Jeremy Sochan Could Go as High as No. 6
Jeremy Sochan of the Baylor Bears can make a team in the lottery of the NBA draft very happy.
The elite forward had a remarkable freshman season in Waco that took him from an effective afterthought in the 2022 NBA draft to a performer that most mocks have going in the top 15.
With his rising pedigree, even the Pacers, current owners of the sixth overall pick, could sweep in and take Sochan. Sure, going at six may be a bit overkill, but Locked On Pacers called our own host Drake Toll to get insight on what could land Sochan a shot off the board that early.
The guys start by breaking down Sochan's ability to play defense. His strengths certainly come on that side of the ball. As a player who only shot 29% from three last season, it's crucial for other areas of Sochan's game to propel him into a successful NBA career.
That's where his elite size and ability to guard the ball come into play. Sochan is an artist when it comes to suffocating offensive players and finding ways to create turnovers. He's always on the floor, scrapping for possession.
On the flip side, his offensive weaknesses are a cause for concern. Further than 10 feet from the basket, he's tough to trust with the ball in his hands.
He is not a pure scorer, and Drake doesn't think his game will develop in that area right away. Sochan is primed to lead via his elite defensive skills and knack for the ball, but his offense will have to come along at some point. In all, though, his toughness and elite personality make him a great early pick.