In this latest instalment of draft profiles, I will be looking at Mfiondu Kabengele (will call him MK instead of trying to remember how to spell his name). Shout out to PTR member ‘dunkinforever’ who put me on to this guy.
College Team: Florida State (Sophmore)
Position: Small Forward
Height: 6’10"
Wingspan: 7’1"
2018-19 Stats: Over 37 games in around 22min per game he averages 13pts, 6reb, 1.5blk, 0.6stl, 0.3ast at 50% FG, 37% 3P and 76% FT.
Projected Draft Spot: 2nd Rd to undrafted. A few articles mentioned his recent play in the tournament might push his draft stock up into the late 1st Rd or high 2nd Rd.
Strengths:
MK plays with strength and energy, and has a great motor. His defence (in particular high blocking) is definitely on the plus side, and could only get better with the right coaching (ala Pop and Co, with the Coach of whatever he wants). He often works hard for position to gain an offensive rebound and often gets a put-back, which he often finishes with authority. He uses his strength and athleticism to nab rebounds at both ends, often in a congested lane.
On the offensive end MK has the ability to score down low using a variety of moves, drives and rolls. He can shoot it out to the arc. He can core on the move, which enables him to attack defences, making them collapse on him, opening up his team-mates.
Weaknesses:
For being as tall as he is, he should have more rebounds per game, but that is tempered by the fact that he was only on the court for just a tick over 20min per game. He can also be a bit too aggressive in defending the rim, and subsequently gets called for fouls. He needs to work on his passing, especially out of the post when he draws double teams. Defensively, he may struggle to defend out at the perimeter against stretch 4’s or quicker small ball 5’s at the next level.
NBA Player Comparison: Serge Ibaka, Alonzo Mourning (lite), Kevin Garnett (lite).
Fit with the Spurs:
Well, MK won the ACC 6th Man of the Year Award, all the while being the team leader in points (and top 3 in other categories) – that’s pretty Spursy to me. And he is the nephew of Dikembe Mutombo (and is shows in how he plays, just watch the highlights, and if you are familiar with Dikembe you will see it). MK might be more NBA ready than Metu is at the moment. He could play alongside Aldridge or Poeltl at the 5, or even alongside Bertans (as the 4) in a small ball line up. He has the speed to play transition alongside the young guns as well. MK would for sure be a project, but maybe one worth the wait. If he is there in the mid 2nd Rd, or even high 2nd Rd, he may be worth trading up for in the 2nd Rd. If he falls to the Spurs at the 49th spot, then even better.
Highlights:
ACC 6th Man Highlights
MK's 2019 Highlights
More Highlights
Vicious Dunk that kinda reminds you of his uncle
Next Profile: KZ Okpala
