Friday 19th April 2024,

2010 Mock Draft: Version 5.0

admin April 12, 2010 Allen Moll, NCAA 3 Comments

April 12, 2010 – Allen Moll

In today’s edition of The Hoop Doctors podcast, Kevin Burke talks about Butler vs. Duke, the NCAA considering a 96 team tournament next year, and some of what he believes are John Wall’s weaknesses. So don’t miss your chance to check it out and let him know what you think…

Meanwhile back at the ranch, these are only my choices and not the consensus picks of all of The Hoop Doctors writers, with that said here is my 2010 Mock Draft Version 5.0 – Top Prospects:

Draft Order	College Team	Projection	Position	Physical
1.	Kentucky	John Wall	PG	6’4”, 190 lbs
		Even though Evan Turner is picking up most of the POY hardware, Wall possesses way more potential at the next level. He has freakish quickness and can get to the rim at will. His most interesting attribute is his amazing ability to finish with his left hand even though he is right-handed. Although he could use a little work on his jumpshot, he handled the pressure of being handed the keys to the most legendary collegiate program as a freshman, leading them to an SEC Title and an Elite 8 birth. Think the ability to finish like Dwyane Wade with the handles of Rajon Rondo.
2.	Ohio State	Evan Turner	SG/SF	6’7″, 200 lbs
		With all do respect to Wall, Turner deservedly is the consensus NCAA POY, considering he missed almost a full month with a back injury. Turner can dominate a game like very few others in this draft using his high basketball IQ, athleticism, and showing the knack for being able to make the passes that smaller guards struggle with. His only downside is that although he is capable of knocking down an occasional three, it really isn’t a major weapon in his arsenal. While he projects as a swingman 2 or a small 3, depending on the team, he did average nearly 6 assists per game, and could be seen as a potential project at the point. Wall is the better prospect because of potential. Some feel that Turner may already be a finished project. Possible Brandon Roy clone.
3.	Kentucky	DeMarcus Cousins	PF/C	6’10”, 280 lbs
		Cousins uses his powerful core, nimble footwork, and a soft touch offensively to dominate the painted area like no other player in college this season. Although he plays a bit below the rim, the sky is the limit to his potential as a possible game-changer and 10 year All-Star. He has shown a propensity to fight authority but has gotten better as the season went on. Depending on team needs, he could go anywhere in the Top 5. Same body style and skill set to that of Derrick Coleman.
4.	Georgia Tech	Derrick Favors	PF	6’9, 230 lbs
		With a ridiculous upside that rivals only Wall, Favors could be a lock as a 20-10 player at the next level because of a long wingspan, which helps make him an excellent shot-blocker and rebounder. Offensively, he has an excellent power game around the rim and can shoot comfortablyout to 15 feet, which could work well in the pick-and-roll heavy NBA. Rumored to possess an excellent work ethic, Favors could be a fow post force reminicent of Elton Brand coming out of Duke. Another year in college could see him challenge for the #1 next season.
5.	Wake Forest	Al Farouq-Aminu	SF	6’9”, 215 lbs
		Aminu was wise to return for his sophomore season since he has greatly improved his draft stock by both proving he can score in other ways besides the dunk and by leading the Demon Deacons to the 2nd round of the NCAA Tourney. Possessing a 7’4 wingspan, Aminu can score, rebound and swat shots with proficiency. Like Favors, another year would do him wonders, but with the uncertainty at Wake concerning a new coach and Top 5 incoming recruiting class, the time is right for Al to leave.
6.	Syracuse	Wesley Johnson	SF	6’7”, 195 lbs
		Wes was the prototypical stat stuffer for the ‘Cuse. As the #1 scoring option for his squad, he seemingly never takes a bad shot and is the ultimate team player. Freakishly long and athletic, he does a bit of everything, including playing excellent man defense. Only weakness appears to be a bit shaky with the dribble and could add another 15-20 lbs to bang with the bigger SF’s in the NBA. Similar to Tayshawn Prince or Thaddeous Young.
7.	Georgetown	Greg Monroe	PF/C	6’11”, 235 lbs
		Although the jury is out on if he will declare for this year’s draft, Monroe has the perfect make-up as an athletic big man who can score, board, block shots, and pass better than any frontcourt prospect in the nation. He could be a game changer, when he is motivated and focused. At times an enigma, Monroe came out of HS as a Top 5 talent and that remains, although there are questions about his work ethic and desire to be one of the best. Needs to add bulk to bang with the big boys!
8.	Marshall	Hassan Whiteside	PF/C	6’11”, 225 lbs
