Over the past 3 seasons, current University of Kentucky head coach John Calipari has seen 9 of his former players become professional players in the NBA. Last season alone, he sent 5 players to the Association, with all taken in the first Round.
There is no doubting that as a former coach on the higher level, albeit a forgetable stint with the NJ Nets, that he knows exactly what scouts and General Managers are looking for when it comes to potential NBA prospects.
In the long run it only helps him going forward on the recruiting front since although he has had deep NCAA Tournament runs vacated in 3 different stops and as yet to win a National Title, he annually bests other top tier coaches in reeling in the very best HS ballplayers across the country.
He has had the #1 ranked recruiting class three years running, including next season which features 4 players ranked within the Top 20 players in the nation, highlighted by the number one overall prospect Anthony Davis, #1 rated SF Mike Gilchrist, and top PG Marquis Teague.
So when Coach Cal decides to give his opinion on just where some of his former players from this past season will be selected in this year’s upcoming 2011 NBA Draft, we better listen:
Josh Harrellson
Josh has continued to impress teams with his skill level and understanding of the game. His workouts have been going well and I could definitely see a late-round team like Miami (where Josh worked out on Wednesday) grabbing him. Josh brings a great mentality with him to his next team – he’s been both a reserve and starter and he goes about his job with a blue collar attitude that championship organizations love. Every team is looking for a big man who can rebound and make open shots.
Enes Kanter
This one is so hard for me because as more and more people see what we saw all year at the Joe Craft Center with Enes, I can’t help but think how much more special last season could have been if our big teenager had been able to join us for our Final Four run! He just turned 19 a few weeks ago. There is a strong possibility that Enes could be the No. 1 overall pick. If it were my decision, Enes is who I would pick at No. 1. Here’s why: he can truly be a dominating kind of player; he can be a Karl Malone-type big man. As the league gets smaller (size-wise) his ability to dominate his position will grow. He’s got a position and a true size. If he doesn’t go No. 1 he will go shortly thereafter and the teams that passed on him will look back and wince at that decision. I’m biased because I love him, but I’m also talking in pragmatic terms.
Brandon Knight
Brandon’s work ethic has never been in doubt but teams have now been able to see just how high his skill level is when they get him in for workouts. They said at the Sacramento workout (here on YouTube), he looked like a machine. He’s bigger, faster and more skilled than any of these teams thought. And the kicker in all this becomes the one-on-one meetings teams have had with Brandon. One team even said it was the best meeting they’ve ever had with a prospect. Without knowing particulars, I imagine his psychological tests will be off the charts also. He will be drafted within the first 25 minutes of the draft. I’ve made one comment to all the teams, whatever you think his upside is within three or four years, he will become that because of his work ethic.
DeAndre Liggins
DeAndre Liggins – Tony Allen. DeAndre Liggins – Tony Allen. DeAndre Liggins – Tony Allen. get the point? What DeAndre will add to a team, physically, defensively and in terms of toughness is excatly what happened with the Memphis Grizzlies and Tony Allen this year. What everybody was surprised about was his ability to make an open NBA 3-pointer. What they are seeing is that he can guard the 1, 2 or 3; will scrap like crazy and if he’s open, he’s making that 3 – just like he did vs. UNC. His workouts have gone well and if he doesn’t get picked in the latter part of the 1st round, he will be gone by the middle of the 2nd round.
He then goes on to add that one should keep in mind that “he’s been wrong before………maybe back in 1978, or was it 1977?” After seeing 4 Lottery selections earn 2 out of the last 3 Rookie of the Year Awards, including this season’s NBA MVP, who are we to argue?
Thanks: CoachCal.com
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 Lehigh 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.
