2026 NBA Draft: Tobi Lawal Scouting Report

Throughout the 2025-26 season, Babcock Hoops will provide comprehensive scouting reports on top 2026 NBA Draft prospects, analyzing their strengths, weaknesses, and potential at the next level. Our reports offer an in-depth look at each player's development and draft outlook.

Tobi Lawal

Position: Forward

College: Virginia Tech

Class: Senior

Height/Weight: 6'8", 215 lbs

Birthdate: May 1, 2003

Previous College: VCU

High School: Lee Academy (ME)

Player Overview

Tobi Lawal is an explosive and energetic forward whose athleticism, motor, and defensive versatility allow him to make an impact on both ends of the floor. At 6’8” with exceptional leaping ability, Lawal consistently plays above the rim and thrives in transition, where he uses his speed and bounce to finish emphatically.

Defensively, Lawal’s physical tools allow him to be highly switchable across multiple positions. He competes with intensity, uses his timing well as a help defender, and rebounds outside his area. His athleticism, effort, and awareness make him a potential defensive playmaker who can guard wings and smaller bigs within modern NBA systems.

Offensively, Lawal continues to round out his game. His improvements as a shooter are evident, as he has shown encouraging progress from three-point range, giving him the potential to stretch the floor and complement his interior finishing. He remains most effective in transition and as a cutter, but flashes growing comfort attacking closeouts and operating in space.

To maximize his potential, Lawal must continue improving his offensive consistency, particularly his decision-making and shot selection. His tools, energy, and work ethic make him an appealing two-way prospect with room to grow.

Strengths

• Elite Athleticism: Explosive vertical leaper who plays well above the rim.

• Transition Finishing: Dynamic in the open floor; runs hard and converts in transition.

• Defensive Versatility: Switchable defender capable of guarding multiple positions.

• Motor & Energy: High-effort player who impacts games with hustle and intensity.

• Rebounding: Excellent timing and positioning; competes aggressively on the glass.

• Perimeter Shooting: Improved accuracy from three-point range, showing potential to space the floor.

• Defensive Impact: Uses physical tools to contest shots and disrupt passing lanes.

  
  

Concerns

• Free Throw Shooting: Inconsistent at the line; limits ability to capitalize on fouls drawn.

• Offensive Consistency: Must become more reliable in half-court settings.

• Decision-Making: Can improve shot selection and limit turnovers.

• Defensive Discipline: At times over-aggressive, leading to unnecessary fouls.

  
  

Questions

• Can Lawal continue to develop as a perimeter shooter to stretch defenses?

• Can his elite athleticism translate well enough to make as much of an impact against NBA-level athletes?

• Will his energy and motor allow him to carve out a role at the professional level?

  
  

Bottom Line

Tobi Lawal is a forward with rare athleticism and defensive versatility. His ability to guard multiple positions, rebound, and finish above the rim gives him a chance to contribute at the next level. Continued improvement as a shooter, decision-maker, and finisher through contact will be key to unlocking his full potential. With his physical tools, motor, and competitiveness, Lawal projects as a legitimate NBA prospect.