Daniel Oturu NBA Draft Outlook

The Minnesota Gophers basketball team is set to have their first player drafted into the NBA since Kris Humphries was selected 14th overall by the Utah Jazz in 2004 NBA Draft.

Set to break the drought this year is former Cretin Derham-Hall star and state champion Daniel Oturu who left Minnesota after a sophomore year in which he averaged 20.1 points, 11.3 rebounds, and 2.5 blocks on 56.3% shooting from the field and 36.5% from three.

Inside Gopher Nation looks at where the Gopher great is placed in Mock Drafts and Big Boards

On The Ringer's most recent Big Board, Daniel Oturu is ranked as the 48th overall prospect.

Player Comparison: Shades of Alex Len

Pluses: Skilled inside scorer. He does a good job of sealing off his defender and establishing post position; scores using drop steps, hooks, and face-ups.

Nimble ball handler who can score on the attack, whether facing up or driving on closeouts.

Sets strong screens. He would do well in a pick-and-roll system with skilled ball handlers.

Improved 3-point shooter. He shoots a set shot, though it works for him. He hit 37 percent of his 3s on only 54 attempts, but shot only 67 percent from the charity stripe.

Active rebounder; he has the prototypical size and intensity of a big man who can dominate the boards.

Agile and explosive interior defender. He’s blessed with a thick frame and long arms.

Minuses: Turns the ball over too often in the post. He needs to be quicker at reading defenses and feeling pressure.

Lacks an off hand around the rim; he’d get blocked less frequently if he adds it to his game.

He’ll need to adjust to the NBA game; he was a primary post option in college, and may now go for games without being fed a single back-to-the-basket touch.

Conditioning seems to be an issue; his feet move like they’re in sludge toward the end of his stints on the floor, which especially hurts him in help defense situations.

ESPN's latest mock draft has Oturu going to the 76ers in the second round with the 34th overall pick.

NBADraft.net has Daniel Oturu being chosen with the last pick in the first round by the Boston Celtics.

USA Today's Rookie Wire has the Gopher big man being chosen 33rd overall.

"Daniel Oturu was a sophomore sensation, averaging 20.1 points, 11.3 rebounds and 2.5 blocks per game. His defensive rebound percentage (23.3%) ranked in the top 10 among high-major underclassmen. While questions surround whether or not he passes the eye test when scouts actually watch his film, his numbers are undeniably impressive, and he warrants attention anywhere from the mid-first to early second round."

NBADraftRoom.com has Oturu going to the Charlotte Hornets with the second pick of the second round at 32 overall.

Player Comparison: Jamaal Maglore+

"Oturu had a breakout sophomore season, scoring the rock at a high clip and continuing to rebound and block shots at an elite level."

"Oturu has made a big jump in his second season at Minnesota and has been dominating in the paint, especially on the defensive end. His ability to alter shots and control the boards give him instant value at the NBA level and he’s looking more and more like a first round pick.

Although he’s not a polished offensive player he shows some ability to score with his back to the basket or by facing up and taking his man off the dribble. He’s got a strong frame and a quick first step and shows a lot of promise that he’ll continue to develop on the offensive end.

Oturu sets good screens and makes himself available diving to the rim. He’s a good finisher in the paint, although he doesn’t have much of a left hand at this point. He can also pick and pop to mid range and looks to have the makings of an outside shot."