[The following scouting report is part of a series on potential 2024 draft prospects from Sports Business Classroom alumni.]

Felix Okpara
Frame: 6’11”, 220 lbs
Position: Center
School: Ohio State
2024 Draft Age: 20
Stats via sports-reference.com and kenpom.com 

Offense

Okpara had an efficient sophomore year for the Buckeyes, posing as a low-usage offensive rebounder and rim scorer. He knew his role and typically thrived in it.

As a scorer, he rarely looked to shoot outside the paint and relied on teammates to set him up. About 75 percent of Okpara’s shots came directly at the rim as layups/dunks, with the rest as non-rim extended two-pointers, primarily still in the paint. He converted almost 90 percent of his dunks and 70 percent of his layups, making him a very efficient rim scorer. Okapara produced 1.71 points per possession as a rim runner—his most efficient offense—however, his 38 percent conversion rate on extended non-rim attempts within the arc was well below average. 

Moreover, most of Okpara’s scoring chances inside were assisted (rolls, lobs, drop-offs, etc.), which points to his ability to catch and finish at a high level but also his inability to create for himself as a driver or outside shooter. Additionally, he’s hit just one of 11 attempts from three for his career.

While Okpara doesn’t create many scoring chances for himself on the perimeter or off the dribble, he finds many second chances on the offensive glass—possibly his best offensive attribute. His 2.3 offensive rebounds per game (11.1 percent offensive-rebounding percent) ranked fifth in the Big Ten, leading to a high volume of efficient putbacks. Okpara was relentless on the glass, crashing hard and effectively on any and all shot types.

Playmaking wasn’t his role, but his metrics were underwhelming. He was somewhat insecure with the ball (16.4 percent turnover rate) while showing no real passing upside (4 percent assist rate).

Defense

Okpara is a very strong interior defender. At the college level, he was more than capable of protecting the paint and cleaning up the glass. His 7’2″ wingspan (9’3″ reach) and remarkable athleticism made him a threatening interior presence.

His ability to protect the rim is perhaps his greatest strength on either end of the floor. His 2.4 blocks per game ranked 2nd in the Big Ten and converted to a 10.2 block percentage (18th in the NCAA). Moreover, Okpara’s impact in the lane was proven through the Buckeyes’ interior success on defense. He was the starting center for a team that finished in the top 30 in the NCAA at limiting rim shot efficiency. That said, his appetite for blocking shots also made him quite foul-prone. Still, Okpara’s aggression in rejecting and affecting shots at the rim was of more significant benefit than detriment for Ohio St.

On the boards, he was strong but not necessarily elite. His 19.4 defensive rebounding percent led the Buckeyes and was 11th highest in the Big Ten. This rate is quite impressive, considering his playing time and the number of shots he was trying to block. He excelled at rebounding missed jumpers.

Looking Ahead

Much like his time at Ohio St., Okpara could find a role at the next level as a low-usage, high-energy big if he maximizes his opportunities. 

His length and athleticism make him a capable defender, rebounder on both ends of the floor, and rim finisher. He has proven this at the college level and appears to be able to do so moving forward. Question marks arise on the offensive end, away from the rim. However, how much will he be asked to play make/create/shoot as a backup big at the next level? 

An NBA player comp would be Mitchell Robinson, although he has a lot of work to do to be as effective.