March 14, 2011 – Allen Moll
Now that the NCAA regular season is finished, we now have most players’ full body of work to further evaluate their talents as professionals at the next level. With that being said, a few of the potential 1st round players from our last Mock Draft – Version 2.0 have shown some holes in their game while on the flip side, some have made a decent jump in our projections.
My previous Top 5 of Sullinger, Jones, Irving, Kantner, and Motiejunas has gotten a bit jumbled due to the outstanding play of some other potential Lottery selections like Arizona’s Derrick Williams, BYU’s Jimmer Fredette, and UConn’s Kemba Walker. But just how high will these much improved prospects rise?
As such, these Mock Draft rankings are based on potential with this year’s Draft order based on current team records which fluctuate daily. These are only my choices and not the consensus picks of all of The Hoop Doctors writers, with that said here is my 2011 Mock Draft:Version 3.0:
| Draft Order | College Team | Player | Position | Physical |
1.Cle |
Ohio State | Jared Sullinger | PF/C | 6’8 280 lb Freshman |
| I stand by my comment that Sullinger is the most NBA ready prospect in the entire draft, for what thats worth(we said that about Evan Turner last year). He has the size to bang down low, has an unbelievably high basketball IQ, in addition to having the potential to being an elite level rebounder at the next level. He also possesses all the intangibles for a big man like having a feathery touch out to 15 feet, is usually the first player on the floor for loose balls, and is a rarety among big men at any level, as he shoots an above average percentage from the free throw line. Because of only average athleticism, Jared may never be an out of this world superstar but a career of averaging 20-10 could be on the horizon at the next level. | ||||
2.Minn |
Arizona | Derrick Williams | PF/SF | 6’9 240 lbs Sophomore |
| The 2 time PAC-10 POY has been every bit as good as advertised this season, and then some. Williams stock has skyrocketed as he has become a game-changing big man who projects well at the next level. After surprising fans with his outstanding play as an unheralded freshman last season, he has taken his game to another level as he has helped make the Wildcats relevant once again out West. He uses his big body and at times overpowering strength to get into the paint to do most of his damage, getting to the charity stripe at an alarming rate. He has added some range to his game from last season extending out to the 3 point arc, in addition to shooting more than 62% from the field. On the season, he is averaging 19.1 ppg, 8 rebounds, and is making nearly 75% of his FT attempts. If he continues to improve his game in the NCAA Tournament, Derrick will be a lock to hear his name called in the first 5 picks come June. | ||||
3.Wash |
Duke | Kyrie Irving | PG | 6’2 180 lbs Freshman |
| While it’s rare that a HS player that has played only 8 games at the collegiate level could be regarded as a Top 10 pick, but Irving is just that good. In those 8 contests, he appears to be the total package from the PG position, showcasing 5 star floor general skills like elite level scoring, impressive handles, a high basketball IQ, and above average defense. He won’t always make the highlight reel playbut will always make the right one. With recent news that Kyrie’s injured toe is improving, there’s hope that he will be eligible to return to action in the Big Dance. Should be the first PG chosen. | ||||
4.Sac |
Baylor | Perry Jones III | SF/PF | 6’11 220 lbs Freshman |
| Recently being ruled ineligible by the NCAA to play for the Bears in the Big 12 Tournament over recruitment violations won’t hurt Perry’s draft stock much but his inconsistency prior to the ruling has. Despite having possibly the most upside of any player at the next level, Jones has struggled a bit over the 2nd half of the season at Baylor. He has somewhat gotten exposed when it comes to his suspect jumpshot and lack of polish defensively as he has been prone to pick up fouls in bunches. With that being said, he has through the roof athleticism that we rarely, if ever see in a nearly 7 foot tall player. He has a SF skill set in a wiry thin PF frame, in that he prefers facing the basket and scoring on drives and slashes to the basket rather than with his back to it. Some have already compared his game to that of Tracy McGrady. He’s nowhere near that as of yet but the potential is evident. | ||||
5.Tor |
Kentucky | Enes Kantner | PF/C | 6’10 265 lbs Freshman |
