Evan Mobley, a first-year student of the USC Trojans, will enter the NBA concept in 2021 and waive his remaining admission to the university by appointing an agent, he announced on Friday.
Mobley took to Twitter to announce his intentions by placing a 21-second non-fungible token (NFT) that he digitally signed and selling on the OpenSea blockchain-based market – which is believed to be a first in the sports world is.
“I’m on my way to the league,” Mobley wrote. “It’s always been my dream and through this NFT I’m announcing that I’m going to be officially pro. Here’s the new ‘newcomer card’ – and it’s 1-of-1.
“I can not thank my fans enough. Your support has meant so much to me. I wanted to create this unique and meaningful sign for the auction winner to still be part of my journey. I will also provide a signed jersey. From my college days down, a signed jersey from my first professional team, as well as two tickets for a match during my new year + a special meeting and greeting after the match. “
LEAGUE BOUND! I dreamed of becoming a pro from a young age. Come along for the journey: https://t.co/mIpfUaZRy0 # 1van1 # NFT pic.twitter.com/nD1uTVkSkv
– Evan Mobley (@ evan_mobley7) 16 April 2021
Mobley, the no. 2-prospect in the ESPN 100, was named Pac-12 Player of the Year, Defensive Player of the Year and First Year of the Year after averaging 16.4 points, 8.7 rebounds, 2 in 34 minutes per game , Scored 8 blocks and 2.4 assists. . Mobley is the first player in Pac-12 history to win all three individual awards.
Mobley has long been considered one of the best prospects in the high school game and won gold medals with American basketball in 2018 and 2019 during the FIBA U17 and U19 World Championships. He could still exceed expectations with the season he had, which helped USC reach the Elite Eight of the NCAA Tournament, where they lost to No. 1 overall seeded and then undefeated Gonzaga.
Despite the reduced premium that NBA teams have placed on big men over the past few years, Mobley is considered a prototype for what scouts look for in a modern big man. At 7 feet with a 7-foot 4 wing, Mobley is an extremely agile and agile big man who regularly started USC’s offense by pushing the ball off the defensive glass and was often their most reliable forward and decision maker in the half. He has a gentle touch around the basket, a shooting range that extends beyond the 3-point line, and the ability to create his own offense from the perimeter, skills that can probably be adapted in important weapons as he becomes physically mature. and the necessary power at its 215-pound frame.
While Mobley’s offensive play generates considerable long-term intrigue, it is his defense that is currently his calling card. He anchored one of the strongest defenses in the university game with his ability to cover the ground seamlessly from the perimeter to the interior and protect the edge with excellent timing and instincts, one of the main reasons why USC was able to reach the Elite Eight by allowing just 55 points per game in his first three games.
In most years, Mobley would be a favorite for the no. 1 is considered, but the season that Cade Cunningham of Oklahoma State had and his pass as a 6-8 do-it-all point guard may be too difficult on the draft night to overcome. , currently scheduled for July 29th.