NBA UDFA Profile: How much more can Angel Delgado develop his game?

Angel Delgado will go down in history as one of the best big men to ever don the blue and white in Newark.

Now, he looks to take his game to the next level, something that he nearly did after the end of the 2016-2017 season. Delgado declared for the draft after his junior year which saw him mold into one of the top big men in the country, averaging 15.2 PPG and 13.1 RPG. After initial reports said he would be leaving for the 2017 NBA Draft, Delgado elected to stay for his senior season.

His numbers took a bit of a dip in his final year with the Pirates, averaging 13.6 PPG and 11.8 RPG, however he was able to save his best for last.

After helping the Pirates to their first NCAA Tournament win since 2004, Delgado’s final collegiate game was a 24 point, 23 rebound performance in a loss against Kansas.

In this game, he showed some of his biggest strengths that NBA scouts will take into consideration on Thursday night in Brooklyn.

Obviously, the rebounding is what jumps out. Delgado finished second all-time in Seton Hall history in rebounds, as well as first in Big East history in that category, and his ability to crash the glass is impeccable.

Over the years, Delgado has put in the work off the court to strengthen his body, which has helped him enforce his will down low. Not only has this helped him in the rebounding department, but also with his post game. This is a lost art in the game that could certainly grab the attention of NBA scouts.

This skill is a lost art due to the way the NBA has transitioned with its style of play. More big men nowadays are able to step outside and knock down shots from distance, and if Delgado is to find a spot in the NBA, he is going to have to develop this skill. Delgado worked on his shot diligently in practice and in pregame shoot-around, and brought it into games on a more consistent basis as a senior.

Delgado also grew exponentially as a passer during his four years at Seton Hall. Pirate fans will remember his near-triple-double against Marquette in the Big East Tournament Quarterfinals back in 2017 when he fell one assist short. His passing out of the post and out of double teams is a plus, but ball skills will need to improve a bit for Delgado. Oftentimes, Delgado would lose the ball in the paint and commit turnovers. Delgado will need to take better care of the ball in order to establish himself as an NBA pro.

Delgado will be on an NBA roster for sure, I’m just not sure it will happen on Thursday night. The big man certainly has NBA level potential, but will need some seasoning under NBA coaching to tap that potential.