| I’m not exactly sure if the Turkish phenom’s sitting out over eligibility concerns has helped or hurt his draft stock. In one case, it doesn’t expose his weaknesses while not really showing how well he would perform against some of the NCAA’s top big men. Surely practicing in Coach Cal’s pro style offense has to help but most scouts are probably so impressed by his domination of International competition during the Nike Hoop Summit last year(where he broke Dirk Nowitzki’s scoring record) that he will undoubtedly remain a 2011 Lottery pick. Enes has the size and strength to contribute immediately at the highest level and could be a difference maker for the right team. | ||||
6.NJ |
International | Donatas Motiejunas | PF/SF | 7’0 220lbs Intl |
| While some rate Vesely or Valanciunas as the best pure International prospect, in my opinion Motiejunas should make the best pro at least in the short term. At only 20 years of age, he has blossomed into one of the best scoring big men in all of Europe as he is currently averaging 13 ppg, shooting over 60% from the field, including more than 46% from behind the arc at the highest level in the Italian leagues. Since withdrawing his name from last year’s Draft, Donatas has added 10 lbs of muscle and has showed a bit more toughness making international scouts compare him to current NBA superstars Pau Gasol and Andrea Bargnani. Defense and rebounding remain as areas of improvement but should be a Top 10 pick come June. | ||||
7.LAC |
Kentucky | Terrence Jones | PF/SF | 6’8 225 lb Freshman |
| The other Jones drawing rave reviews in NBA circles is Kentucky’s Terrence, who has been one of the Wildcats’ best players along with Brandon Knight. Similar to Baylor’s Perry Jones but a bit more polished, Terrence is an uber athletic physical specimen displaying an amazing ability to score in a variety of ways, rebound at a high rate, pass with efficiency, and even handle the rock when needed. His stock as slipped a bit lately because of some inconsistencies with his jumper but keeping in mind that Terrence is still only 18 years old, Jones is still one of the NCAA’s most exciting players, continually dunking in traffic and showing off his impressive all around skill set. If he leaves Lexington at the end of the season, he could be a Top 10 pick. | ||||
8.Det |
UNC | Harrison Barnes | SF | 6’8 210 lbs Freshman |
| The fist ever Pre-Season All American as a freshman hasn’t made the type of splash as we all expectedearly but has steadily improved over the final month of the season and the skills are now evident that will one day make him a good NBA player. His outstanding size, length and athleticism is what NBA scouts drool over. Barnes has helped lead UNC to a regular season ACC crown and recently set a career high with 40 points in the ACC Tourney. Depending on just how far he takes the Tarheels in the Big Dance may help decide if he is deserving of Top 5 status. | ||||
9.Mil |
BYU | Jimmer Fredette | PG/SG | 6’2 195 lbs Senior |
| Most teams out West can verify that Fredette is the most potent offensive player in this year’s draft. He is the probable NCAA POY as he has scored 30+ points an amazing 20 times this season, highlighted by a 52 point gem in the MVW Semis. While he is an elite level collegiate player, Jimmer probably projects as a point guard at the next level, although his outstanding long range shooting may convince scouts he could be an instant offense type in a 6th man role. Even though he possesses only an average level of athleticism and struggles a tad on defense, he more than makes up for it with toughness and determination. If you want instant offense, Jimmer’s your man. | ||||
10.Cha |
UConn | Kemba Walker | PG/SG | 6’0 180 lbs Junior |
| Kemba’s improvements from previous seasons to this one are evident as he has played as well as any player in the country outside of those named Fredette and Sullinger. He has become an absolute star by become an elite level scorer, with playground like handles, and the heart and determination of a champion as he led the Huskies to an improbable Big East crown. Walker has all the skills to be a star at the highest level but there are concerns about his diminutive size since he is probably a few inches shorter than his listed height of 6 feet. But Kemba has proven to have more than enough intangibles like heart and desire as evidence of his 5 game winning shots this season. His stock is on the rise after becoming the first player to score 20+ points in 5 straight Big East Tourney games. | ||||
11.GS |
