Khan4Cats wrote:The last MVC 1st round draft pick was not exactly "lights out" in terms of numbers. Patrick O'Bryant went in the first round but it wasn't based off of his stunning 11.6 ppg 7.8 rpg and 2.8 bpg career numbers. If Orupke can come close to that-or even show a dominance in defensive and rebounding numbers without being a total offensive liability, he may have a chance. I don't see it happening, but you never know. I think a performance akin to O'Bryant's NBA career is more likely in store for Orupke in the MVC.
I think that's fair. Personally I would be happy for Orukpe to be picked up in the late second round if it meant he would have a better career, but I think he'll be picked up higher than he should be. I hope he gets drafted high if only because it promotes the Valley. I think he has low production for different reasons than O'Bryant (#9 by the Clippers), who always seemed a little unmotivated after his fracture. Orupke is pretty motivated, judging by his scholastic achievements (3.7 GPA, started as an engineering major before switching to math), and his considerable athletic improvements over the years (10-20 lbs of muscle each offseason).
Orupke has the basics you need, but just doesn't seem like a great basketball player. Interesting story, smart kid, great NBA body, but not someone who actually is an NBA player. However, even if I wouldn't draft him as a GM, I know that many teams would.
Bryant did have some great games against Kansas and Pittsburgh though, and that definitely boosted his draft stock. Without those two games he probably would not have been nearly as high in the draft. Orupke won't be drafted unless he some break-out games against good competition (preferably in tournament play or on a televised game).
