The Timberwolves' draft picks, Josh Okogie and Keita Bates-Diop
June 22, 2018 at 4:48AM
Taken: First round, 20th overall
Position: Shooting guard
College: Georgia Tech
Size: 6-4, 213 pounds
Age: 19 Born in Lagos, Nigeria on Sept. 1, 1998
High school: Shiloh, Ga.
A strong, athletic guard with a 7-foot wingspan, Okogie tested well at the pre-draft combine. An aggressive player with an OK three-point shot, he was most effective at Georgia Tech when he attacked the basket and got to the free throw line. … His length should translate to strong perimeter defense. …. Averaged 18.2 points, 6.3 rebounds and 2.5 assists in the 2017-18 season, was a third-team All-ACC pick. … Shot 45.3 percent overall as a freshman at Georgia Tech, 41.6 percent last season. … A relatively raw talent, Okogie may need some development.
Keita Bates-Diop
Taken: Second round, 48th overall
Position: Small forward
College: Ohio State
Size: 6-8, 235 pounds
Age: 22 Born in Bloomington, Ill. on Jan. 23, 1996
High school: University High School, Normal, Ill.
The Big Ten Player of the Year after averaging 19.8 points and 8.7 rebounds for the Buckeyes. … Hit 66 three-pointers last season, his fourth at Ohio State. … Had a stress fracture in his left leg as a junior and missed all but nine games. … One of the oldest players drafted Thursday. … His father, Richard Bates, played at Creighton.
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