Could Tariq Owens potentially be an NBA Player one day?

Tariq Owens is not known for his offensive prowess but set a Texas Tech record blocking 92 shots this season. He was a critical part of this tournament run and his contribution to this team will not be overlooked. He was injured in the Final Four Round of the NCAA Tournament and still played through it, even after having to use a walking boot to this day. Could Owens be on his way to the NBA pretty soon?

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All of the current mock drafts indicate that no NBA team has any intention of drafting the Big-Man from Texas Tech. That doesn’t mean that no NBA team won’t give him a chance to develop in the G-League. Owens is not only a good defender, but can score a tad bit on the offensive end as well.

Owens only shot 25% from the three point line this season but he improved later in the season. He has finished too many lob passes to count this season and plays very well above the rim. He is a great finisher on the offensive side of the ball and as we saw during the NCAA Tournament especially, he has a nice jumpshot as well.

NBA teams may overlook Owens because of his shooting but should give him a look due to his defensive prowess. As we said before, he broke the school record for blocks in a season and really was a defensive anchor for the Red Raiders all season long. He not only blocked shots but did a great job coming over from the weakside of the defense and altering shots as well.

Owens has all the skills to be a good NBA big man. He is an elite rim protector, he can finish lobs on the offensive side of the ball, he is willing to develop his jumpshot, and he is a good free-throw shooter, especially for a big man. He might get overlooked at first and he might have to play in the G-League a couple of seasons to develop his skills. He would be a great candidate to be a two-way player for an NBA team down the road, especially if he bulks up a good bit.

The NBA might overlook him at first, but he won’t be overlooked for long once he gets on the court. The NBA Summer League will be a great place for Tariq to prove that he belongs in the NBA, or at least the G-League. I think Tariq could become an NBA quality center in the next few seasons if he bulks up and works on his outside shot. He has the work-ethic and the frame to be in the NBA and I think he’ll get there one day.