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2018 NBA Mock Draft: Full first round before 2018 NCAA Tournament

By Maxwell Ogden

MADRID, SPAIN - JANUARY 25: Luka Doncic, #7 guard of Real Madrid during the 2017/2018 Turkish Airlines Euroleague Regular Season Round 20 game between Real Madrid v Anadolu Efes Istanbul at Wizink Arena on January 25, 2018 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Sonia Canada/Getty Images)
MADRID, SPAIN - JANUARY 25: Luka Doncic, #7 guard of Real Madrid during the 2017/2018 Turkish Airlines Euroleague Regular Season Round 20 game between Real Madrid v Anadolu Efes Istanbul at Wizink Arena on January 25, 2018 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Sonia Canada/Getty Images) /
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AUSTIN, TX – FEBRUARY 24: Mohamed Bamba #4 of the Texas Longhorns runs up court against the Oklahoma State Cowboys at the Frank Erwin Center on February 24, 2018 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Chris Covatta/Getty Images)
AUSTIN, TX – FEBRUARY 24: Mohamed Bamba #4 of the Texas Longhorns runs up court against the Oklahoma State Cowboys at the Frank Erwin Center on February 24, 2018 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Chris Covatta/Getty Images) /

. Center. Texas Longhorns. Mohamed Bamba. 4. player. 125

Age: 19 (5/2/1998)
Height, Weight, Wingspan: 7’0″, 225 pounds, 7’9″
Slash Line: .541/.280/.678
Season Averages: 30.2 MPG, 12.9 PPG, 10.4 RPG, 3.2 ORPG, 3.7 BPG, 0.8 SPG, 0.5 3PM

The Atlanta Hawks could go any number of directions at No. 4 overall in the 2018 NBA Draft. Mike Budenholzer is a high-level head coach, but he’s been equipped with a somewhat underwhelming cast since he took over—and yes, that includes the year with four, “All-Stars.”

Thankfully for the Hawks, they can build with a similar vision and superior long-term potential by selecting Texas Longhorns center Mohamed Bamba.

Bamba is the most physically imposing player in this draft class as a 7’0” center with a downright absurd 7’9” wingspan. He’s already establishing himself as an elite defensive player, which is reason enough for the Magic to be interested.

Thus far in 2017-18, Bamba has ranked No. 7 in the country in block percentage and No. 17 in defensive rebound percentage—and, for what it’s worth, No. 90 in offensive rebound percentage.

Offensively, Bamba has three-point range by collegiate standards and a solid midrange game by NBA measurements. He’s a more than capable finisher around the rim, as well as an improving post player who should be able to get buckets at virtual will with his back to the basket.

If the Hawks develop Bamba properly, he and power forward John Collins could form one of the best interior duos in the NBA.

Expect Bamba to be tied to the New York Knicks in rumors before the 2018 NBA Draft.

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