LUBBOCK, TEXAS - MARCH 07: Center Udoka Azubuike #35 of the Kansas Jayhawks runs down the court during the second half of the college basketball game against the Texas Tech Red Raiders on March 07, 2020 at United Supermarkets Arena in Lubbock, Texas.

Jazz select Udoka Azubuike with No. 27 pick

5 years ago
John E. Moore III / Getty Images Sport / Getty

The Utah Jazz have selected Kansas center Udoka Azubuike with the No. 27 pick in the NBA draft.

The 21-year-old Nigerian missed the better part of two seasons due to injuries during his four-year run with the Jayhawks, but he was named Big 12 Player of the Year after leading the conference in field-goal percentage and rebounding as a senior.

Bio

Position: C
School: Kansas
Height: 7-foot
Weight: 270 lbs
Wingspan: 7-foot-8
Standing reach: 9-foot-4

Strengths

  • Physical specimen with brute strength and elite big-man tools around the basket
  • Natural rim-protector, and averaged two blocks per game in college while improving overall defensively each season
  • Has spring in his step considering his size. Registered the highest standing leap among centers in NBA combine history at 37 inches, according to ESPN's Jonathan Givony

Weaknesses

  • Plays an old-school game as a big man - which has limited use in today's NBA
  • No perimeter shot; never attempted a 3-pointer in 87 collegiate games
  • Poor free-throw shooter
  • Conditioning could be a concern
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