Cavs 2022 NBA Draft Notebook: Ochai Agbaji Scouting Report

Ochai Agbaji Scouting Report

Height/Weight: 6’5″, 215 LBS

2021-2022 Kansas Stats: 18.8 PPG, 5.1 RPG, 1.6 APG

3-Point/Field Goal/Free Throw: 40.9%/47.5%/74.3%

Ochai Agbaji is proof that going back to school can benefit you in the draft. After his first three years at Kansas, he would have been lucky to have been a second-round pick in the 2021 NBA Draft. However, his evolution this season is somewhat similar to that of Jaden Ivey. Both took feedback from NBA evaluators last year, and improved in those areas.

For Agbaji, that was improving his outside shooting, and his perimeter defense. Standing at 6’5,” with a 6’10” wingspan, he projects to be one of the best 3-and-D prospects in the 2022 NBA Draft.

When you first start watching the wing out of Kansas, you immediately notice his quick-release, and smooth shooting stroke. Throughout his career at Kansas his three-point shooting got better every year. During his final year at Kansas he was taking and making more three-pointers than most NBA prospects.

His quick release prevents potential shot-blockers, and forces defenses to close out hard. But, he rarely hesitates when he shoots, so if he feels like it should go up, it’s going up.

On the defensive end, he has a lot of athleticism and leaping ability, but he’s not as explosive as guys like Hardy, Ivey, and others at the top of most draft boards. Even still, his large wingspan is a huge asset that he uses.

He was able to force turnovers by getting in passing lanes, and putting pressure on opposing guards. He’s not the best defensive prospect in the draft, but there are prospects that are much worse off than him.