A promising freshman year at Utah put Jakob Poeltl on the map after he'd arrived from Austria as a relative unknown. He's now arguably the top center prospect in college hoops three months into his sophomore season.Where we initially only saw upsidenot necessarily the convincing production to back it uphe's putting up big numbers while showcasing significant offensive improvement. This big leap forward from last year is a big deal for a player whose primary selling point was mostly driven by defensive potential.With the possibility of landing a spot in the 2015 lottery, he took some risk in returning to Utah.But by the looks of things, that gamble should pay off. Poeltl has emerged as one of the best bigs in the country and a lock for an invite to 2016's green room.Relevant StatsPer 40 minutes, he's averaging 24.4 points, up from 15.7 points a season ago. He's taking 3.9 more shots per game, yet he's still converting from the floor at a tremendous 65 percent clip.His developments as a passer and free-throw shooter have been equally notable. Poeltl has already doubled both his assist and made-free-throw totals. And though heisn't blocking as many shots (2.1 per 40 minutes, down from 3.2), his 17.9 percent rebounding percentage remains strong.StrengthsAt 7'0", 235 pounds with fluid athleticism, Poeltl passes the eye test for an NBA center. He uses his size and soft hands to catch and finish in traffic, both off pick-and-rolls and drive-and-dishes.He's made solid progress with his footwork and touch as well. In back-to-the-basket situations, Poeltl has become an impressive shot-creator, using moves like drop steps and up-and-unders to separate into high-percentage one-handers or layups."I would still say I'm dominant right hand, but I have developed a couple counters,"Poeltltold Bleacher Report'sC.J. Moore. "That's something that I probably didn't have last year. I wasn't confident with my left hook. It gives me different options. A team can't park on my left shoulder anymore, because if you give me the left hook, I'm gonna make it."In space, we've also seen him face up and attack with one-to-two-dribble straight-line drives.Given the attention he's drawn in the post, Poeltl has naturally had to evolve into a better passer. And he's made some sharp adjustments in terms of his ability to anticipate double-teams and locate the open man.Defensively, he reacts quickly as a rim protector, and though it's unlikely he'll be guarding NBA 4s, he's shown the lateral foot speed to switch and contain smaller players off the bounce in isolation.WeaknessesDespite the strides he's made as a scorer from foul line to baseline, Poeltl hasn't shown much of a jumper. And that could hurt his value during a time when stretch bigs are so coveted.For a 7-footer, his 7'1" wingspan is also on the short side, and though his size is right on par with most NBA 5s, he's not particularly strong for a player who spends most of his minutes around the basket. Thatlimited reach may also keep him from becoming an intimidator inside.At the other end, he has the tendency to pick up unnecessary fouls. It wouldn't be surprising if foul trouble became a theme for him during his rookie season."I thought he needed to see them, and some were lack of strength and some were just silly freshman fouls," coach LarryKrystkowiaktold Moore, referencing Poeltl's first year. "Some were not being known and being from Europe and not knowing how the game was played and what was a foul."NBA ComparisonsAndrew BogutAndrew Bogut's ties to Utah are merely coincidental. His sophomore numbers were awfully similar to the one's Poeltl is currently putting up:Neither player is overly explosive, but like Bogut, Poeltl should be capable of making his mark as a defender, passer and opportunistic, secondary scoring option.Even though Bogut's offensive game faded over the years, he's still managed to stick around and contribute, something Poeltl should be able to do, thanks to his size, mobility and hands.Jonas Valanciunas/Timofey MozgovOffensively, Poeltl has the chance to become a Jonas Valanciunas-style scorer within 15 feet. They each have strong over-the-shoulder games and the ability to convert one-on-one opportunities on the block.If he struggles to improve his touch and ball skills, Poeltl's role in a lineup will call for him to defend and finish the way Timofey Mozgov does for the Cleveland Cavaliers.Best-Case ScenarioA best-case scenario has Poeltl becoming a defensive asset and then developing a mid-range jumper to complement the low-post game.Pau Gasol did it after shooting 70.9 percent from the line and 32.4 percent in the mid-range his rookie season, per NBA.com. Poeltl will be looking to follow in those footsteps by evolving into a pick-and-pop or mid-range catch-and-shooter.Pegging him as a potential All-Star down the road may be too ambitious, but he's a top-15 starting center if everything clicks.Worst-Case ScenarioIf he's already peaked, we should still be looking at an Omer Asik-type of big. Regardless of how little he polishes or adds to his offensive repertoire, Poeltl's physical tools and coordination should naturally translate to defense, rebounds and finishes.Worst comes to worst, he settles into a backup role that asks him to run, defend and make plays around the hoop.March ImpactWhile scouts put varying degrees of importance on a player's performance in the NCAA tournament, with the eyes of the nation on March Madness, playing well or poorly in the most critical games of the season can certainly sway one's opinions.Some players, like the Connecticut Huskies'Shabazz Napier, have used the tournament as a springboard to rise up draft boardsin recent years.Poeltl actually used last year's tournament to raise his stock by going for 18 points and five blocks against Stephen F. Austin before helping hold Jahlil Okafor to just six points during a loss to Duke in the Sweet 16.This year, regular-season consistency should buy Poeltl some extra margin for error. Scouts won't dock him too much for a shaky showing or two in March.Not even a Final Four run will land Poeltl a spot in June's top three, but carrying the Utes to big wins down the stretch should certainly strengthen his image as an impact, go-to player. PredictionHe'll be the top center off the board in the No. 4 to No. 10 range, assuming LSU's Ben Simmons and Duke's Brandon Ingram go top two and teams value Dragan Bender's upside more than Poeltl's.Based on current standings and lottery odds, the Milwaukee Bucks and New Orleans Pelicanstwo teams that could use a two-way anchorshould show interest, as should the Boston Celtics (with the Brooklyn Nets' pick), if they fall outside the top three.
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