The NBA Draft is next week, and there is a possibility that former Virginia Tech standout Tobi Lawal hears his name called in the second round. Most mock drafts have him going late in the second round. Whether or not that happens remains to be seen.
After the 2024-25 season, his first in Blacksburg following a transfer from VCU, Lawal went through the NBA Draft process, but withdrew and returned for his senior season at Virginia Tech. He faced a lot of frustration this past season as he dealt with an injury that severely limited his time on the court. He was injured in the Battle 4 Atlantis in November and didn't return until the second half of the ACC schedule.
Despite all of that, he was still able to make an impact. Jonathan Wasserman of Bleacher Report dropped his Top 74 prospects ranking, and Lawal came in at No. 61. Wasserman said what all Hokies fans know about Lawal and why a team might take a flyer on him.
Bleacher Report drops Tobi Lawal update that all Virginia Tech knows, and NBA teams are finding out
How much did Mike Young miss Lawal this season when he was injured? He played in 23 games and averaged 12.3 points per game, 8.5 rebounds, and 1.1 blocks per game. The rebounds and blocks were career highs for college. When Lawal went to the NBA Combine, he certainly opened some eyes with vertical testing.
"Lawal registered historic verticals at the NBA combine, and for a player with his wing size, that outlier leaping ability alone may be enough to offer value as a finisher and defensive playmaker,'' wrote Wasserman.
At the next level, Lawal's value certainly won't be at the offensive end much, but it can be impactful at the defensive end. His athletic ability is something that is his strength. Lawal could be drafted, but he could also be someone who doesn't get drafted, as teams might not value him enough. Whatever happens, he'll likely get a shot at a late pick or be signed as an undrafted free agent with the opportunity to make an impact for a team in the NBA Summer League next month.
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