		Hassan has been both a breakout star and a mystery because of little TV exposure since his squad didn’t make it to the NCAA’s. Whiteside is this year’s trendy, surging lottery pick because of his ability to help an NBA club immediately on the defensive end. Tremendous potential as a 19 year old who led the nation in blocked shots and developing low post game which produced 3 triple-doubles this season. Because of his slight frame, he tends to get pushed out of the lane by bigger opponents, but has pick-and-pop ability out to 20 feet. Needs to add weight. Marcus Camby clone.
9.	Kansas	Cole Aldrich	PF/C	6’11”, 250 lbs
		As a skilled 7 foot big man, Aldrich will help out immediately on the defensive side of the ball, but is limited offensively. Cole is smart to declare now sincehas nothing more to prove at the collegiate level and is a bit lacking in athleticism and lateral quickness, but relies on tremendous heart and toughness. Should block 2+ shots and snag 10+ boards on any given night. Think Greg Oestertag with a better motor.
10.	North Carolina	Ed Davis	PF	6’9”, 225 lbs
		Davis’ stock has dipped a bit because of his team’s lack of success and some injuries which sidelined him late in the year. Davis has the tools to be a good NBA player: big body, long wingspan, decent mid range game, but hasn’t shown the ability to dominate games as of yet. Another year at UNC would do wonders for Davis, who with a resurgent Tarheels program, could surge into the Top 5.
11.	KK Partizan Belgrade, Intl	Jan Vesely	SF/PF	6’11”, 240 lbs
		Although most European prospects are a bit of a mystery, Vesely will probably be the first international player drafted because of his skill set as the typical European big man who is devoid of a low post game. Vesely’s stock has risen recently because of some improved all-around play. He is improving as a rebounder and his ferociousness around the rim will pay dividends immediately in the NBA. Needs to improve athleticism and long range shooting. Projects as a good role player in the mold of Louis Scola.
12.	Kansas	Xavier Henry	SG	6’6”, 220lbs
		Henry had a good but inconsistent season as he becomes the first KU player ever to be a one-and-done player. Xavier has prototypical size at the 2 guard position and could blossom into a perrennial all-star. Has the ability to score in bunches and will only get better. Could improve handles and go from just good to great on defense. Sometimes deferred to upperclassmen at Kansas. Down the line, could be the steal of the draft.
13.	Texas	Damion James	SF/PF	6’8”, 230 lbs
		James had one of the best careers in the history of the storied Longhorn program and will likely be the first senior taken on draft day. Although Texas stumbled down the stretch, James was the one constant as a team leader. leading scorer and rebounder. Virtually no one plays harder than James and he has a game which appears that he is playing on a pogo stick. Some say he will never be a superstar but he has excellent work ethic and will never take a play off. Similar to Kenyon Martin.
14.	Bennetton Treviso, Intl	Donatas Motiejunas	PF/C	7’0”, 225 lbs
		Like Vesely, Donatas is a bit of a mystery, but what little is known is that he is the exact opposite type player of his international draft-mate. Motiejunas is a very skilled offensive player with imposing height that could be a match-up nightmare in the Dirk Nowitzki mold in a best case scenario, hence his high ranking. Very limited in lateral movement, and consequentially at this point, is a defensive liability.
15.	Oklahoma State	James Anderson	SG	6’6”, 200 lbs
		Anderson was arguably the best SG in the nation, as evidence of his making a number of 1st Team All American lists. He had an outstanding junior campaign where he averaged 22+ ppg and ranked among the Top 5 in the nation in scoring. He has the ability to drain buckets with an effortless release and scores as easily as anyone in the draft. Average at best defensively and with the dribble. If you want instant offense, Anderson is your man.
16.	Kentucky	Eric Bledsoe	PG/SG	6’1”, 190 lbs
		The jury is still out on whether Bledsoe can run the point, but has an excellent upside since he was almost as highly touted as his teammate Wall coming out of HS. Appears to have tremendous quickness and open court skills which bodes well in a Western Conference up-tempo style offense. Although his offense was a bit sporadic during the season, he showed just enough firepower during the post-season for an NBA team to make a project out of him.
17.	West Virginia	Devon Ebanks	SF/PF	6’18”, 205 lbs
		Devin’s many talents were overshadowed on a talented Mountaineer squad this season. As another long armed tweener type player, Ebanks can do a little of everything but has yet to show he is great at anything. His excellent length creates havoc defensively for smaller guards trying to feed the post or cutters and has a developing offensive game, but needs to improve his jump-shot and add some bulk. Another year in coach Huggins system would do wonders.
