High School: Lawrence North
Hometown: Indianapolis, IN
College: Ohio State University
Position: Center
Height: 7'0"
Weight: 260 lbs.
Class: Freshman
Positives:
Oden has an NBA ready body and is as athletic a big man as they come. He can finish on the break and makes himself a big target in the low post when running a halfcourt set. However, the thing that makes Oden stand out is undoubtedly his defense. He possesses very good defensive instincts and physical gifts that makes Oden a defensive force, which should continue in the NBA. He is also an excellent rebounder because of his physical tools and polished game down in the box. Some have said Oden's perceived brooding attitude is just like Tim Duncan's was before Duncan was drafted... that brooding is therefore a good thing.
Negatives:Oden isn't as strong offensively as he is defensively. And other than his beard making him look like he saw Star Wars when it first came out in theatres, there really aren't many negative things to say about Oden.
Overview:A big man like Oden does not come around often. He is on the path to being the next David Robinson, a former teammate and mentor of the aforementioned Duncan. Imagine being compared to both of those players who have dominated the game as they have. Not bad company to keep when people are talking about you. Oden is as can't miss as they come. I expect Oden to have an immediate impact in the NBA defensively on the boards, but long-term, his rookie season is but a stepping stone.
