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Chicago Bulls: Top 5 realistic 2017 NBA Draft targets

By Dan Schmelzer

Jan 24, 2017; Morgantown, WV, USA; Kansas Jayhawks guard Frank Mason III (0) moves the ball past West Virginia Mountaineers forward Nathan Adrian (11) during the first half at WVU Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Ben Queen-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 24, 2017; Morgantown, WV, USA; Kansas Jayhawks guard Frank Mason III (0) moves the ball past West Virginia Mountaineers forward Nathan Adrian (11) during the first half at WVU Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Ben Queen-USA TODAY Sports /
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Semi Ojeleye
Feb 9, 2017; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Southern Methodist Mustangs forward Semi Ojeleye (33) controls the ball against the Temple Owls during the second half at Liacouras Center. Southern Methodist Mustangs won 66-50. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /

5. Semi Ojeleye, F, SMU

Age: 22
Position: Forward
Height: 6-foot-7
Weight: 241 pounds
Wingspan: 6-foot-10
2016/17 Stats (per game): 19 points, 6.9 rebounds, 1.5 assists and a 42.4% three-point percentage.

After not getting much run at Duke, talented forward Semi Ojeleye transferred to SMU and was a major part of their 2016/17 season. Ojeleye is a bit of a tweener prospect. He is an athletic player but lacks the elite lateral quickness to play on the wing. He also lacks ideal height to play inside on a consistent basis.

That being said, Ojeleye is simply a good basketball player. You did not have to watch much of SMU to see Ojeleye make an impact last season. He is an impressive overall offensive player who uses a great combination of power and athleticism to finish around the rim.

Ojeleye can make plays with rim-rattling dunks and also shows the touch to finish off the glass in traffic and with tough angles. He is not an elite ball handler by any means but Ojeleye uses his strength well to create his own shots on the drive.

The powerful forward can certainly create around the rim but it is his outside shooting that is most exciting. Ojeleye shoots extremely well for a big man, showcasing a quick and clean release on the outside. At worst, he should be able to help stretch the court a bit at the next level.

Ojeleye’s strength stands out on defense. He is a strong post defender who holds his position well. However, his lack of size does hurt him inside at times as well. Ojeleye is a smart and aggressive defender who can compete with his perimeter defense but it is never going to be an elite skill of his.

As a rebounder, Ojeleye shows a good knack for timing on the offensive end. He will knife through the lane and pick up a missed shot with regularity. However, his defensive rebounding seems to lag behind a bit.

Ojeleye is far from a perfect prospect. But he is an athletic guy who works hard and can hit the outside shot. The Chicago Bulls could certainly use a guy with his kind of versatility at the forward position. Ojeleye would be a natural replacement for Nikola Mirotic if he leaves in free agency and should be on the radar for the Bulls in the second round.

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