NBA Draft: USC’s Evan Mobley selected third by Cleveland Cavaliers
The 7-footer, out of Rancho Christian High in Temecula, ties O.J. Mayo as the Trojans’ highest-ever draft pick
Adam Grosbard (OC Register) — His name just called by NBA commissioner Adam Silver, Evan Mobley – usually so stoic – cracked a wide smile. The 7-footer stood up, and before he could go far, his father Eric began buttoning Mobley’s powder blue jacket.
After getting the parental approval, and few hugs around the table, it was time for Mobley to step up to the stage at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn and begin his NBA journey.
Mobley, who in his one year at USC lifted the Trojans to rare heights, was selected by the Cleveland Cavaliers third overall in Thursday’s NBA Draft.
“It felt amazing,” Mobley told ABC following his selection. “I can’t even put it in words. Like, I’m really here right now. It’s so crazy.”
At No. 3, Mobley ties O.J. Mayo for the highest draft pick in USC history. The Trojans have now produced first-round picks in three consecutive drafts for the first time since 2007-09.
Mobley, who played his high school basketball at Rancho Christian High in Temecula, came to USC as a McDonald’s All-American. He made an immediate impact for the Trojans, leading the team in scoring, rebounding and blocked shots as a freshman.
For his efforts, Mobley was named the Pac-12’s Player of the Year, Defensive Player of the Year and Freshman of the Year. He was only the second player in history to win all three awards in a major conference in a single season, joining Anthony Davis of Kentucky.
Mobley thrived in the Pac-12 last season by averaging 16.4 points, 8.7 rebounds and 2.9 blocks per game for the Trojans. Mobley’s play led to team success, too. The Trojans were percentage points away from their first conference title in decades and made the Elite Eight for the first time since 2001.
After the season-ending loss to Gonzaga, Mobley declared for the draft. At Barclays Center on Thursday, he was surrounded by his parents, USC head coach Andy Enfield and Rancho Christian head coach Ray Barefield as he heard his name called.
In Cleveland, Mobley joins a young core that went 22-50 in the 2020-21 season. The Cavaliers feature guards Collin Sexton and Darius Garland, both former lottery picks themselves, to space the floor around Mobley. The Cavs also traded on Thursday for veteran point guard Ricky Rubio to run the offense.
With a young, fast-paced roster, Mobley believes the Cavs can play an exciting brand of basketball.
“We could definitely shock a lot of teams and get out and run a lot,” he told reporters following his selection.
In the front court, Mobley will pair with 6-foot-11 Jarrett Allen, more of a traditional center who will allow Mobley to play the four and more of the perimeter, where he can take advantage of his ball-handling skills and improving jump shot.
“Jarret Allen is a great player. I definitely feel like I can learn a lot from him and we can do damage in this league,” Mobley told reporters.
An NBA career awaits Mobley, but Thursday night closed a chapter, too. At USC, he was able to play next to his brother, Isaiah, with his father, Eric, on the sidelines as an assistant coach. Now, he’s off to the pros.
But his family will still be by his side, if Thursday was any indication. Eric and Nicole Mobley joined their son for his interview with ABC, his mom by his side and his dad standing behind them.
“It’s definitely going to be an adjustment with him all the way out there, but we’re going to make it work,” Nicole told ABC. “We’re gonna travel, we’re gonna visit, we’re gonna be there for him, whatever he needs. We’re looking forward to what the new city brings.”
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