The man who chose Ohio State over Louisville, Michigan State, and North Carolina has really made a name for himself. D’Angelo Russell who is currently just 18 years-old, has lead Ohio State to a 19-6 record with some weeks with them being ranked in the top 25. Russell has struggled in some games, but in others, he has looked like the best player in college basketball.

Russell has drawn comparisons to Brandon Roy and Manu Ginobili. Russell is a combo guard who can do it all on the offensive side of the ball. He currently averages 19.4 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 5.5 assists per game for Ohio State this season. His shooting form is also one of the smoothest forms in college as he doesn’t get forced into very many mistakes at all.

D-Lo’s (Russell’s nickname) 6’9 wingspan gives him the ability to even be a presence inside the paint, and even chase after loose balls and to get off even more shots. His pick and roll game is on another level, as it’s more ahead then point guards his age.

Comparing him to Jahil Okafor, (projected number one pick). Even though he’s a center, we have to make these comparisons to determine who’s the better player.

• Points per game: Okafor: 18.0 Russell: 19.4
• Rebounds per game: Okafor 9.1 Russell 5.9
• Assists per game: Okafor: 1.4 Russell: 5.5
• Blocks per game:  Okafor: 1.5 Russell: 0.1

Okafor will most likely be the first pick in the draft, but depending on which team gets the pick could change things up. Even the New York Knicks may want to pick someone such as Russell to get a point guard at a young age with great potential.

If the Minnesota Timberwolves get the first pick, I just can’t picture Russell not getting picked number one overall. With the younger movement the Wolves are going with, they should look to move their current shooting guard Kevin Martin, to gear up for Russell.

Who goes number one?

• New York Knicks: Jahlil Okafor
• Minnesota Timberwolves: D’Angelo Russell
• Los Angeles Lakers: Jahlil Okafor
• Philadelphia 76ers: D’Angelo Russell
• Boston Celtics: Jahlil Okafor

No matter if Russell goes number one, or doesn’t, whoever picks him gets a top 5 player in the draft.

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