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2017 Orlando Magic Draft Preview: Who is Ike Anigbogu?

By Philip Rossman-Reich

Feb 25, 2017; Tucson, AZ, USA; UCLA Bruins forward Ike Anigbogu (13) shoots the ball as Arizona Wildcats forward Lauri Markkanen (10) and center Dusan Ristic (14) defend during the first half at McKale Center. Mandatory Credit: Casey Sapio-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 25, 2017; Tucson, AZ, USA; UCLA Bruins forward Ike Anigbogu (13) shoots the ball as Arizona Wildcats forward Lauri Markkanen (10) and center Dusan Ristic (14) defend during the first half at McKale Center. Mandatory Credit: Casey Sapio-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Good

Ike Anigbogu seems to have the perfect profile for the modern-day NBA center.

He is athletic and capable of blocking shots and changing shots at the rim. He averaged 1.2 blocks per game in 13.0 minutes per game. That is a huge number and promises to be something that can translate.

Anigbogu is an athlete who can effect play around both baskets. He can block shots and he can finish hard. That is what has him catching NBA eyes.

After just one year, there is clearly a lot of room to grow. And the signs that he can grow into a bigger contributor are pretty evident too.

The shot blocking and dunking are just the basics for a center. But they clearly lay the foundation for what the NBA wants from its centers. Anigbogu could be a rim-running, rim-protecting big.

What makes him intriguing is he has a lot of other innate skills that will help him as he continues to develop and grow into his body.

Anigbogu does not suffer from the greatest of big men maladies — poor hands. Anigbogu catches the ball cleanly and showed some hint he could have a soft touch around the basket.

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For now, he uses the ability to catch it cleanly, shrug off defenders and dunk it hard.

He can also roll down the lane and finish off lobs, a very big and important skill for a growing young center.

Anigbogu has several other skills that could continue to translate. He showed a decent jumper at times and even had some nice outlet passes to spark UCLA’s legendary fast break.

More importantly, he showed an ability to rebound in space and traffic. He uses his size well and can box out opponents to get board. Four rebounds per game in 13.0 minutes per game translates to 12.4 rebounds per 40 minutes. He posted a 19.9 defensive rebound rate — his 16.9 total rebound rate does leave something to be desired.

The reality is Anigbogu’s role last year was extremely limited. He showed flashes of his athleticism and his ability around the basket. And he showed he has a lot of room for continued growth.