Ike Anigbogu hired an agent on Thursday, meaning UCLA’s entire three-man 2016 recruiting class won’t return for a second season.
Fifteen days ago, the 6-foot-10 freshman announced he would declare for the NBA draft. Since then, he has received favorable news about where he will be selected, leading to his decision to sign with agent Jason Glushon.
“With the feedback he’s been getting, I think it’s been made clear to him and his family that it looks like he’s going to be a first-round pick,” said Josh Giles, Anigbogu’s coach at Corona Centennial High School. “Nothing is a guarantee, but this is as close to a guarantee as you can get.”
READ: Ike Anigbogu hires agent, will take his chances in NBA draft
In seeking advice about Anigbogu’s next move, his family has relied heavily on Giles and Etop Udo-Ema, the founder of Anigbogu’s AAU team, The Compton Magic.
Anigbogu’s decision is based on a fascinating contrast. He has a chiseled 6-foot-10, 250-pound body and his off-the-charts athleticism was on display during his lone season at UCLA. Of course, he played just 13 minutes per game and his averages of 4.7 points, 4 rebounds and 1.2 blocks leave plenty to be desired.
There is plenty of risk involved his choice. His ceiling is high but his floor is low.
A return to UCLA could’ve landed Anigbogu behind veteran center Thomas Welsh again. Welsh, a junior, declared for the draft, but hasn’t hired an agent and is widely expected to return to UCLA.
Mock draft projections for Anigbogu are all over the map. Draft Express predicts he’ll be the 18th overall pick. ESPN’s Chad Ford slots him 20th. CBS’ Gary Parrish projects him as the 28th pick. NBADraft.net doesn’t have Anigbogu going until the seventh pick of the second round.
Welcome @IkePostrs_ & the Anigbogu family to our family. We're so excited at what the future holds! #Family #UCLA #8Clap #LetsGetToWork pic.twitter.com/G3mVB0Jt2b
— Glushon Sports Mgmt (@GlushonSM) April 20, 2017