NBA Draft Profile: Rafael Araujo

BYU Tourney Run Could Propel Big Man Into Lottery

If there is one thing that has become evident in recent NBA Draft history, it is that NBA teams love size.  It is the one component of basketball that you cannot teach, and there are few centers in the country that are bigger, or better, than BYU’s Brazilian big man, Rafael Araujo. 

The 6’11”, 280-pound senior is a major presence in the paint, having dominated the Mountain West Conference (MWC) this season with a bevy of post moves ranging from hook shots to drop steps to turnaround jumpers.  For the season, Araujo is averaging 18.2 points and 10.0 rebounds per game, including a career high 32 points and 17 rebounds in an upset win over # 3 Oklahoma State in December.  The native of San Paulo, Brazil, is also an excellent post defender, having finished the season ranked in the Top Five in the MWC in both blocks and steals.  Having recorded 14 double doubles during the season in leading his team to a 2^nd place conference finish, Araujo was named MWC co-player of the year and was a Wooden Award midseason Top 30 selection.

In addition to his size, Araujo certainly has the talent that NBA scouts love.  A smart, skilled center, he is a dominating rebounder and can score with either power or finesse.  The athletic Brazilian is also an excellent passer out of the post, runs the floor well, and can even knock down the occasional three pointer.  His game has often been compared to former Portland Trailblazers star Arvydas Sabonis, which is perhaps why many NBA draft analysts predict that Araujo will be drafted in the mid-to-late first round.  Due to BYU’s lack of television exposure, Araujo is still a virtual unknown to many basketball fans, but as the word spreads, his rare combination of size and skill could propel him into the NBA Draft Lottery.

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