The 2010-2011 NCAA season is officially over. Time is up for all those aspiring NBA stars that have hopes of one day playing in the Association. Some players took full advantage of their teams’ postseason runs in March Madness to showcase their skills on the highest level against the best competition in the NCAA Tournament. With a number of top tiered underclassmen like Sullinger, Barnes, and Jones pledging to stay in school for at least another year, the Top 10 will have a much different look from our previous 2011 Mock Draft: Version 3.
Players like UConn’s Kemba Walker, Duke’s Kyrie Irving, and Arizona’s Derrick Williams stock have skyrocketed after showing out in the NCAA’s, with Walker’s Huskies taking home the National Championship. Despite playing in only 11 regular season games, Irving has arguably proven himself to be the best point guard prospect available. Williams’ meteorical rise from unheralded recruit in ’09 to now a potential Top 5 pick in ’11 is what makes college hoops so special.
Other players like Kentucky’s Terrence Jones and Duke’s Nolan Smith are slipping a bit because of a lackluster Tournament or playing 2nd fiddle to a teammate this postseason. And I wonder just how high some of the outstanding International prospects led by Enes Kantner, Donatas Motiejunas, and Jan Vesely will be selected. Watch out for trending overseas prospects like the athletic 7 foot Jonas Valanciunas and 18 year old native of the Congo Bismarck Biyombo, who played as well as anyone in the most recent Nike Hoops Summit.
As such, these Mock Draft rankings are based on potential with this year’s Draft order based on current team records from the end of the NBA regular season. 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 4.0:
| Draft Order | College Team | Player | Position | Physical |
1.Min |
Duke | Kyrie Irving | PG | 6’2 180 lbs Freshman |
| While it’s rare that a HS player that has played only 11 games at the collegiate level could be regarded as a Top 5 pick, but Irving is just that good. In those 11 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 play but will always make the right one. Kyrie showed that there is nothing to worry about concerning his toe injury by nailing a game winning shot then scoring 28 points in consecutive games in the NCAA Tourney. Best PG prospect available. | ||||
2.Cle |
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, helping to 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, leading all NCAA players at getting to the foul line. Has added range from last season extending to the 3 point arc, in addition to shooting more than 62% from the field. Potential double-double performer in the mold of Carlos Boozer. | ||||
3.Tor |
Kentucky | Enes Kantner | PF/C | 6’10 260 lbs Freshman |
| The Turkish phenom’s sitting out over eligibility concerns hasn’t hurt his draft stock any as he is a bonafide Lottery lock. It didn’t expose any weaknesses, despite not really showing how well he would perform against some of the NCAA’s top big men. But practicing in Coach Cal’s pro style offense has to help even though most scouts are probably still impressed by his domination of International competition during last year’s Nike Hoop Summit(where he broke Dirk Nowitzki’s scoring record). Enes has amazingly soft hands contributing to an above average scoring and rebounding abilities. He has the size and strength to contribute immediately at the highest level and could be a difference maker for the right team. | ||||
4.Was |
UConn | Kemba Walker | PG | 6’0 180 lbs Junior |
| Kemba keeps proving everyone wrong. We all kept saying he was too small, isn’t a good enough shooter, and isn’t capable of running a team. He proved everyone wrong by helping UConn make arguably the greatest postseason run in history, sweeping the Big East Tourney and winning the National Title. He exudes star power by becoming an elite level scorer, with playground like handles, and the heart and determination of a champion. Walker has all the skills to be a star at the highest level despite concerns about his diminutive size since he is probably a few inches shorter than his listed height of 6 feet. Comparisons to Iverson are inevitable. | ||||
5.Sac |
Lithuania | Donatas Motiejunas | PF/C | 7’0 225 lbs International |
| While some rate Vesely or Valanciunas as the best pure International prospect, in my opinion Motiejunas has the most potential to be a star in the NBA. 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. | ||||
6.Utah |
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. Despite starting slowly Brandon has developed into an elite level shooter with an ever improving handle, matched with outstanding size, speed, athleticism, and above average defensive abilities. The jury is out on whether he will play the 1 or 2 positions at the next level because his shooting skills are way ahead of his ball-handling to this point. During the NCAA Tourney, he has shown the ability to take over a game without being the leading scorer. At only 19 years of age, we have only scratched the surface as to how good Knight can be. | ||||
7.Det |
Lithuania | Jonas Valancuinas | PF/C | 6’11 240 lbs International |
| 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. | ||||
8.Cle |
BYU | Jimmer Fredette | PG/SG | 6’2 185 lbs Senior |
| Most teams out West can verify that Fredette is the most potent offensive player in this year’s draft. He has swept most NCAA POY Awards as the nation’s leading scorer and 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, there are questions as to how he will defend opposing guards at the next level. 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. Although it probably dates me, Jimmer reminds me a bit of former Cavaliers PG Mark Price. | ||||
9.Cha |
Kentucky | Terrence Jones | PF/SF | 6’8 240 lbs Freshman |
