VITALS: 7-1, 240, Chicago State OVERVIEW: An early entry candidate after two years at Chicago State, Akindele was named the Mid-Continent Defensive Player of the Year as a sophomore. He averaged 12 points, 8.6 rebounds and broke his own school record with 70 blocks. In only two years, the center is the school's all-time blocked shot leader with 132. LIKELY DRAFT POSITION: Late second round. COMPARATIVE UPSIDE: Kelvin Cato COMPARATIVE DOWNSIDE: Soumaila Samake ROLE PROJECTION: Backup center POSITIVES: Akindele could eventually be an excellent shot-blocker. He has the ability to move laterally across the lane quickly, meaning he can challenge and block the shots of players driving to the basket as well as be a presence against his man. SHORTCOMINGS: Akindele was clearly overmatched at the NBA Pre-Draft Camp. He is not yet strong enough to push and shove the big people he will face in the NBA. He also is very raw offensively, with only a few moves to speak of.
