NEWS: Virginia Tech's Tobi Lawal has declared for the NBA Draft, while maintaining his eligibility, he told ESPN. The 6'8 British power forward, perhaps the best athlete in the ACC, hit 37% of 3s this season. pic.twitter.com/3JeC9iyvre— Jonathan Givony (@DraftExpress) April 14, 2025
Not meant as a slight against him, but I would assume he'll be back in college, hopefully at VT
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Per his statement his options are either NBA or Virginia Tech next year
I can live with that.
What are the odds he gets any interest in the draft? He has measurables but would seem like the project of all projects.
I think this is a smart move on his part. Lets the league know he's serious about going pro and also boosts his collegiate stock. If CMY can bring in a better supporting cast, it will no doubt elevate Lawals chances at a next level deal.
I am not sure he will get drafted, is he allowed to entertain G-League offers like a free agent and return? NBA teams love potential as much as production though, so who knows.
If the NCAA tries to force any eligibility limits on him returning, he can simply sue- and win. And play at VT 9 years.
There it is lol
"Cool" Hunter Dickenson and Cam Rising...
If the NCAA tries to force any eligibility limits on him returning, he can simply sue- and win. And play
at VT
as long as he decides to go somewhere other than VT for 9 years.Made a slight adjustment for the NCAA's VT exemption.
Just based on measurables I don't think he gets a snif at the draft, but there's no harm in getting feedback from the league
This! He hasn't played that long. He's gonna get multiple inputs on what to improve from the league, MY, and VT staff and eventually be a much better rounded player.
He's going to come back, he's not ready for the NBA yet.
Lawal had the second highest standing vertical in NBA Combibe history today.
No step vert: 40"
Max Vert: 45.5"
Guess he lost a few inches with the injury
Ehh think its that its in a more controlled setting rather than what's the highest you can get. You also get limited opportunities.
He is projected as a 2nd round pick to Houston
How would you compare Tobi vs. Deron Washington in terms of draftability and NBA potential?
I think Tobi has better potential but will likely spend at least a year or two in the G League working on improving his perimeter shot. His outside shot is still much better than Deron ever managed. Tobi also was a much better rebounder than Washington. His lane positioning and standing vertical give him an edge over Deron there.
A big reason I think his potential is higher is that the NBA game has changed significantly since Deron tried to break in with the Pistons.
17 years ago, Detroit was set on trying to get Washington to play inside. His size and build is a much better fit for a 3 spot. Todays NBA wont even attempt to make Lawal consistently go up against big body 4/5s and will work to develop him as a 3. Athleticism between them is extremely similar but I do think Tobi has an edge in his ability to play the lob game and pick/roll offensive sets. Thats one area Young under-utilized Tobi.
Deron was able to carve out a really solid career in Europe and Israel and if Tobi cant find a consistent 3 shot that will likely be his path as well. Deron played pro basketball for 12 years, most of it in Serie A in Italy.
I want those hops in my beer.
Naww, let's leave them on the court. Brewmeister types already think a bit too much of hops for my taste anyway.
Smart by him. Not often the player commits to return to the school while exploring their options. Dare I say classy move?
Just so it's clear, this was last year, and he did return for his final year. He's out of eligibility now.
I noticed this as well, but not has funny as the UFC Jim Miller post resurrection.
He could become a classic 3 and D player if he learns to defend the perimeter, and there's no reason to think he can't. The NBA is dying for those guys. His shot already shows potential.