| 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 during the “Big Dance,” but keeping in mind that Terrence is still only 19 years old, he is still one of the NCAA’s most exciting players, continually dunking in traffic and showing off his impressive all around skill set. Another year in school could make him a POY candidate. Has already drawn comparisons to Atlanta’s Josh Smith. | ||||
10.Mil |
Czech Republic | Jan Vesely | PF/SF | 6’11 240 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 showed great improvement this season in the Euroleague. 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 continually posterizes 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. 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. | ||||
11.GS |
Kansas | Marcus Morris | PF | 6’9 230 lbs Junior |
| Marcus may very well be the most complete frontcourt player in the entire draft. He can shoot from the perimeter, is capable of banging down low, or taking his man off the dribble. When on the court, Morris is capable of dominating a game as he led the Jayhawks in scoring(17.3 ppg), as well as grabbing 7.2 rebounds per night. 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. He brings an added toughness from Philly that exeeds most players at his position. Is average defensively because of a short wingspan. Marcus’s stock is on the rise even though his Jayhawks suffered an early exit from March Madness. | ||||
12.Utah |
SD State | 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 deep into the NCAA Tourney. 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 is one of the nation’s best athletes on the hardwood. | ||||
13.Pho |
Colorado | Alec Burks | SG | 6’6 190 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 NIT Title. 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 passes well. 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. | ||||
14.Hou |
Texas | Jordan Hamilton | SG/SF | 6’7 220 lbs Sophomore |
| While the jury is still out as to whether he will return for his junior season, Jordan’s talent is undeniable. After an up-and-down freshman season last year, Jordan became the go-to-guy for coach Barnes in ’10-’11. He is 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. He has excellent size(6’7) for the 2 guard position but could also play SF in smaller line-up. 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. | ||||
15.Ind |
Duke | Nolan Smith | SG | 6’3 190 lbs Senior |
| Nolan has proven over his 4 years at Duke that he is the ultimate competitior, providing Coach K whatever is needed to help his team win. In Kyrie Irving’s absence, Smith took his game to another level, showcasing above average PG skills and a high basketball IQ to lead the ACC in scoring and finish 2nd in assists. Despite being slightly undersized, Smith regularly got the best of opponents, behind some excellent ball-handling skills even though his natural position is shooting guard. Defensively, he may have problems guarding bigger 2’s in the NBA and lacks explosiveness but his determination and toughness balance him as a player. | ||||
16.Phi |
Morehead St | Kenneth Faried | PF | 6’8 230 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 leading his squad to the 2nd Round of March Madness. 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. | ||||
17.NY |
Florida St | Chris Singleton | PF/SF | 6’9 230 lbs Junior |
| As one of the most intruiging players in the entire draft, Singleton decided to return to Florida State this season 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. He shook off an unfortunate knee injury late in the year but returned in a limited capacity to help the Seminoles play into the final weekend of March Madness. Defensively, Singleton shines, possessing lockdown ability even at the next level. If healthy, he could be a sleeper in this year’s Draft. | ||||
18.Was |
Purdue | JaJuan Johnson | PF/C | 6’10 225 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. | ||||
19.Minn |
Duke | Kyle Singler | SF | 6’8 235 lbs Senior |
| While it’s a bit puzzling to figure out just why Kyle’s numbers were 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. | ||||
20.NO |
Tennessee | Tobias Harris | PF | 6’8 230 lbs Freshman |
| In his first season under the now dismissed coach Bruce Pearl, the once highly touted HS prospect 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. Potential could be unbelievable once his body fills out. | ||||
21.Cha |
Butler | Shelvin Mack | SG | 6’2 215 lbs Junior |
| As the big shot taker on the nation’s runner up squad two years running, Mack has finally become a household name because of all the exposure that comes with deep Tourney runs. His shooting range and physical strength are two attributes that translate nicely for NBA play. Shelvin compares favorably to that of Ben Gordon as an instant offense type of shooter/scorer at the lead guard position. Has good handles and plays excellent defense and is one of those long range shooters that has range anywhere inside the gym. | ||||
22.Den |
Maryland | Jordan Williams | PF/C | 6’10 260 lbs Sophomore |
| In his two seasons under coach Williams, Jordan has developed into a beast down low as he led the ACC in rebounding(12 rebs) to go along with nearly 17 ppg. His stock is skyrocketing after averaging 14.5 rebounds in the ACC Tournament 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 prowess, 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. | ||||
23.Pho |
Providence | Marshon Brooks | SG/SF | 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.Bos |
Cleveland St | Norris Cole | PG | 6’3 180 lbs Senior |
| Norris is the perfect example of a player making the right decision to stay in school. By returning for his senior season, 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 but 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 is having only average athleticism and must improve his range on his jumper as he doesn’t connect on a ton of shots from three. Norris is a 4 star PG prospect, better served as a facillitator on a team with an already in place superstar. | ||||
