A Scout’s Eyes: Virginia Tech’s Tobi Lawal is Breaking Out and Evolving
Tobi Lawal, a walking highlight reel, is making the most of his newfound opportunity at Virginia Tech. How is his game thriving and growing as he attracts NBA attention?
Toibu “Tobi” Lawal has made his transition to Virginia Tech and the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) appear seamless. The London, England native and Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) transfer is shining in a breakout first year as the leading man for the Hokies.
He’s leading the team in points (13.0), rebounds (6.7), and stocks (1.2) while shooting 58.9% from the field, 67.3% from the free-throw line (4.6 FTA), and 44.2% (2.0 3PA) from three across a career-high 26.0 minutes per game and a 23.7% usage rate. How is Lawal excelling and expanding his game in a new environment and opportunity? Let’s get into it!
Offensive Foundation
It’s no secret that Lawal’s offensive game is rooted in his ability to leverage his spectacular physical tools.
He’s an explosive, quick twitch, pogo-stick type athlete that causes defenders to think twice about jumping with him at the rim-forcing some business decisions. At times, it seems like Lawal defies the laws of gravity and levites in the air.
He’s bound to turn heads and drop jaws during NBA combine testing. During VCU’s preseason combine testing in 2023, Lawal showcased his effortless vertical pop by recording a 49.5-inch max vertical leap. Duplicating a similar effort at the NBA combine would set a new record, breaking Keon Johnson’s 48-inch mark set in 2021.
Listed at 6’8” and 200 pounds with long arms, broad shoulders, and a chiseled upper body, Lawal’s breathtaking athleticism is on a NBA-ready body that allows him to absorb contact and finish through defenders when he’s unable to gather to finish above the rim.
What’s both more impressive and significant is the fact that Lawal’s elite athleticism and NBA-ready frame are functional and allow him to excel as a ferocious play finisher and incredible vertical spacer/lob threat despite being an undersized big. From gazelle-like rim runs to pick-and-roll explosivity and forceful cutting, the long and bouncy big is finishing 70.6% of his attempts at the rim (90th percentile via Synergy) with 43 dunks on 102 rim attempts.
Lawal’s mix of physical tools and motor are a major asset on the offensive glass (2.5 offensive rebounds per game) as well. Opposing teams MUST identify where he’s at and get a body on him. He’s a tremendous put-back dunk threat who will hunt offensive rebounds in and out of his area to create second-chance opportunities/points for himself and his teammates.
Offensive Development
Although Lawal isn't the highly skilled big man with ball skills that’s always coveted in the modern NBA, he’s taken a significant step in modernizing his game in a critical swing area thanks to improved three-point shooting.
After showing some touch flashes last season, including connecting on 3-of-7 attempts from deep (42.9%), he’s shooting 44.2% on 2.0 attempts per game (43 total). With only one off-the-dribble three attempt, Lawal is essentially shooting exclusively catch-and-shoot threes, which is perfect considering his current and projected play-finishing NBA role. Per Synergy, the burgeoning three-point threat is netting 47.6% of his unguarded catch-and-shoot threes (21 3PA) and 38.1% of his guarded catch-and-shoot threes (21 3PA).
Lawal is a catch-and-shoot player, but that doesn't necessarily mean it’s all standstill attempts. He’s shown the ability to shoot off some movement, particularly relocation and pick-and-pop threes.
His mechanics are repeatable and comfortable. He does a great job of consistently putting arc on the ball, following through, and shooting with confidence. The combination of his mechanics, confidence, and shooting production have me feeling optimistic about Lawal becoming a reliable NBA three-point shooting threat.
Lawal’s shooting development has unlocked opportunities to attack closeouts and play off spot-ups. He’s comfortable with direct line drives into rim finishes and kick outs with flashes of drop-off assists when drawing help. His most advanced closeout attack finish was a thing of beauty where Lawal displayed craft, fluid footwork, and skilled finishing against against Collin Murray-Boyles, a top NBA prospect in the class and stellar defender. Those types of flashes could mean there is more to unlock as an opportunistic scorer.
