Projecting UCLA's Tyler Bilodeau's NBA Outlook

While there were disappointments last year, senior forward Tyler Bilodeau proved that he can be a player who can not only lead his team on the college level but is also capable of being a decent player in the NBA.

Tyler Bilodeau Has NBA Potential

In his senior season with the Bruins, Bilodeau proved he was the team's leader. With his 6-9 and 235-pound frame, he is a pure stretch four who can knock down shots from the perimeter.

Last season, Bilodeau averaged multiple career-highs, in points, averaging 17.6 per game, shooting splits with 51% shooting from the field and 46% shooting from three, as well as 87% from the free throw line. Bilodeau also averaged almost a team-high in rebounds with 5.6 per game.

Bilodeau is not limited to the outside; he can also operate in the post. Bilodeau loved to face up and get into jumpers from the midrange area and was very effective. He made 53 percent of his shots between nine and 19 feet last year, per Synergy, which is a ridiculous level given that a large majority of these shots were contested.

Throughout the season, Bilodeau also proved that he can be a good on-ball defender in the post. During the NBA Draft Combine, Bilodeau posted good measurements, which boosted his draft stock. At the combine, he measured at 6'7.25" without shoes, with an almost 7'1" wingspan and an 8'11" standing reach.

Areas for Improvement

No prospect in the NBA Draft is perfect, and Bilodeau still has some areas for improvement to have a long career in the NBA.

Bilodeau is not the best at putting the ball on the floor or creating his own shot. He won't blow by anyone off the bounce, and there is a worry that opposing defenses can recover on him even when he attacks closeouts.

While he is a good defender in the post with his frame, he isn't very quick, and when guarding perimeter players, he has been blown by guards and even smaller forwards. Bilodeau is a player who can provide great perimeter shooting and post scoring off the bench right away for an NBA team, but if he can improve his defense and shot creation, he might not have the career he wants.