Indiana Hoosiers big man Noah Vonleh was picked by the Charlotte Hornets with the No. 9 selection in the 2014 NBA Draft.
Noah Vonleh picked by the Charlotte Hornets at No. 9 in 2014 NBA Draft
The Indiana prospect lends much-needed big man depth to the new-look Hornets.
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As a highly touted freshman, Vonleh led Tom Crean’s team through a disappointing 17-15 season. The big man averaged 11.3 points, 9.0 rebounds and 1.4 blocks per game, recording 10 double-doubles -- and that was in playing just 26.5 minutes per game.
NBA Draft
Vonleh’s stock benefitted from the draft combine, where he measured out as 6’9 and 247 pounds with an impressive 7’4.25 wingspan. With solid leaping ability, he projects as a strong shot blocker and inside scorer. He has shown signs of being able to step out to hit jumpers and even hit 49 percent on a limited number of three-point attempts.
Offensively, the big man could use some improvement in terms of knowing when to pass out of the post and when to score, as he was sometimes turnover prone.
Vonleh will fit well for a young team without many quality big men. To some degree, he should be able to stretch the floor for Charlotte, who can use all the shooting it can get.
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