A relentless interior force and WCC Player of the Year, Graham Ike brings elite physicality and high-efficiency scoring to a Sacramento Kings squad seeking front-court depth.
On Wednesday, the Sacramento Kings worked out six NBA Draft hopefuls, with multiple high-level collegiate standouts in attendance.
Outside of Houston guard Milos Uzan, Gonzaga big man Graham Ike is likely the next-best prospect invited out, coming off his second-straight dominant season.
Interior Presence
Ike did it all for Gonzaga last season, averaging a team-high 19.9 points and 8.0 rebounds per game.
The fifth-year senior dominated the WCC, posting multiple 30-point showings, winning the conference's Player of the Year award for the second-straight season.
According to Gonzaga Athletics, Ike finished first in the WCC in scoring (19.9), second in rebounding (8.0), and first in field goal percentage (.563).
In conference play, Ike elevated even further, once again leading the WCC in scoring (21.9) and field goal percentage (.613) and ranking second in rebounds.
Despite falling in the second round of March Madness, Ike terrorized Texas on the inside, scoring a game-high 25 points.
Consistent Effort
Ike never averaged less than 11.2 points per game, finishing his 3-year career in Washington with 1,797 points (8th in program history).
The 6-foot-9 big man plays within himself, looking for high-efficiency shots on the inside, and using his 250-pound frame to dislodge defenders on the block.
Ike plays with an innate level of physicality, leading to easy second-chance attempts on the offensive glass.
Amidst an 11-game win streak midway through the season, Ike scored 25 or more in five occasions, including multiple 30+ point performances.
Against St. Mary's, Ike knocked down three triples en route to a 30-point showing, leading the Bulldogs to an eight point victory.
Areas For Improvement
Ike made nearly one 3-pointer per game last season, showing much more confidence in lining up deep balls.
While his 33.8-percent is not ideal, Ike's jump shot mechanics look smooth, and he won't be required to shoot many threes at the next level.
Defensively, Ike needs to become more of a threat as a rim protector, as he never averaged more than 0.8 blocks per game throughout college.
Draft Projection
Ike is seen as a late-second round prospect with heightened experience due to his five-year college stay.
On ESPN's big board, Ike is listed as the No. 65 overall prospect.
Are Kings a Fit?
Ike's scoring ability would be a big boost to Sacramento's front court, especially if the Kings deal Domantas Sabonis.
He would fit as a bench big man who can come in and provide solid, physical minutes with high-efficiency shot selection.
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