Evan Mobley, USC Trojans’ freshman, will participate in the 2021 NBA draft and will renounce his remaining college admission by hiring an agent, he announced Friday.
Mobley took to twitter to announce his intentions by posting a 21-second non-fungible token (NFT) that he digitally signed and auctioned on the OpenSea blockchain-based market – presumably a first in the sports world.
“I’m going to the competition,” Mobley wrote. “This has always been my dream and through this NFT I am making my announcement that I will officially become a pro. This here is the new” rookie card “- and it is 1-on-1.
“I can’t thank my fans enough. Your support has meant so much to me. I wanted to create this unique and meaningful token for the auction winner to continue to be part of my journey. I will also provide a signed shirt. From my college days,” a signed shirt of my first professional team and two tickets to a match during my rookie year + a special meet and greet after the match. “
LEAGUE BOUND! I’ve dreamed of becoming a pro since I was a kid. Join us for the trip: https://t.co/mIpfUaZRy0 # 1of1 #NFT pic.twitter.com/nD1uTVkSkv
– Evan Mobley (@ evan_mobley7) April 16, 2021
Mobley, the No. 2 prospect in the ESPN 100, was named Pac-12 Player of the Year, Defensive Player of the Year and Freshman of the Year after averaging 16.4 points, 8.7 rebounds, 2.8 blocks and 2.4 assists in 34 minutes per game. . Mobley is the first player in Pac-12 history to have won all three individual awards.
Long regarded as one of the best prospects in the high school game, Mobley won gold medals with USA Basketball at the FIBA U17 and U19 World Championships in 2018 and 2019. He still managed to exceed expectations with the season that took place. he had, making USC the Elite Eight of the NCAA Tournament, where they lost to No. 1 overall seed and then undefeated Gonzaga.
Despite the diminished premium NBA teams that have been put on big men in recent years, Mobley is considered a prototype for what scouts look for in a modern big man. At 7 feet tall and 7 feet-4 wingspan, Mobley is an extremely mobile and agile big man who regularly initiated USC’s attack by pushing the ball off the defensive glass and was often their most reliable passer and decider on the half. job. . He has a gentle touch around the basket, a firing range that extends beyond the 3-point line and the ability to create his own attack from the perimeter, abilities that are likely to be refined into major weapons as he matures physically, and much-needed strength adds to its 215-pound frame.
While Mobley’s offensive play generates significant long-term intrigue, it is his defense that is his calling card right now. He anchored himself in one of the strongest defenses in the college game with his ability to seamlessly cover the ground from the perimeter to the interior and protect the rim with excellent timing and instincts, one of the main reasons USC was able to reach the Elite Eight by allowing only 55 points per game in the first three games.
In most years, Mobley would be considered a favorite for the No. 1 pick, but the season Cade Cunningham of Oklahoma State had and his fit as a 6-8 do-it-all point guard could prove too difficult on a draft evening. , currently scheduled for July 29.