Evan Mobley, a USC Trojan student, will enter the 2021 NBA Draft and waive his eligibility for college by hiring an agent, he announced Friday.
Mobley went on Twitter to announce his intentions by posting a digitally signed 21-second NFT (non-fungible testimonial) that is auctioned off on the OpenSea blockchain-based market, believed to be the first in the sport.
“I’m going to the league,” Mobley wrote. “This has always been my dream and, through this NFT, I am making my announcement that I will officially become a professional. Here is the new ‘rookie card’, and it is the 1 of 1.
“I can’t thank my fans enough. Your support has meant a lot to me. I wanted to create this unique and meaningful testimonial so that the auction winner continues to be a part of my journey. I will also provide a signed t-shirt from my college days, a signed shirt from my first professional team, as well as two tickets for a match during my rookie year + a special meeting and a greeting after the match “.
LINKED LINK! I have dreamed of becoming a professional since I was a child. Come on the trip: https://t.co/mIpfUaZRy0 # 1of1 #NFT pic.twitter.com/nD1uTVkSkv
– Evan Mobley (@ evan_mobley7) April 16, 2021
Mobley, No. 2 in the ESPN 100, was named Pac-12 Player of the Year, Defensive Player of the Year and First Year Player 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 win all three individual awards.
Mobley was long considered one of the best prospects in the high school game, winning gold medals with American basketball at the FIBA U17 and U19 World Championships in 2018 and 2019. Despite thus, it managed to surpass the expectations with the season that it had, helping the USC to Elite Eight of the NCAA tournament, where it lost against number 1 of the general classification and the then unconquered Gonzaga.
While NBA premium teams have dwindled in older men in recent years, Mobley is considered a prototype of what scouts look for in a modern big man. Mobley is an extremely mobile and agile man who regularly started the USC offense by pushing the ball out of the defensive glass and was often the most reliable passer and decision maker of the midfield Trojans. He has a soft touch around the basket, a shooting range that extends beyond the 3-point line, and the ability to create his own offensive from the perimeter, skills that will likely be perfected into significant weapons as you mature physically and add strength needs to your 215 pound frame.
While Mobley’s offensive play generates significant long-term intrigue, it is his defense that is currently his business card. He anchored one of the strongest defenses of the university game with his ability to cover the ground perfectly from the perimeter to the interior and protect the edge with exceptional time and instincts, one of the main reasons why USC was able to reach in the Elite Eight 55 points per game in their first three contests.
In most years, Mobley would be considered a favorite for No. 1 pick, but the season Cade Cunningham had in Oklahoma State and his hitch as a 6-8 guard would do so. it could all be too hard to get past the draft night. currently scheduled for July 29th.