Strengths
Right-handed… A chiseled, although an inch or two undersized power forward. He has a great, wide frame with cut arms and shoulders. He is an explosive, power leaper that helps him dominate the defensive end, especially on the glass. He plays with aggression and passion, garnering extra possessions for himself and his team on the offensive end or initiating the fast break with his defensive rebounding and shot-blocking abilities… Oriakhi does a great job creating and maintaining contact in the low-blocks, pinning the defense behind him on his back and then creating some separation to get a shot off. He even has the ability to connect with short jump shots out to 12 feet… He uses his physicality well to push the opposing post player into inopportune post positions. Oriakhi uses his explosiveness well as an on-the-ball or weak side shot blocker. As he continues to garner playing time, he will fine-tune the skills under Jim Calhoun's tutelage that will make him an elite shot-blocker…
Weaknesses
He measures in a bit undersized for an NBA 4-man but he plays with a power game and should serve as a serviceable big man at the next level because of his athleticism and explosiveness… He needs to improve his ability to score from the low blocks. He can continue to work on his arsenal to include more than a quick jump hook with either hand- counter moves are needed for him to be a legitimate low-post scorer, especially at 6'8" going against the taller, longer bodies in the NBA. He needs to gather himself and use a power dribble and explode up to the rim instead of turning away and pushing out a baby hook shot… Will need to develop a more consistent foul shot. With his power and ability to create second-chance points on the offensive glass, he can do some damage at the foul line, but shot an underwhelming 53% as a freshman… Most of Oriakhi's work is completed due to his physicality and strength, but if he can improve his all-around skills, especially scoring the basketball, he would become a much better prospect. He is a project pick at this point…
Note: Alex Oriakhi has transferred from Connecticut to Missouri after his Junior year.
