AJC > Sports > Tech > Blog > Archives > 2009 > February > 09
Monday, February 9, 2009
Lawal’s looming decision
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
As great as Tech’s basketball recruiting class is, next season hinges on one thing above all else: whether Gani Lawal comes back.
The 6-9 sophomore said last week he is planning to return, but also that he would explore the NBA after the season. When I asked if he’d leave if he were a guaranteed lottery pick, he said it was too early to say.
In Tech’s latest loss, 57-56 to Maryland Sunday night, it was easy to see why NBA scouts are high on Lawal, and why some mock drafts peg him as a late lottery pick. (Others project Lawal just outside the 14-team lottery).
Lawal, the ACC’s leading rebounder, grabbed 14 rebounds against the Terps and drew a double team every time he touched the ball. His one-hand follow dunk in the second half got everyone out of their seats.
ESPN.com’s Chad Ford rates Lawal the 8th-best big man in the 2009 draft. Here is his breakdown.
Lawal also was the subject of a good piece by Bill Hass on the ACC’s website.
Lawal has lots of room for improvement, especially as a passer and at the foul line. But many NBA teams don’t mind taking unfinished products with Lawal’s upside.
So how do you think this will play out?
