OSU Basketball: Soph. Forward Thomas Ndong Can Provide Rebounding and Rim Protection
Though most of the Oregon State roster consists of new additions, sophomore Thomas Ndong is one of the returners, and though he played reserve minutes last year, will look to take on more floor time this season as the Beavers look to compete playing their West Coast Conference schedule.
Last season, Ndong saw the floor for about nine minutes per game, averaging 1.8 points and 2.0 rebounds. Standing at 6-foot-10, he will be a front court piece for Wayne Tinkle's Beavers this season, one who has shown flashes of production. His best game of the year was a six-point, eight-rebound performance against Troy in which he hit a three-pointer and three of his four free-throw attempts.
Typically playing in the paint, Ndong has size but is not overly athletic, relying more upon positioning than overpowering physicality to score. He struggled with efficiency on the year, and needs to show more tenacity in attempting field goals, as he had several games where he played several minutes with zero field goals attempted. He did however show some ability with paint moves, demonstrating a penchant for a hook shot.
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Where he can be effective is on the glass – his 2.0 boards per 9.0 minutes gives credit to the thought that he could be an impactful player rebounding the basketball. His 245-pound frame also helps, though he does need to increase his physical presence in the paint.
Defensively, he can be an asset as well. For his size, he moves decently well around the floor, and could potentially serve as a rim protector for the Beavers in his sophomore season. Given there is a decent amount of size on the roster, Ndong may be better suited at the power forward spot, where he can step out and hit threes as well, which he did at a decent rate last season (36.4% from deep, albeit on limited attempts).
It will take a full team effort to help turn this Oregon State program around, and that will require players like Ndong to step up into bigger roles.
KEENAN WOMACK
Keenan Womack is a sportswriter native to Dallas, Texas, who has spent the last 12 years in Austin, the home of his alma mater, the University of Texas. Keenan has covered sports for SB Nation, Bleacher Report, Rivals/Orangebloods, a host of his own sites and now, Fan Nation. Focusing on basketball, Keenan was on the beat for the Longhorns hoops team for the last two-and-a-half years before moving on to pursue other opportunities. He is married and lives with his wife close to the Moody Center, so they can continue to catch games together.