Ht/Wt: 7-0 / 240 lbs
Position: C
Team: Gonzaga
Class: RS Junior

2013 Draft Profile - Kelly Olynyk

As Robert Sacre's back up, Olynyk didn't see a lot of playing time during his freshman or sophomore seasons. He took a year off, played for the Canadian juniors, and returned to Mark Few's Gonzaga team a transformed man. Olynyk added ten pounds of muscle, lost a bit of pudge, and looks to be a different player. Standing 7 ft, with average length, Olynyk is hitting a remarkable 68% of his shots this season. Now, almost all are close to the hoop, but that's his game. An outstanding player when establishing position, the junior has developed quite a few post moves and seems to have a much better touch close to the hoop. Averaging just under 24 minutes a game, he is putting up 16 points a game, and pulling down six and a half rebounds. He is also shooting an impressive 82% at the free throw line.

Olynyk is never going to be an offensive force, but he has good hands, and an incredibly high hoop IQ. Great vision, and like all of Few's players, he is unselfish. He has been posting up nicely this year. He isn't perhaps the quickest guy on the court, though for his size, he is certainly not the slowest. Like Sacre, he isn't afraid to do the dirty work, sets excellent screens, fights for every ball, and doesn't shy away from contact.

On defense, Olynyk is solid but lacks great rebounding instincts. Not an elite shot blocker like Jeff Withey, but he can still deter those slashing to the hoop just through his size and strength. Olynyk projects as a guy, like many big man, who will need time to develop. He has to refine his footwork, and sense of spacing when looking for boards, as well as cut down on turnovers. Most of the turnovers are just the result of pressing too hard, and not faulty hands. Early in his career Olynyk would face up and shoot....a poor man's Spencer Hawes. He has changed that now, and can be seen as a bigger Nick Collison lunch pail banger inside.
Player profile submitted by: John Steppling - Jan. 8th 2012



Would you like to write a player profile for any prospect that may be entering the 2013 NBA Draft? Email profiles of any player (even player’s not on our list) to our Webmaster. Credit will be given to the author of the profile.

Kelly Olynyk Videos

Kelly Olynyk 2013 NBA Draft Scouting Report Video


Kelly Olynyk at the NBA Draft Combine 2013


NBA Draft Prospect: Kelly Olynyk


13# Kelly Olynyk '91 - Gonzaga







Click here to return