NBA Draft Scouting Report: TCU's Ernest Udeh Jr.

Scouting Report: Ernest Udeh Jr.

Contents

1. Prospect Profile
2. Highlights
3. Draft Projection
4. 2024 Big Board

Ernest Udeh Jr.

Center | TCU

Height: 6'11” | Weight: 250 lbs

2024 Draft Age: 20.62

Reese Strickland-USA TODAY Sports

Prospect Profile

After spending his freshman season at Kansas, Udeh Jr. is staying in the Big 12, but transferring to TCU. He played less than 250 total minutes last season, so he naturally couldn’t get into a rhythm or produce big numbers. With that in mind, the caliber of recruit he is and some of the things he did flash as a freshman leave reason for optimism moving forward.

If Udeh is able to carve out a larger role with the Horned Frogs, which he certainly should, a breakout sophomore campaign could be incoming. He has a very sturdy frame at 250 pounds, but moves very well for that size. The TCU big man plays with energy and runs floor well, and is truly is much more mobile than the majority of prospects his size.

Given how good of a lob threat he is, Udeh could really improve his draft stock if he can become an elite screener. He has the tools to be a great pick-and-roll player at the NBA level, but will need to show it more at the college level. He’s also great on the glass and can generate a ton of second chance looks for himself and others.

Udeh isn’t much of a self creator in the post and not a guy you want to run the offense through as of today. He’s more of a putback or lob type of scorer, scoring easy buckets. To take that next step, he’ll need to develop better footwork and moves overall. Regardless, he’s effective in the shots he takes and was over 75% from the floor last season.

Defensively, Udeh is a proven rim protector but needs to be better about getting his mobility to transfer on that end and be better in space against smaller players. He really is limited to defending traditional bigs and could be played off floor at NBA level in small ball closing lineups.

Overall, Udeh may never be a guy that stuffs the stat sheet, but he has what it takes to be a high impact player. The former five-star, top 25 recruit and McDonald All-American should have every opportunity to thrive on a TCU team that will play against a high level of competition this season. 

Highlights

Draft Projection

Second-Round Pick in 2024 NBA Draft.

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2024 Big Board

Want to know more about other potential 2024 NBA Draft prospects and where they might get selected? Check out our Draft Digest Big Board.

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