Ohio State Basketball: Kaleb Wesson declares for the NBA draft?

It was announced today Ohio State center Kaleb Wesson will be going through the NBA Draft process, hopefully just to get feedback on his pro potential.

There is no problem with Kaleb Wesson getting feedback on his prospects of playing professionally but I certainly hope that’s the only reason he entered the NBA Draft process. He should return to Ohio State for at least one more season.

He certainly isn’t ready to play in the NBA at this point.

I am sure a few things will be pointed out to him by NBA scouts that will make him realize playing one more year of college basketball will be in his best interest. Let’s take a look at a couple of those.

First, one of the best abilities a player can have is availability. Consistently being in foul trouble often takes you off the floor when your team needs you most. And committing frustration fouls shows immaturity which doesn’t fly in a league dominated by grown men.

Second, a player can be successful in the NBA playing below the rim like Wesson does, but a center has to have a specific skill set to make it work. Here is a look at two Hall of Fame players who did so and what they brought to the table.

Moses Malone never saw a rebound he didn’t believe belonged to him so he was a beast on the boards. Especially so on the offensive end because he loved to score.

Wes Unseld was an outstanding player many of you probably never saw play. He was only 6 ft. 7 and played during the era of giants like Wilt Chamberlain, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Nate Thurmond, and yet he was one of the best centers of his era.

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Unseld had a wide body and would use it to keep other centers away from the basket. That along with his excellent footwork would also allow him to separate from a defender to get off a jump shot which he often hit.

If Wesson returns to Ohio State and works at becoming more proficient in those areas he could become NBA ready after next season. If not, playing against older, stronger men will be a challenge.

Wesson should take a cue from Jared Sullinger who came back to Ohio State after knowing he would have been drafted after his freshman season. His skill set improved significantly which led to him being chosen in the first round after his sophomore year. He had a five-year NBA career and is still playing professionally.

dark. Next. Will Ohio State return to the CFP this season?

I think Wesson has the opportunity to have a fine professional career but I hope he isn’t seriously considering making the leap right now. Getting advice from NBA personnel is fine, but he isn’t ready for the pros at this point.

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