentless energy make him an intriguing target for teams drafting late in the first or early in the second round … There are flashes of Pascal Siakam’s early traits, but he still has a long way to go in terms of offensive creation and versatility …

Notes: Measured 6′ 8.25” barefoot, 9′ 0.00” standing reach, 226.2 lbs, 7′ 2.75” wingspan, 28” standing vert, 33.5” max vert at the 2024 NBA G-League Combine … Named to the 2024–25 ACC All-Freshman Team after a breakout season at Georgia Tech … Posted a season-high 21 points and 12 rebounds in a win over Duke … Native of Mboro, Senegal … Grew up in a soccer-oriented family, encouraged by his sister to try basketball at age 14 … One of nine siblings (three brothers, five sisters) … Majoring in Applied Language and Intercultural Studies … Last name is pronounced “nDON-go” …

Aran Smith | 4/14/25