Prospect Profile: Gani Lawal

We continue our series with a profile of Georgia Tech power forward Gani Lawal.

During his three years at Georgia Tech, Gani Lawal established himself as one of the top big men in the nation. After using his physical gifts to dominate the collegiate level, Lawal now needs to prove his skill set translates to the next level.

The 6-foot-9, 234-pound Lawal was a midseason candidate for the Naismath Award last year and was named to the All-ACC third team for the past two seasons. As a sophomore, when he was Georgia Tech’s featured player, he averaged 15.1 points, 9.5 boards and 1.5 blocks. Playing alongside a potential top lottery pick in Derrick Favors a junior, he averaged 13.1 points, 8.5 boards and 1.4 blocks in 25.8 minutes of action. He scored in double-digits in 26 of 32 games and was named the ACC Player of the Week on Jan. 11 for a pair of 21-point performances vs. rival Georgia and eventual national champions, Duke.

Blessed with top-notch athleticism and a powerful body, Lawal plays with a nonstop mother and a deep passion for the game. It is tough to define his game, as he is equally adept at making the fancy athletic play on the fast break as he is using his brute strength in the post. A terrific rebound, Lawal enjoys playing on the defensive end as well, and his 7-foot-2 wingspan and excellent timing makes him a shot-blocking force.

Lawal is also an intelligent player both on and off the court, averaging a 3.8 grade-point average in high school while taking Advanced Placement and honors courses. This combination of brains and talent should help him make a smooth transition to the next level.

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