Lietuvos Rytas | Jonas Valanciunas | PF/C | 6’11 240 lbs Intl |
| At only 18 years of age, Jonas was the perfect compliment to Donatas Motiejunas on the Lithuanian National Team this past Summer. Although still considered a raw talent, he has an incredible wingspan(7’6) that makes him very difficult to defend on the offensive end. Right now he is clearly a low block player with range on his jumper extending only to about 10-12 feet, but is reportedly a tireless competitor who ranks among the most improved players in all of Europe over the past 2 seasons. Jonas has a motor that doesn’t quit, runs the floor like a gazelle, and is an outstanding offensive rebounder. He still needs to improve strength and conditioning to compete against NBA bigs but has unlimited potential. | ||||
12.Hou |
Kentucky | Brandon Knight | PG/SG | 6’3 190 lbs Freshman |
| The next great PG in Calipari’s long history of producing NBA ready floor generals after Rose, Evans, and Wall is Knight. Similar to Barnes at UNC, Brandon started slowly but has developed into an elite level shooter with an ever improving handle, matched with outstanding size and athleticism. He has scored 20+ points in 12 games this season proving to be a more offensive minded PG than his predecessors. He shoots an impressive 40% from behind the arc and is arguably the most well rounded floor general Calipari has ever had behind his 4+ rebounds and 4+ assists per game averages. Brandon has hinted that he won’t declare for this year’s draft setting up an impresive backcourt consisting of Knight and Marquis Teague in ’11. Nevertheless, if he does declare this year, he’ll likely be a Top 10 pick. | ||||
13.Utah |
Kansas | Marcus Morris | PF | 6’9 225 lbs Junior |
| Marcus may very well be the most complete frontcourt player in the entire draft. He can shoot from the perimeter, bang down low, or play above average defense on opposing bigs, all with a PF sized body. The only thing standing in his way from moving up is attitude since he has been either suspended or benched a number of times this season by coach Bill Self. When on the court, Morris is capable of dominating as he currently leads the Jayhawks in scoring(17.3 ppg), as well as grabbing 7.2 rebounds. He also shoots nearly 60% from the field and an impresive 45% on treys. He has scored in double figures in all but 2 contests and ranked among the nation’s leaders in double-doubles. Marcus’s stock is on the rise as he has helped lead the Jayhawks to both the Big 12 regular season and Tournament titles. | ||||
14.Pho |
San Diego St | Kahwi Leonard | SF/PF | 6’7 225 lbs Sophomore |
| Anyone that has watched a SD State game this season can attest that the 2nd year forward has developed into hands down the hardest working player in the nation. Despite not having a defined position, he possesses excellent strength and length for a wing player, showing off his high motor and athleticism on drives to the basket. He has an excellent first step, enabling him to finish with authority or pull up for a short range jumper. For the season he averaged a double-double in helping lead his squad to a MVW Tourney title over BYU. On the flip side, he sometimes relies too much on his explosiveness and at times takes too many off balance shots, as well as needing to improve his perimeter shooting(27%). Leonard’s stock is on the rise as despite playing either SG, SF, or PF at times, he is undeniably an NBA talent as he could be the hardest working, most athletic player in the country. | ||||
15.Ind |
Czech Republic | Jan Vesely | SF/PF | 6’11 230 lbs International |
| Not many players tend to pass up a chance to earn millions in the NBA to remain another season in Europe, but the move appears to be paying off for Vesely as he has shown great improvement this season in the Euroleague. After having his best game as a pro(22 pts, 10 reb, 4 blk) in the Euro Final Four last season, Jan has shown a more ferocious demeanor around the rim this year as he attempts to dunk on seemingly every possession playing for Partizan. Although possessing a more slender frame, many scouts have compared Vesely to the European version of Blake Griffin as he has posterized dozens of opposing players. He has terrific size(6’11) and length to play the SF position in the NBA although concerns remain defensively as to whether he can guard smaller quicker players. He has improved his outside shooting to respectable levels, making 32% on treys this season and is tailor made for the pick and roll. His low post game is improving but still needs to add weight to play valuable minutes in the NBA. Like many European players, contract issues remain, as he would have to be bought out if he is to play next season in the NBA. Although he may get selected lower than if he came out last season, he remains an intriguing prospect because of his amazing athleticism and raw abilities in his nearly 7 foot frame. | ||||
