Tobe Awaka Earns NBA Combine Invite After Leading Nation in Offensive Rebounding

Context: Earlier this spring the NCAA debated a “five‑in‑five” rule that would have let players stay eligible for up to five years after high school graduation. Awaka, who has played four seasons—Tennessee for two and Arizona for two—said he never expected the rule to pass and was already looking ahead to what comes next. With Koa Peat expected to declare for the draft, Arizona had an opening at power forward, and Awaka moved into a backup role behind Peat and center Moteijus Krivas.

Key Facts: Awaka was among the 73 players initially invited to the NBA Combine, a group that typically feeds the 60 draft slots or two‑way contracts. He topped Division I in offensive rebounding percentage, securing 20.2% of Arizona’s missed shots while on the floor. In a Combine interview he said, "I think it just goes to show that sacrificing for the team isn't a negative. It's not something that derails your career or hinders you, but it could be a new opportunity for you to showcase yourself."

What It Means: At the Combine Awaka posted a 37.5‑inch vertical leap, shot 63.3% off the dribble and 52.0% on spot‑up attempts, and ranked second among centers in the lane agility test (10.94 seconds). Those numbers, combined with his rebounding rate, suggest teams view him as a high‑energy big man who can contribute immediately off the bench. Analysts note his intelligence and work ethic make him a candidate for a two‑way deal or a late‑second‑round pick, especially as NIL deals keep more upperclassmen in college and shrink the pool of underclassmen available for G League slots.

What to watch next: Whether Awaka receives a draft invitation or a two‑way contract offer will become clearer as teams complete their post‑Combine workouts and summer league rosters take shape.