25.OKC |
Richmond | Justin Harper | PF | 6’10 230 lbs Senior |
| Harper has prototypical size for the power forward position but prefers to play on the perimeter. His bread and butter is a silky smooth jumper that extends to the 3 point arc and is very efficient in getting his man in the air/off balance, then driving to the rack with authority. He handles the ball well for a 4 yet possesses an above average spin move when forced to play in the paint. Concerns about a lack of competition playing in the A-10 and a need to add bulk against bigs at the next level will keep him in the lower part of Round 1. Could be a real sleeper. | ||||
26.Dal |
Georgia | Trey Thompkins | PF | 6’10 250 lbs Junior |
| 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. He’s a poor man’s version of Elton Brand. | ||||
27.NJ |
Kansas | Markieff Morris | PF/C | 6’10 245 lbs Junior |
| As one of the safest picks in this year’s Draft, the other Morris twin at Kansas is more of a conventional 4 or 5 at the next level. He has excellent size, strength, and touch to be a solid contributor for a contending team. He has an unstoppable motor, above average rebounding skills, and blocks about 1 shot per night. One way he is similar to his brother Marcus is that he possesses long range shooting skills as he connected on 42% from downtown. Despite having outstanding low block skills and great touch from behind the arc, Markieff lacks a mid-range game and is limited by only average athleticism. Late 1st to early 2nd Round seems appropriate since he doesn’t have as high of a ceiling as other PF prospects. | ||||
28.Chi |
Wisconsin | Jon Leuer | PF | 6’10 225 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 19 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 behind the arc, nailing 2 or more 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.SA |
UCLA | Tyler Honeycutt | SF | 6’8 185 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, yet equally potent from the perimeter. He definitely needs to add bulk to guard bigger players at the next level, hence he is better served at the SF position. He also could use work creating his own shot. Tyler is reportedly one of the hardest workers in practice and projects as a player in the Tayshaun Prince/Josh Childress mold. Could be a Top 10 player with another year of seasoning. | ||||
30.Chi |
Washington St | Klay Thompson | SG/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 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 late season arrest for possession of a controlled substance may see him slide a bit. | ||||
1st Round Sleepers
Bismark Biyombo, Congo, PF/C(6’9 245 lbs) International – Prior to this year’s Nike Hoop Summit, not many fans outside of the Spanish Leagues in Europe had heard of the 18 year old native of the Congo. But after blocking 10 shots and registering the Hoop Summit’s first ever triple-double, against USA’s best HS Players I might add, NBA GM’s are slobbering over his amazing talent and athleticism. He already has an NBA sized body and may already be as fast as anyone running the floor at his position. Despite being a dominating and intimidating force on defense, his offensive game is very raw. There are also questions about his actual age as some insist he has the body of a grown man rather than that of a teenager.
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 this 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.
Nikola Vucevic, USC, PF(6’10 240 lbs) Junior – After signing with an agent, the Montenegro native and USC’s leading scorer decided to forego his senior season in college to enter his name into the NBA Draft. He’s already an extremely dangerous shooter from the mid-range in spot-up and pick-and-pop situations and is working in improving his long range shooting. He’s also an above average rebounder as he put up double-double averages in points and rebounds on the season. He’s a prototypical European big man in that he does alot of things well, especially when it comes to fundamentals. He currently projects as a role player but at only 20 years of age, he could develop into a marquee player after a few years learning the pro game, possibly in Europe.
Chandler Parsons, Florida, SF(6’9 220 lbs) – The 2011 SEC Player of the Year has been an enigma in his 4 years at Florida. He seemingly does everything and can play any position from 1 through 5 when needed, including point guard yet hasn’t quite become the go-to-guy everyone had hoped for. While h’e best served playing the SF position, many times Billy Donovan chose to run the Gator offense through him because of his high basketball IQ, excellent court vision, and passing abilities. He has above average ball-handling skills, has made strides in getting to the foul line, shoots nearly 40% from three, and rebounds effectively, averaging 9+ per game his senior season. Some areas of concern are strength against bigger NBA players, lack of athleticism, and a tendency to defer to teammates too much.
Isaiah Thomas, Washington, PG(5’9 185 lbs) – Nicknamed affectionately as “Lil Zeke” in honor of the original Isaiah of Pistons fame, the younger Zeke has a game that resembles that of Jameer Nelson. After playing the 2 guard almost exclusively his first two seasons, Thomas has developed nicely into a play-making floor general who is more than willing to take and make the game’s biggest shots. As one of the college ranks’ most emotional players, he seemingly willed his Huskies teammates to the PAC-10 Title and the 2nd Round of the NCAA Tournament. Despite sometimes streaky shooting, he has improved his outside shot and is tailor made for the pick and roll heavy NBA as a backup point or 6th man instant offense type. Entered Draft without hiring an agent, so a return for his senior campaign isn’t out of the question.
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.
