I. Offense

Pluses

Reliability is a plus: appropriately assumes role as secondary or tertiary option, providing supplemental scoring and makes the right reads with consistency. Does not force the issue. Has completely avoided the midrange, per Auburn’s design

Checks multiple boxes in the intangibles category: sets earnest screens, boxes out, promptly dives for the ball, proactively runs the floor, does not overstep parameters of role

Despite non-outlier height, boasts post play equity. Utilizes a relatively basic application of post moves, but can turn over either shoulder and use both hands to throw in the occasional jump-hook. More than comfortable occupying the right block and employing a lefty dribble. Uniquely strong base allows for competitiveness here; capitalizes on quickness advantages to get the shot off

Astute understanding of required load/balance distribution to prepare for subsequent acceleration and combines this with his quick twitch–is already “on the move” upon catching the ball, and more prepared than his contemporaries as less predictable opportunities arise

Legitimate threat on the offensive glass–catalyzed by physicality, real intent, reflexes, and vertical leap/load time advantages

Flashes a highly desirable combination of burst and body control, providing positive implications for scoring, live dribble production, and the development of his handle. This currently manifests in the way of a couple sequences per game which may feature acrobatic finishes in traffic, skying for balls from compromised positions, or converting difficult alley-oops. Isaac is capable of an explosive leap off of both feet or one foot, even if it’s his right

While he is not currently a dangerous scoring threat, Okoro shows all-around promise: can drive and finish with both hands (loves going to his left), get to the rim with frequency, post up, cut with timing and purpose, and spot up with some comfort. He is not throwing up many attempts from outside the restricted area to the midrange, but is starting to work a floater into his game. Step-through into scoop shot with his off-hand may soon be a viable weapon

Far from a dynamic or flashy passer, but hits his targets in stride with minimal required time to process the play. Generates particularly high average velocity. Has exhibited the ability to hit cutters, make the angled entry pass, make the live dribble off-hand pass from medium distance, hit the occasional skip pass, drive-and-kick; errors are minimal in this facet

Have yet to see sharper angling and space creation in his stepbacks, but his rhythm and quickness here is solid–this also extends to the catch-and-shoot (C&S). Rhythm of dip during his jumpshots is generally aligned with his feet getting square. Mechanics are consistent. Generates decent lift on his jumper with a release just above his head. Consistent and hearty wrist action/follow-through

Minuses

Isaac’s finishing game begs for more dynamism. He often gets caught contorting his body with a severe arch in his back as he tries to maintain forward pressure and avoid the shotblock. Is not manipulating the defense enough with pump-fakes, up-and-unders, etc. and is relying heavily on physical tools. A less rigid approach would also grant Okoro the flexibility to take the bump and/or work around the defense with greater ease (related: is a little dependent on the double-clutch, leading to delayed and/or unnecessarily difficult FGAs at the rim)

Okoro’s approaches and overall slashing game are currently limited by depth of handle–has not looked comfortable employing multi-move dribble sequences. Horizontal activities are minimal. The majority of his drives have maxed out at one right-left crossover or one hang dribble. While he has flashed the lefty inside-out dribble, it needs more sell. Has demonstrated the ability to switch things up with longer strides and compact movements to increase burst, but there is little evidence of Okoro intentionally slowing things down

Has shown close to no evidence of foul-drawing tactic incorporation: pace changes, rip-throughs, pump-fakes, rising “through” to make contact, etc. Okoro could also benefit from using his shoulder to create space, pause, and elevate

Shot mechanics and percentages intersect at a point that does not portend for particularly efficient shooting at the next level (.699 FT%, .243 3P%). Passes up the open shot from time to time from lack of confidence. Arms sometimes cross post-wrist extension. Removes stabilizing hand surprisingly early on in shot sequence. Ball may be sitting heavily in palm with no gap, facilitating in perceived “pushing” action during the release. Isn’t getting great ball spin. May be generating push from forearm rather than through the fingertips. During free throws, latter half of the motion can appear a bit rigid and hasty; right heel lifts off the ground in a more pronounced fashion which may be linked to right-left arm-crossing activity

Questions to Consider

What sort of ceiling does Okoro have with his jumpshot given his deficiencies? Does he retain his mechanics from 3-6+ feet out?

Can he develop a live dribble jumpshot?

Does periodic rigidity suggest for a limited ceiling as a passer, finisher, and dribbler?