What Evaluators Need More Of
Considering his athletic profile and motor, there is still another level that Lawal can reach as a defensive playmaker, shot-blocker and rebounder. His 1.2 stocks per game and 0.6 blocks per game marks (26.0 MPG) leave more to be desired, especially since those numbers are down from last season’s marks at VCU (1.6 stocks, 0.9 BPG) with fewer minutes (18.9 MPG). It wouldn't be unique to just Lawal, but it’s certainly possible that his increased offensive role and usage have led to a slight defensive playmaking drop.
Lawal is rebounding at a solid 6.7 rebounds per game clip, but he has shown the ability to do more. Just as he does on the offensive glass, Lawal attacks rebounds in and out of his area and often does a tremendous job of high pointing the ball (check out the clip below). He’s grabbed eight or more rebounds in eight games this season, including four double-digit rebound games. If Lawal can find an uptick in his rebounding and flirt with more double-doubles, he’ll add another valuable ancillary skill to bring to an NBA team.
Outlook
Despite being an undersized big, Lawal is a monster athlete with an NBA-ready frame that will have a defined and translatable role as an energy big play finisher and defensive playmaker with some switchability. If he continues to prove that his three-point shooting developments are real, both his floor and ceiling become even more enticing.
Expect Lawal to declare for the draft to receive feedback and officially test at the Combine where he’ll generate buzz and challenge the vertical leap record. Ultimately, I’m expecting him to return to school for his season and build off what’s been a breakout junior season. Lawal has the dynamic physical tools and developing skill level to become a Top 60 prospect.
Buzzer Beaters From In-Person Scouts
Last week, I had the opportunity to scout three games in person: St. John’s-Georgetown, Butler-Georgetown, and Loyola Chicago-George Mason. Here are some quick notes from those games:
-R.J. Luis Jr. did not shoot well against Georgetown (10 points on 5-14 FGA, 0-2 3PA), but I was still impressed with his physical tools and overall two-way wing play. Shooting remains his swing skill (28.6% 3P). Shot well in warmups. Does have some sidespin. Top 30 prospect, if a team believes in the shooting.
-I can't quit Kadary Richmond. He filled the stat sheet (13 points, six rebounds, and one assist) and was his usually disruptive self (five stocks). Like Luis Jr., shooting is the swing skill (32.7% career three-point shooter). I’m hopeful his shotmaking versatility can be enough to compensate.
-Butler wings Jahmyl Telfort and Pierre Brooks are two names to keep in mind for the Portsmouth Invitational Brook. Telfort has a bit of a cleaner path/role as a potential 3-and-D wing.
-Butler lead guard Finley Bizjack is a long-term NBA prospect to monitor along with Jamie Kaiser Jr. (out for the season). Bizjack’s ball skills, shooting, and playmaking were on display against Georgetown, with one my favorite plays from him being a smooth Nash dribble drop-off assist.
-Thomas Sorber bounced back from a tough game against St. John’s to lead Georgetown over Butler with a line of 19 points, five rebounds, two assists, and four stocks. He did have some trouble defensively against the size and strength of Butler’s improved 7’1”, 260-pound big man, Andre Screen. Nonetheless, Sorber fought and didn't back down per usual. His feel, toughness, defensive playmaking, and shooting upside should keep him firmly in the top 30.
Alongside Sorber, Micah Peavy has been the engine on both ends of the floor for Georgetown all season. Both of these games weren't any different. Peavy had more draft buzz as an underclassman, but he’s a strong 3-and-D wing that deserves Ex. 10 consideration. Should be on the PIT invite list.
-Loyola Chicago’s Miles Rubin battled through some foul trouble against George Mason, but his impact as rim protector and play finisher was still felt in stretches throughout the game. Despite being long and lean, there is some legit mature muscle and definition to a very projectable frame for one of the nation’s best shot blockers.
George Mason big Jalen Haynes gave the Loyola Chicago bigs all they could handle—leading to some double teams alongside some playful trash talking (14 points, six rebounds, and four stocks). Listed at 6’8” and 260 pounds, Haynes’s blend of power, ball skills, and footwork has been reliable for GMU all season. He could warrant interest as a Summer League invite.