F: Jacob Ognacevic (SR)
Height/Weight: 6’8”/220 lbs.
Previous School: Lipscomb
2024-25 Stats: 20.0 PPG, 8.0 RPG, 1.4 APG, 57.5% FG, 40.2% 3pt
Offensive Impact
Ognacevic was the primary scoring option at Lipscomb last season, mainly through post up and isolation. However, there are concerns with how his game will translate when he is not the #1 option, which will almost certainly be the case at Washington next season.
98th percentile in post up scoring efficiency. He is not a dominant frontcourt player from a physical standpoint, but the combination of positioning, skill, and finesse makes him difficult to defend.
Very comfortable with his post turnaround jumper. This will be an important shot for him against bigger and more athletic defenders. Can knock it down from 15+ feet.
His rim efficiency numbers are almost certainly inflated due to playing in such a weak defensive league (ASUN was 27th in 2pt FG% defense last season), but his ability to use angles and his overall skill inside should allow Ognacevic to hold his own.
His isolation game projects to be much less frequent as a #3 or #4 scoring option, but he was in the 81st percentile in efficiency. Skeptical of how well this skill would translate anyway due to his lack of ball handling and burst, but this is not a make or break skill for Ognacevic.
Ognacevic’s primary scoring duties being taken away means he will need to provide value in other areas, most importantly in the catch and shoot department.
92nd percentile in catch and shoot efficiency last season. Has more of a set shot but a fairly quick release to offset that.
Knocked down unguarded catch and shoot 3’s at a 50% clip last season. Will be important for Ognacevic to knock down shots when Peterson, Yates, and Diallo are getting into the lane to create looks.
Pick and pop game is an avenue for his spacing as well, although it won’t be very frequent if he is playing the 4 most of the time.
Not much of a movement shooter due to a lack of mobility on the perimeter. Will struggle to get himself open as a shooter, so the creators around him will need to draw help to give him space.
Average at best on the offensive glass (6.5% career OREB rate).
Not much of a passer or ball handler but doesn’t panic vs pressure. Solid against post doubles, displays patience.
Overall, I am a bit worried Ognacevic turns into almost exclusively a catch and shoot option. He can provide value as more of a role player, but the inability to shoot on the move limits his upside.
The lack of physical traits brings concerns as well, and it appears he will need a certain type of matchup to succeed as a primary scorer. His limited burst and above the rim scoring ability bring questions as to how much playing in a weak defensive league benefited him.
Defensive Impact
Stays out of foul trouble and defends with his length. Averaged 1.5 fouls per game last season and never fouled out.
Solid on the defensive glass for a 4 man. 20.2% DREB.
Will give quicker players more space on the perimeter to defend the drive due to his lack of lateral quickness. Might get mismatch hunted by guards because of this.
Struggles with long closeouts on drivers because of the limited physical traits and isn’t a great recovery defender.
Ognacevic is most likely limited to guarding low usage wings. Provides value on the glass and defending shots with his longer wingspan but struggles in many other areas.