16.Phi |
Texas | Tristian Thompson | PF | 6’9 230 lbs Freshman |
| Perhaps the very best of the Longhorn’s fabulous freshmen, the Canadian born Thompson has come on strong down the stretch and now ranks as an elite level talent among NCAA big men. His stock has skyrocketed behind a string of double-double performances that saw him average 18 points and 12 rebounds over the last month of the season in leading Texas all the way to the Big 12 Finals. Tristian has a rare skill set for a PF where he is an absolute beast in the painted area yet has decent handles and is more than capable of taking his man of the dribble when needed. While he is still a raw talent, there’s no doubt that he may be drafted on pure potential as he could one day be a sleeper of this year’s draft. | ||||
17.NY |
Duke | Nolan Smith | SG | 6’3 200 lbs Senior |
| Starting at the point in absence of the injured Kyrie Irving, Nolan has been outstanding, showing NBA scouts that he can play either the 1 or 2 positions at the next level. Nolan has been outstanding as one of the few players to come close to averaging 20+ points, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists. On the season, Smith led Duke in scoring, assists, and minutes and has proven to do whatever is needed for his club to secure another win. From last season, Nolan has shown an increased quickness and above average first step, used to penetrate and either hit the open mid-range jumper or dish the rock. He is an excellent half-court player but may struggle if asked to create his own shot. A recent toe injury may be an issue going forward. | ||||
18.Mem |
Texas | Jordan Hamilton | SG/SF | 6’7 225 lbs Senior |
| After an up-and-down freshman season last year, Jordan has become the go-to-guy for coach Barnes in ’10-’11. He has become one of the nation’s best scorers, averaging a team best 18ppg, to go along with nearly 8 rebounds, and 2 assists per game. He’s had 16 games of 20 or more points and could help a team offensively from day 1 at the next level. Jordan also has excellent size(6’7) for the 2 guard position but could also play SF against smaller line-ups. Jordan arguably has Top 10 talent but at times suffers from bad shot selection and tends to shoot too many threes. Nonetheless, his size and offensive prowess are tailor made for the NBA game. | ||||
19.Por |
Morehead State | Kenneth Faried | PF | 6’8 235 lbs Senior |
| Perhaps no one player’s stock is on the rise as that of Faried. In his 4 seasons at a small Kentucky school, all the dominating big man has done is break Tim Duncan’s long-standing rebounding record, while once again leading his squad to another NCAA berth. He has one of the best motors on the planet and exudes athleticism that enables him to be an elite level rebounder and defensive stalwart. Offensively is where Faried’s game struggles as he relies mostly on lay-ups on offensive rebounds and short jump hooks, in addition to some nasty putback jams over defenders. Many have compared him to the modern day Dennis Rodman, and the comparison isn’t far off, minus all the tatoos and multi-colored hair. He is a physical specimen in the mold of Ben Wallace. | ||||
20.Den |
Colorado | Alec Burks | SG | 6’6 185 lbs Sophomore |
| Possessing excellent size to play the 2 guard at the next level, the average fan probably hasn’t heard much of Burks until he helped lead the Bufs to a deep run in the Big 12 Tourney and an NCAA Tourney berth. He has shown the ability to score and hit big shots, immediately drawing comparisons to former Colorado alum Chauncy Billups. He has a quick first step and finishes among the best in the nation in addition to being a great perimeter shooter, knocking down nearly 35% on treys this season. He’s more than just an elite scorer as he rebounds well(6.4) from the 2 guard position and can make the pass to an open teammate. He still needs to add some weight to a thin frame but has outstanding size and skill-set to be one of the sleepers in the draft. | ||||
21.NOH |
Purdue | JuJuan Johnson | PF/C | 6’11 230 lbs Senior |
