Evan Mobley, a USC Trojan student, will enter the 2021 NBA draft and drop his remaining college eligibility by hiring an agent, he announced Friday.
Mobley took to Twitter to announce his intentions, posting a 21-second NFT (non-fungible token) that he digitally signed and auctioned on the blockchain-based market OpenSea – considered to be a first in the world of sports.
“I’m heading for the league,” Mobley wrote. “This has always been my dream and, through this NFT, I am announcing that I will officially become a professional. Here’s the new “beginner’s book” – and it’s 1-on-1.
“I can’t thank my fans enough. Your support has meant so much to me. I wanted to create this unique and meaningful symbol for the winner of the auction to continue to be part of my journey. I will also provide a signed t-shirt from my college days, a t-shirt signed by my first team of professionals, as well as two tickets to a game during the rookie year + a special meeting and greeting after the match. “
LINKED LEAGUE! I dreamed of becoming a professional since I was a child. Come for the trip: https://t.co/mIpfUaZRy0 # 1din1 #NFT pic.twitter.com/nD1uTVkSkv
– Evan Mobley (@ evan_mobley7) April 16, 2021
Mobley, prospectus no. 2 in ESPN 100, was named Pac-12 player of the year, defensive player of the year and freshman of the year after an average of 16.4 points, 8.7 rebounds, 2.8 blocks and 2.4 assists in 34 minutes on the game. Mobley is the first player in Pac-12 history to win all three individual awards.
Mobley has long been considered one of the top prospects in the high school game, winning gold medals with US basketball at the FIBA U17 and U19 World Championships in 2018 and 2019. He still managed to exceed expectations with the season he had, helping USC to reach the Elite Eight of the NCAA tournament, where it lost the number 1 in the general classification and Gonzaga, then undefeated.
Despite the fact that in recent years, NBA premium teams have fallen for big men, Mobley is considered a prototype for what the scouts of a modern big man are looking for. At a height of 7 feet, with a wingspan of 7 feet, Mobley is an extremely mobile and agile man, who regularly initiated the USC offensive by pushing the ball from the defensive window and was often the most reliable passer and decision-maker of the half-court Trojans. He has a light touch around the basket, a firing range that extends beyond the 3-point line, and the ability to create his own offense from the perimeter, skills that will likely be perfected into significant weapons as he physically matures and adds so much needed power to its 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 in the college game with his ability to cover the perfect terrain from the perimeter to the inside and protect the rim with outstanding timing and instincts, one of the main reasons USC managed to reach Elite Eight , allowing only 55 points per game in its first three contests.
In most years, Mobley would have considered a favorite for election no. 1, but Oklahoma State’s Cade Cunningham season and his 6-8 do-it-all goal may prove too difficult to overcome on draft night, currently scheduled for July 29th.