Post by jhb on Jun 1, 2021 12:30:10 GMT -5
Charles Oakley
PF
6'8"
225
21
Virginia Union University
Oakley is one of the harder prospects to peg in this year's TMBSL draft. Perhaps one of the greatest D-II players of all time, he won the D-II Player of the Year award en route to a 31-1 season for his team, who won the CIAA championship. Charles led the way with 24 points and 17.3 rebounds per game. Many scouts are intrigued in Oakley just from an intangibles perspective, as he's been described as a bit of an enforcer whose rugged demeanor intimidated his opponents from coming into the paint. He is a no-nonsense guy who gives 110% effort, especially on defense and while rebounding. Scouts just wonder how the elements of his game that don't depend as much on his hustle and strength will translate.
Scouts feel that Oak's defense and rebounding are the most easily projectible traits because he's clearly got very good instincts for both and plays with unbelievable effort and hustle. While he's not a particularly great leaper and won't ever be much of a help-side shot-blocking threat or rim protector, scouts do feel that he will continue to be an excellent on-ball defender. He's got unbelievable strength and tenacity for his frame and will absolutely stonewall any TMBSL-level player on the low block, even when giving away size. He also has the quickness to get out on the perimeter and switch to smaller forwards and defend the perimeter. While the counting stats may not reflect it, he should be an elite team defender that can shut down the opposing team's best SF, PF, or C on any given night. He's also makes great reads on the boards and does a good job of getting to rebounds even out of position. When an opponent lets him get his body on them to box out, they're done...out of the play. He does an outstanding job of sealing off to clean the glass on both ends of the court.
The big question about Oakley as a TMBSL player is how his offensive game translates. He was the lead dog in college, but did it as a D-II player where he could mostly out-muscle his way to pretty productive nights on the score sheet. He'll have to develop more interior game and refine his back to the back skills to score at such a rate at the next level. Fortunately, he does have a soft touch around the rim and was incredibly efficient in college, so if he focuses on taking good shots and not forcing the issue, he should be able to find a role on the offensive end at the next level. He gets a tremendous amount of offense from the offensive glass and that should continue to be an option for him. He isn't much of a passer but likely will be more of a secondary player at the next level so if he can focus on learning to move well without the ball and setting tough screens he should be useful to any team that takes him. Needs to improve his shot, as he's streaky from the mid-range and only make just over 65% from the FT line as a senior.
Oakley is a younger player for this class and despite playing four years in college, doesn't quite have the high level experience others in the class have from playing a higher level of college ball. He may have a bit more room to grow than other prospects in this class.