| The reigning Big 10 POY(over Sullinger) has helped Purdue fans forget about the injured Robbie Hummel this season. Johnson has been a beast in the front-court area leading the conference in scoring(20.5) while pulling down 8+ boards, and blocking 2.3 shots per contest. He is deserving of 1st Team All American honors, ranking among the nation’s leaders in double-doubles. While in the past his range only extended to around 15 feet, he has expanded to just outside the arc, making 30% on threes. While concerns remain about his still thin frame, he dominated opposing bigs at the collegiate level, showing an improved strength and sometimes nasty demeanor on the block. An improved offensive game and upping his FT% to more than 80% makes him a much better than an at first percieved shot-blocker at the next level. | ||||
22.Atl |
Duke | Kyle Singler | SF/PF | 6’9 230 lbs Senior |
| While it’s a bit puzzling to figure out just why Kyle’s numbers are down across the board in his senior season, he remains one of the best all-around players that the college ranks have ever seen. His production has been almost legendary, ranking in the Top 5 in most offensive categories in Duke history. He has been stuck in a prolonged shooting slump that goes back to the 2010 calendar year but has a plethora of moves to create space and score at an above average level. Despite a lack of overwhelming athleticism, Singler excels in nearly every facet of the game from rebounding, passing, ball-handling, and even holds his own defensively. He is the consumate winner and team player, qualities that some NBA coaches long for. | ||||
23.OKC |
Providence | Marshon Brooks | SG | 6’5 190 lbs Senior |
| Despite playing on a bad team in the nation’s best conference(Big East), the wiry thin Brooks has quietly become one of the country’s most prolific scorers. He and Jimmer Fredette are the only players to top the 50 point mark in a game this season and finished 2nd in the nation behind the BYU star with a gaudy 24.8 ppg average. He scored 20 or more in an NCAA best 26 games this season and had contests of 52, 43, and twice notched 33 point efforts during the regular season. Brooks is one of the more intruiging players in the draft as he can score from anywhere on the floor, has impressive handles, and has the physical tools to play against bigger defenders because of his outstanding length. He compares favorably with Atlanta’s Jamal Crawford. | ||||
24.Orl |
Tennessee | Tobias Harris | PF | 6’8 230 lbs Freshman |
| In his first season under coach Bruce Pearl, the once highly touted HS prospect has adapted nicely to rank 2nd on the Volunteers in both scoring(15.2) and rebounding(7.3). Despite his team’s rollercoaster of a season, Harris has been the model of consistency, scoring in double figures nearly every game of the season. He is a tremendous mismatch in that he can take his man off the dribble in addition to being big enough to bang down low. He has amazing passing skills and has been known to take a defensive rebound all the way to the cup on occasion. Harris is still a work in progress and considering he’s one of the youngest players in the college ranks he would benefit from another year at Tennessee but is good enough to be selected in Round 1. | ||||
25.LAL |
Georgia | Trey Thompkins | PF | 6’10 245 lbs Senior |
| Despite being below the radar of the average NCAA fan, Trey is undoubtedly an elite NBA prospect. Possessing a prototypical NBA power forward physique, he is best suited in the half court as a low post player, even though he knocked down more than 30% of his 3 point attempts. Despite average athleticism, Thompkins overmatches opponents with a through the roof basketball IQ, tremendous footwork in the paint, and a focus on dominating the fundamentals of the game. Trey is one of the game’s best offensive rebounders and scores on feathery tip ins, put-backs, and baby hooks, in addition to a being a rarity in today’s game – a big man who shoots nearly 80% on free throws for his career. | ||||
26.Chi |
Florida St | Chris Singleton | SF | 6’8 215 lbs Junior |
| Perhaps the most intruiging player in the entire draft, Singleton decided to return to Florida State to prove he can be a go-to-guy and to further develop his offensive game. He has a prototypical NBA physique and reminds some scouts of Josh Smith or Gerald Wallace. He can drain the occasional three(41%) but still struggles to find his own shot. Since he has improved his low post game, it is difficult to predict exactly where he will be selected as some Mocks have him as either a Lottery sleeper or missing the 1st round all-together. His unfortunate knee injury late in the year has forced him to miss a ton of time but he remains a pro prospect. I fully expect him to throw his name into the draft but a return to school for his senior campaign wouldn’t shock anyone if he isn’t projected as a 1st Round pick. | ||||
