The likelihood of Georgia Tech guard Josh Okogie leaving Tech apparently has taken a significant step forward the past two days in Chicago, where he has impressed onlookers at the NBA draft combine.
According to a report from SI.com, Okogie "fortified his case to stay in the draft" with his play Thursday and Friday. He was named "most impressive athlete" by CBSSports.com after tying for highest vertical leap (42 inches) and fastest three-quarter court sprint (3.04 seconds). NBA draft expert Sam Vecenie tweeted Thursday that Okogie was "a big winner."
Okogie has yet to hire an agent, so he still could return to Tech for his junior season. However, he apparently is doing plenty to raise his draft stock. That is precisely what scouts told the AJC what they thought he was capable of doing at the combine.
Whether Okogie can play himself into the first round is unclear, but it would seem increasingly clear that Okogie is a solid prospect. He said after his workout with the Hawks that the goal isn't necessarily to be drafted in the first round, but "to stay in the league." The feedback that he's getting from NBA scouts that he can do that is likely encouraging, whether he starts his career this year or next.
“Okogie was better on Thursday than Friday, but on the whole he fortified his case to remain in the draft. His strong build and athletic tools are ideal for his role as an off-guard who plays both ends of the floor and adds a little bit of everything. After spending the season anchoring a struggling Georgia Tech team in a large role, it was positive to see Okogie rise to the level of talent around him. He does have a bit of an on/off switch, particularly on defense, but when engaged he really stood out moving his feet on the perimeter. His shot selection and occasionally wild play is also a concern. Okogie’s not a lock for the first round but you can see it happening, particularly given he doesn’t turn 20 until September.”
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