A reliable and efficient offensive contributor, capable of scoring in different ways. One of the most impactful rebounders for his size
BORN: –
LAST TEAM: Idaho State Bengals (NCAA)
HEIGHT: 6-4 / 193 cm
WEIGHT: 205 / 93 kg
PRO
- Movements off the ball
- Rebounder
- Defense
WEAKNESSES
- Create his own shot
- 3-P consistency
- Not elite athleticism
VIDEO
ACTUAL
POTENTIAL
INTRODUCTION
Jake O’Neil began his career at the NAIA level with the College of Idaho, where he was a key player for multiple seasons, earning a spot on the All-Tournament Team in 2022. For his senior year, he moved to NCAA Division I with Idaho State, immediately establishing himself as a cornerstone for the Bengals. He started all 30 games, finishing as the team’s second-best scorer and assistman while leading in total rebounds. In the Big Sky Conference, he ranked second overall in rebounds and offensive boards. His season was rewarded with a selection to the Big Sky All-Defensive Team and an All-Conference Honorable Mention.
PHYSICAL
Jake O’Neil brings a solid frame that provides strength and stability in the paint. He moves the court with purpose, showing balance and body control when absorbing contact or battling on the glass. His constant motion, sense of positioning, and motor make him an active player on both ends. While not an explosive athlete, his reliable footwork and lateral discipline compensate for athletic limitations, allowing him to be effective against stronger or taller opponents. His combination of strength, energy, and mobility makes him a versatile physical presence capable of impacting multiple areas of the game..
OFFENSIVE PHASE
Jake O’Neil is a reliable and efficient offensive contributor, capable of scoring in different ways. His off-ball movement and physicality make him one of the most impactful rebounders for his size, with 3.5 offensive rebounds per game that ranked him top-15 nationally, creating consistent second-chance points. He operates effectively in the post, where good footwork and body control translate into efficiency around the rim (50.6% on two-pointers, 8.2 attempts per game). On the downside, his shot creation remains limited, struggling to generate offense off the dribble, and his ball security can be improved (2.3 turnovers per game). Perimeter shooting is also inconsistent (31.6% from three on 2.5 attempts). He is not a primary ball-handler but adds value as a secondary passer, averaging 2 assists with solid reads. His offensive profile is more functional than flashy, thriving in structured systems where spacing, movement, and rebounding are priorities.
DEFENSIVE PHASE
Jake O’Neil is defined by his rebounding (9.3 per game), timing, and effort, which earned him a spot on the Big Sky All-Defensive Team. He also averaged 1.1 steals and 0.5 blocks, showing good anticipation and disruptive instincts. A central piece of Idaho State’s rebounding success, he consistently limited opponents’ second-chance opportunities. While his lateral quickness and vertical pop are not standout traits, his defensive IQ, positioning, and fundamentals make him a reliable and versatile defender. He has the strength to guard inside against bigger forwards and the mobility to switch effectively on perimeter matchups, covering spots from shooting guard to power forward.
IMPROVED AREAS
Jake O’Neil must improve in three key areas: shot creation, perimeter consistency, and overall quickness. His limited ability to create off-the-dribble and his inconsistent outside shooting make him predictable offensively, and refining these aspects will be crucial to expand his role beyond that of a complementary piece. Defensively, adding lateral quickness and explosiveness would help him face faster, more athletic pro-level wings. Another question mark is that he only has one season of high-level NCAA experience; proving that his production can translate and remain consistent in a professional environment will be a decisive factor for his long-term projection. In his rookie season, he can ensure a solid impact in a medium to low-level league to assess his true potential.