27.Mia |
UNC | John Henson | SF/PF | 6’10 200 lbs Sophomore |
| As a result of teammate Harrison Barnes’ untimely development as an elite level wing player, it has opened the front-court up for the formerly disappointing Henson to flourish. Possessing an overwhelming wingspan(7’6) the long and lanky sophomore has become a double-double, shot-blocking machine. He finished the regular season on a tear averaging an impressive 16 ppg, 12 rebounds, and nearly 5 blocks over the final month and has become a nightmare match-up as a big that has ball-handling skills and can shoot. With his still wiry thin frame, he still struggles at times with bigger defenders but has gotten the best of opponents on most occasions. Henson still needs to add muscle to be affective at the next level but has the skill set to be a good a NBA player. | ||||
28.Dal |
Wisconsin | Jon Leuer | PF | 6’10 230 lbs Senior |
| While PG Jordan Taylor is the heart and soul of of the Badgers, big man Jon Leuer has to be their foundation that steadies the ship. Leuer is so good you almost don’t notice because he does a workman-like effort, contributing 18.6 points, to go with 7.3 rebounds, while shooting nearly 50% from the field, 40% from three, and 85% from the line. He can be deadly from behing the arc, nailing 2 or mor treys 16 times this season. He also is a decent rebounder, tallying 6 double-doubles on the season. At 6’10, Leuer presents matchup problems with his combination of size, outside stroke, and the ability to put the ball on the floor as his handle is better than average for a college forward/center as he uses it to create open looks for himself in the post and on the perimeter. On the downside, despite having a PF physique, Leuer is more of a finesse player, chosing to go around or shoot over a defender rather than through him. It will be interesting to see how well he guards taller and stronger bigs at the next level. | ||||
29.Bos |
Syracuse | Rick Jackson | PF | 6’9 235 lbs Senior |
| After shedding nearly 30 lbs from his junior season, Jackson has made himself into an NBA player. As the Big East Conference’s leading rebounder, he has excellent footwork in the paint and could develop into an elite level board man at the next level. He does most of hisoffensive damage inside the painted area by getting prime position to recieve the ball prior to the pass being made. Inside of 10 feet of the rim, Jackson is deadly, using an assortment of jump hooks and dunks to finish the play. Rick is also an above average passer as evidence of his nearly 3 assists per contest. Because of the lost weight, he also blocks a ton of shots(2.5) out of the vaunted Syracuse zone. On the negative, he really lacks any range on his jumper and is only average defensively. He rarely played man defense at Syracuse and has yet to prove he can stay in front one-on-one. Excellent C/PF prospect on a team which doesn’t need scoring from it’s bigs. | ||||
30.SA |
Cleveland State | Norris Cole | PG | 6’2 180 lbs Senior |
| Norris is the perfect example of a player making the right decision to stay in school. He has steadily increased his all-around numbers to being the lone Division I player to average 20+ points, 5+ rebounds, and 5+ assists. He burst upon the national scene with his 41 point, 20 rebound, 9 assist effort against an opponent in February. His biggest improvement has been his PG skills, where he was a finalist or the Bob Cousy Award given to the nation’s best PG. He’s a solid PG prospect with above average offensive abilities and is at his best in pick and roll situations. His only concern ishaving only average athleticism and must improve his range on his jumper as he doen’t connect on a ton of shots from three. Norris is a 4 star PG prospect better served as a facillitator rather than a focal point. | ||||
1st Round Sleepers
Jordan Williams, Maryland, PF(6’10 260 lbs) Sophomore – In his 2nd season under coach Williams, Jordan has become a beast down low as he led the ACC in rebounding(12 rebs) to go along with nearly 18 ppg. His stock is skyrocketing and may be a sure fire 1st Round lock by the time the actual draft comes in June. Because of his powerful, low block skills, and elite rebounding skills, Williams may be a key piece in filling a NBA club’s void up front. He has a unique skill set in that he has tremendous power in the paint yet has a soft feathery touch out to 15-18 feet. Another year in college could make him a Lottery pick.
