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Adama Sanogo 2023 NBA Draft Profile

Vendetta Sports Media / NBA / June 19, 2023

Adama Sanogo 2023 NBA Draft Profile

Adama Sanogo 2023 NBA Draft Profile

Height/Weight/Age: 6’9″/245 lbs/21 years old

Primary Position: Center

Junior Season Stats: 17.2 PPG, 7.7 RPG, 1.3 APG, 60.6 FG%, 36.5 3P%, 76.6 FT%, 0.7 SPG, 0.8 BPG, 1.9 TOPG

Strengths: Strength & Physicality, Interior Scoring, Defensive Versatility

One of my favorite things about Adama Sanogo’s game is his strength and physicality. I love the way he weaponizes his strength on the low block. Sanogo is brutally physical when banging down low. He bangs with opposing big men for positioning, for boards and to create space to manufacture shots down low.

The aforementioned Adama Sanogo with some grown ass man strength posting poor Noah Gurley out over ten feet. That’s a fuckin seal. pic.twitter.com/lhdxhI6TlF
— fendo (@dancingwithnoah) November 26, 2022

However, Sanogo isn’t just your run-of-the-mill big man who completely bulldozes his way to buckets. He has phenomenal touch and has shown he’s capable of making tough turnaround hooks with range. He possesses tremendous footwork along with strength and touch on the block.

But Sanogo doesn’t just score in the post, he’s also a rumbling roll-man. He screens hard and is a tank rolling to the basket. While he won’t throw down any jaw-dropping jams, Sanogo can finish through contact and is patient finding space to get his shot off.

Adama Sanogo's touch is special on film and the numbers agree. Compared to all college bigs drafted in the past 5 drafts Sanogo's BY FAR #1 in efficiency and volume on non-dunk rim attempts in the half-court.

Mainstream big board ranks
ESPN: 74
B/R: NR
Ringer: NR
Tankathon: 56 pic.twitter.com/C1JqQ8LFQ4
— Chip Jones (@ChipJNBA) May 19, 2023

Adama Sanogo ranks in the 71st %ILE as the P&R roll man.

Again, showing his excellent footwork in the low post. The 240 pounds and solid frame definitely helps battling against two to find an open gap.

I think he will be one of the best big men in college basketball this year! pic.twitter.com/LCvUVwWLQr
— Ersin Demir (@EDemirNBA) September 2, 2022

Finally, I love the versatility that Sanogo brings to the 5-spot. He may not ever be a dominant rim protector but can legitimately defend every position on the floor. Sanogo has a wide base and quality lateral quickness for a guy his size. He’s strong and very few perimeter initiators can overpower him on drives. He’s also got a 7-foot-3 wingspan, which allows him to drop and gamble a little more on the perimeter. Along with all the physical traits that will allow him to thrive in every role on defense, he’s got veteran defensive instincts and IQ. Sanogo will be a dependable and versatile defender from day one.

Weaknesses: Upside, Rim Protection, Offensive Versatility

The biggest thing working against Sanogo in the draft process is his age. At 21 years old, it doesn’t seem like he has much room to expand his game outside of the roles he already succeeds at. Essentially, you know what you’re getting when you draft Sanogo. He’s a highly active and intuitive role player who will seamlessly fit into a rotation. He’s just not a future superstar or MVP-caliber player.

My next biggest concern is rim protection. Sanogo is a limited athlete. He runs the floor well but doesn’t have elite explosiveness. While innately strong, he isn’t a jaw-dropping vertical athlete. I just never see Sanogo developing into a dominant eraser who completely takes the paint away for an opposing offenses.

Because of these limiting athletic factors, Sanogo is a bit of a tweener. I think he can play the 5-spot at the next level, but bigger centers will likely have their way with him. He’s still a versatile defender who can capably guard 1-5.

Finally, I think Sanogo’s lack of offensive versatility could limit a team’s overall offense and spacing.
Offensively he’s limited as solely a pure post player and screener. He’s great in those roles but won’t be a threat from deep immediately. Sanogo shot over 35% last season from behind the arc, so I think he can eventually stretch the floor. His jump shot is hitchy, but I think with work over time Sanogo will be a solid pick and popper and a legit floor-spacer.

Best Fits: Phoenix, Minnesota, Cleveland

As Sanogo is an immediate plug-and-play big man, I’d like to see him go somewhere where he can contribute to meaningful winning basketball. It’s imperative that Phoenix nails their draft picks because they have zero cap space for any free agents. With Jock Landale and Bismack Biyombo hitting free agency Sanogo could slot in and take back-up big minutes. Minnesota could lose Naz Reid in free agency and could explore filling that void with Sanogo. Cleveland had no backup bigs in the playoffs this past season and it absolutely killed them. Sanogo not only fits but would be a dependable and cheap option with the big contracts the Cavaliers are destined to pay out.

Player Comparison: Xavier Tillman Sr.

Sanogo and Xavier Tillman Sr. have a lot of similarities. Both are high-IQ undersized big men who use their strength and touch to succeed on the blocks. I think Tillman Sr. is an apt comparison for Sanogo immediately, but I think Sanogo could be better in the long run. Tillman isn’t nearly as switchable as Sanogo plus I think Sanogo could eventually be a legit floor spacer one day.

Draft Projection: 2nd Round

Adama Sanogo is the most underrated prospect in the 2023 NBA Draft to me. He can immediately break into a rotation because of his veteran polish, instincts, energy and activity. He’s not a perfect prospect and won’t ever be a true superstar but will play his role to perfection and give a team solid minutes from the second he’s drafted.