In his latest game versus South Carolina, Okoro looked more comfortable at the point of attack, even throwing out a couple of flashy dribbling sequences. Is this sustainable and/or the birth of development?

II. Defense

Pluses

Boasts upper-tier speed in both East-West and North-South directions. Capable of quickly swapping hips mid-backpedal and is rarely caught off balance. Weight is on toes in dicier situations. Has plus-level acceleration and top speed to shadow the offense, recover, and close out. Openly face-guards and periodically hits the opposition with a full-court press; lateral speed, vertical leap, strength, IQ, and quick reflexes give him massive amounts to work with

Great knack for snagging the ball from behind–this involves anticipation of a change of dribble hand and quick hands of his own

Grants legitimate rim protection as a wing: proper application of verticality, aptly throws out charge-draws, shows correct timing and legitimate ups to affect shots at and above the rim. Is even keyed in on incoming bigs as a weakside defender/rover. Minimal requirement of “load time” catalyzes some of his ability in this facet

Spaces and applies pressure accordingly with a tenacity and intelligence that greatly exceeds those of the same age: digs on handlers from an off-ball position without conceding too much, mitigates losses when he has left his feet, simultaneously guards the passing lane and his man, keeps hands active, scrambles when necessary

Has legitimate multi-positional versatility

Neutralizes would-be mismatches by holding his ground on defensive boards

Minuses

Habitually gets stuck in limbo, wavering between a charge-draw attempt and a true contest attempt

Struggles a bit with incoming screens as he can be hyper-focused with face-guarding and any activities at the point of attack; does not keep head on a swivel

Can appear a little heavy-footed in steps 1-2 if rounding a corner and requiring acceleration from a flat-footed position

Unimpressive length for his archetype

Questions to Consider

Versus larger opponents at the next level, can Okoro hope to guard bigs in a similar fashion?

Does he have the length to compete versus bigger 3’s and 4’s?

How effectively can Okoro clean up his execution versus on- and off-ball screens?

What kind of defensive leader/communicator can he be?

III. Statistical Profile

Courtesy of Basketball-Reference and Synergy Sports Technology:

Key notes from ’19-20:

Currently boasts no “standout” categories statistically, but his stocks (STL+BLK) at 2.5 per 40 show quite well

Has not shot the 3-ball with high confidence or accuracy; FT% also unspectacular

Offensive marks have fared very well overall, including those that project to be most relevant at the next level: Spot Up, Post-Up, Transition, and Cut; generating plenty of transition opportunities

Despite physical profile and outside activity levels, has generated more post-up possessions than those with P&R ball-handling, cutting, and hand-offs

Relatively unspectacular assist to turnover ratio of 1:1

FTr of .468 is more than adequate, but can see much improvement yet

IV. Physical Profile & Miscellaneous

January 26, 2001 DOB (19.00 years)

Estimated 6’5.5″ with a 6’8″ wingspan

Estimated 38.0-38.5″ vertical leap (note aforementioned advantages with load time and absence of lead foot/loading dependencies)

A-minus overall athlete for archetype

~0.8 second window for release during C&S sequences–slightly quicker than average

Powerful athlete with absurdly strong and developed base. Thigh muscles bulge out of his shorts. Body fat remains low despite mass. Consistently knocks guards and bigs alike off of their spots, will unintentionally plow through screens during a close-out

Reaction speed is a clear plus

Dorsiflexion involved in initiation of slashing sequences suggests for strong and flexible ankles

Has desirable blend of quick processing speed and good anticipation

Intangibles and motor are a strong plus

Malleability is a positive, with the potential for more if he is able to develop a consistent jumpshot

Does not possess the same fluidity that is reminiscent of other top prospects (passing/handling/finishing/jumpshooting)

V. Archetypal Diagnosis

Offense: Utility Wing-Plus

Defense: Wing Defender-Plus

VI. Gradient Score vs. Same-Archetype Prospects

VII. Overall Outlook

As of late January 2020, Isaac Okoro offers a uniquely well-rounded game with the potential to instantly contribute at the next level on defense. There are no guarantees of dynamic on-ball play or reliable shooting in the immediate future, however, which may limit his potential for “top pick” consideration. Nonetheless, Isaac’s all-around prospects suggest that he may be the best candidate for his archetype: for any team that is intrigued by a heady wing that projects for a high “floor” and sneaky upside, a selection landing as high as the #7-10 range would be warranted.