Charlotte Hornets NBA Draft Profile: Charles Bassey

The Charlotte Hornets own their own first-round pick and are owed second-round picks from the Brooklyn Nets and the Los Angeles Clippers. Over the next couple of months, leading up to the 2021 NBA Draft, Swarm & Sting will take a look at prospects hoping to hear their name called on draft night.

Age: 20

Height: 6′ 11″

Weight: 235 lbs

College Stats/Awards

Charles Bassey played for Western Kentucky by way of Lagos, Nigeria. During the 2020-21 campaign, he played and started in 28 games for the Hilltoppers, averaging 17.6 points, 11.6 rebounds, and 3.1 blocks per game while shooting 59% from the field. Over three seasons at Western Kentucky, including a shortened 10-game, redshirt campaign in 2019-20, Bassey averaged 15.9 points, 10.5 rebounds, and 2.6 blocks, shooting 59.6% from the field in 72 games.

Primary Strengths

Bassey plays with a high level of desire and intensity. He has the height for a quality big man with a 7’3 wingspan. He uses his height really well, which allowed him to rebound at a high rate during his three seasons at Western Kentucky. Bassey is a good finisher around the rim; good on putbacks and finishing around at the rim with contact. He is a very good rim protector and shot blocker.

Primary Weaknesses

Bassey has the ability to step back and hit an open three but needs to continue to work on expanding his shooting game. He also needs to expand his low post moves repertoire and improve his face-up game. Bassey also needs to become more disciplined on the defensive end; he can get lost and get caught off balance at times. He also needs to work on his switching on the defensive end. Bassey needs to improve his passing ability.

Draft Projection

Bassey will be a solid rebounder and rim protector at the NBA level. He is a raw talent that could develop into an All-Star big man with the right team and coaching staff. Bassey should come off the board late in the first round or early in the second round.

The NBA announced on February 26 that for this draft only, all college players must declare their eligibility, regardless of class, if they wish to enter the draft. The NBA Draft Combine will be held on June 21–27. NCAA players have 10 days after the end of the combine to withdraw from the draft.

The draft lottery will be held on Tuesday, June 22 on ESPN. The 2021 NBA Draft will be held on Thursday, July 29 from the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. The draft will be televised on ABC (first-round only) and ESPN.