Travis Leslie, Georgia, SG/SF(6’4, 205 lbs) Junior – While mostly known nationally for serving up a facial on DeMarcus Cousins last season, Leslie is a freakish athlete, who has potential at the next level. While at this point he relies too much on his physical attributes, he is a tremendous backcourt rebounder, as evidence of pulling down 7 boards per night last season. He has a still developing jumper, extremely high motor, and excellent on-ball defense, to go with explosive leaping ability. Still needs to work on ball-handling and creating his own shot but GM’s absolutely love his potential. Future NBA Dunk Contest contestant.
Klay Thompson, Washington St, SF(6’7 190 lbs, Junior) – After earning the “soft” label almost exclusively as a great perimeter shooterin his first 2 years in college, Klay has developed nicely into one of the nation’s best scorers as evidence of his gaudy 22.2 ppg average. His touch and body control are outstanding using the dribble-drive to get to the basket and has become far more than just a 3 point shooter. NBA GM’s are surely looking to transform him into a high scoring SF or bigger SG at the next level but still needs to add weight. Defense will always be an area of concern because of only average athleticism but he has made great strides in his all around game to be considered a 1st round selection. A recent arrest for possession of a controlled substance has thrown a monkey wrench into his professional future.
Rodney Williams, Minnesota, SF(6’7 200 lbs, Sophomore) – As arguably one of the most athletic players in the nation, when given playing time, Williams seemingly does something every game that both either make you say “wow” and at the same time make you scratch your head. He plays at times with reckless abandon as he is among the very best finishers in the nation. His mediocre numbers(6.5 ppg, 3.5 rebs) don’t tell the whole story as he is the definition of raw and will undoubtedly be playing at the highest level someday. He could use another year or two in college but some GM may select him as a high ceiling-type project player.
Tyler Honeycutt, UCLA, SF/SG, (6’9 185 lbs, Sophomore) – Honeycutt is a 6’8 versatile and athletic player who can interchange between the off guard and forward positions as his long arms and active movement help him hit the boards hard and rebound the basketball despite being barely 200lbs. He’s deceptively quick in the post, yeat equally potent from the perimeter. He definitely needs to add bulk to guard bigger players at the next leve, hence he is better served at the SF position. He also could use work creating his own shot. Tyler is one of the hardest workers in practice and projects as a player in the Tayshaun Prince/Josh Childress mold. Could be a 1st Round lock with another year of seasoning.
For more Mock Drafts from all sorts of Blogs and Analysts check out The Hoop Doctors 2011 NBA Mock Drafts Database.
Allen Moll has been a lifelong NBA and NCAA College Basketball fan who watches and studies games religiously, and coaches youth basketball in his native nLehigh Valley region of Pennsylvania. Allen also provides content to Bleacherreport.com, Upperdeckblog.com, in addition to being a tenured NBA and NCAA columnist for TheHoopDoctors.com.
