Every season, we must get used to new prospects entering the NBA. Draftniks discuss players and there wingspan, jumpshots, potential and all of that, I’ll do the same. I try to keep it light for the readers so, I’ll break it down position by position, starting with point guards. For this conversation, I’ll put some of the Euro prospects near the end of the position groups.
Point Guards: This year is a nice pool for point guards. The best? Duke’s Kyrie Irving. Irving is a quick, fearless slasher who’s a very good shooter and floor general. He should be able to help the Blue Devils in thier quest for a 2nd NCAA title in as many seasons. Kentucky’s Brandon Knight is another point guard who’s size (6-4) has some considering can be more of a combo guard. Great scoring ability, a lockdown defender at the college level, I wonder can he lead a team and be a efficient leader. Still, he has top 8 potential. You want a leader? look no further that Illinois’ Demetri McCamey. McCamey led the NCAA’s in assists last season but wasn’t consistent, which is why he remained in college. If he’s eligible, look out for Kansas’ Josh Selby, who was ranked #1 overall as a prospect for Rivals. He’s got bounce and lead guard ability. Don’t sleep on UConn’s Kemba Walker and BYU’s Jimmer Fredette
Shooting Guards: This is where all the shaky prospects are. Alec Burks (Colorado) is ranked as the best shooting guard in the class, but can I really believe a shooting guard on a team that couldn’t pull a NIT bit is legit? Georgia’s Travis Leslie is a beast with bounce. He can jump out the gym, but is the jumpshot there? Vanderbilt’s John Jenkins is a sound shooter but can he develop that slashing skill that could benefit him at the next level? Three shooting guards I like: North Carolina’s Reggie Bullock, Miami’s Durand Scott and Indiana’s Maurice Creek. Bullock, just a freshman could slash with the best of them. He’s going to provide alot of open looks for shooters. Scott looked impressive as a freshman. He has some flashes of D-Wade in his game. If Scott can help his teammates get better, he can rise on boards. Creek is under the radar but when he plays, he reminds me of Caron Butler, he’s tough and can pass well and shoot decent enough to keep defenders honest.
Small Forwards: You probably already heard but: North Carolina’s Harrison Barnes is the guy to watch. Barnes, voted a preseason All American as a freshman, should be able to lead North Carolina right away. Guess what? this position is loaded. Kentucky’s Terrance Jones have people thinking he’s Lamar Odom 2.0 with his ability to pass, rebound and score. Baylor’s Perry Jones is HUGE competition to Barnes’ best player in the class status. Don’t sleep on Duke’s Kyle Singler. Singler is a senior and is looking to win another national title and get more draft hype. Minnesota’s Rodney Williams is a athletic wing man similar to Vince Carter. Syracuse’s Kris Joesph could make many people forget Wes Johnson was even there. UCLA’s Tyler Honeycutt and Vanderbilt’s Jeffery Taylor are a couple guys to watch out but my SLEEPER is Memphis’ Wesley Witherspoon. Witherspoon is a stud who played well last season, with all the new talent, Witherspoon has a shot to be the leader for this Memphis squad.
Power Forwards: Ohio State’s Jared Sullinger is just ready to pounce on the scene. He was even ranked on ESPN’s player of next decade voting ( Think people forgot about that did you?) Sullinger will be able to attack the boards from day one and should be in the running for the Big 10 player of the year award. Georgia’s Trey Tompkins reminds alot of people of Rasheed Wallace, his offensive moves are amazing. He should be a top 14 pick. Arizona’s Derrick Williams reminds many people of David West. Williams is undersized, but has a great motor and the solid shooting ability off pick and rolls. North Carolina State’s C.J. Leslie is a dominating athlete but needs the fundamentals ( jump shot, post moves) to be replicating his HS numbers. Euros: Donatas Motiejunas and Jan Vesely are the dominating Euros here. Motiejunas is a Dirk clone, he can shoot from 3 point range, he’s a alright rebounder and has hit several clutch baskets in his euro career. Vesely on the other hand? I see ALOT of Detroit Pistons forward Jonas Jerebko in him. Vesely is a great defender, loves to attack the basket on offensive ( even though his jumper is solid) and he’s a above average rebounder. Both can be top 5 picks in this year’s draft/
Centers: Syracuse’s Fab Melo is my #1 center. I seen him play, he’s athletic, he has some great footwork for his age and his post moves have already looked good. Reminds me of Andrew Bynum. Mississippi State’s Renardo Sidney won’t play the first 8 games this season, but watch out. Sidney has a complete package of size, speed, strength plus advanced post moves and the rebounding ability to match. Did I mention he can shoot and pass well? Kentucky’s Enes Kanter is underrated. I remember talking about him coming over 2 years ago. Kanter should be a dominating player when he comes to Kentucky. The issue? Turns out he had some knee issues overseas, NBA GM’s might be scared of that. Euros: Lucas Riva of Brazil took over the summer with his Tyson Chandler-esque style game. He’s a nightmare defensively but offensively? work in progress. Jonas Valanciunas has already been a MVP ( won the title game MVP, scored 31 points) and he’s very passionate about the game. Jonas is still growing and the main issue with that, he’s needs to add some bulk.
I left some guys out, give me the players you feel I should give more love to and lookout for!