18.	Kentucky	Paterick Patterson	PF	6’8”, 235 lbs
		Rumor has it that he is still undecided on declaring since he already changed his mind last season. Patterson has excellent size and skill-set for the NBA. He can score, rebound, and defend and was arguably the steadying force on a young Kentucky squad. He sometimes deferred to Wall, Cousins, and Co. and at times seemed to fall in love with the 3 point line, even though he is capable of knocking down a few treys. With a bit of a questionable work ethic, Patterson could either be a steal or a bust depending on the team and his motivation.
19.	Connecticut	Stanley Robinson	SF	6’8”, 220 lbs
		Stanley has excellent size as an athletic 3 at the next level. As one of the most flashy and athletic players in the draft, he may also have the best hops as he finishes above the rim on seemingly every play. He could be a Slam Dunk contestant next season as a rookie. Has worked hard at improving his jumpshot but remains a slasher and is at his best getting to the rim. Rebounds well despite a thin frame. Possible sleeper if he continues to be aggressive and work on his game.
20.	Texas	Avery Bradley	PG/SG	6’2”, 185 lbs
		After coming out of HS as the #1 prospect in the entire ’09 class, Bradley showed signs of his tremendous upside as both an NCAA and future NBA player. Problem was he was widely inconsistent. As a prime candidate of improving his stock by returning for his sophomore season, Bradley could use more seasoning, especially with his jumpshot. On the upside, he showed excellent ablility to get to the rim and is in his element in the open floor and has the potential to be an elite level defender.
21.	VCU	Larry Sanders	PF/C	6’9”, 220 lbs
		Sanders is one of the best players in the country that no one knows about. After pulling out of last year’s draft late, Sanders had another impressive junior season and has decided to declare early for the draft. He is freakishly athletic with a huge wingspan who excells in the open floor. He runs the floor like a gazelle and finishes with authority. The rest of his offensive game has been a steady improvement in his three years of Colonial League play. He could be an excellent role player for years to come for a good team. Below average defensively.
22.	Baylor	Ekpe Udoh	PF/C	6’10”, 240 lbs
		Ekpe has made great strides offensively to match his outstanding shot blocking abilities, where he finished ranked Top 5 in the country. He blossomed at Baylor after being exclusively a shot blocker at Michigan and has developed into an incredibly good passer from the post. Similar to Whiteside, Udoh could be a sleeper since his offense continues to get better and proved to be a leader for the over-achieving Bears this season.
23.	Butler	Gordon Hayward	SF/PF	6’9”, 210 lbs
		Hayward’s stock may never be higher as he helped lead his club all the way to the National Championship Game. Posessing a unique skill-set, Hayward has tremendous upside even though he is only a sophomore. He showed tremendous heart and leadership for taking the Bulldogs on his back as he just missed a game winning 3 pointer as time expired. Gordon can get to the rim off the dribble or drain 18-20 foot jumpers with ease. Could gain a little weight and improve long range shooting. Although I think it’s a stretch, some experts have claimed he could be the next Larry Bird.
24.	Duke	Kyle Singler	SF	6’8”, 210 lbs
		Singler, similar to Hayward, is a gamer. He may not be overly athletic or finish above the rim, but he is arguably one of the most complete offensive players in the country. He is excellent coming off screens and has proven to be able to handle the pressure on the college game’s biggest stage by helping his squad win the National Title, but will probably go late first round because of concerns about his quickness defensively.
25.	Fresno State	Paul George	SF	6’7”, 185 lbs
		George is one of those under the radar type players who possess prototypical size and build for a SF in the NBA, even though he has played a numner of games at the PF position in college. While the jury is out on whether playing against WAC competition is a proper evaluation of his skills at the next level, he was the go-to-guy on a struggling team even though opposing teams game-planned against him. In the mold of a Danny Granger type, George has the ability and skill set to possibly be an all star caliber player for many years with his outstanding ability to shoot from way behind the arc. Needs to improve ball-handling and add bulk.
26.	Washington	Quincy Pondexter	SF/PF	6’6”, 220 lbs
		As one of the best seniors in the nation, Pondexter projects as a pure scorer at the SF position in the NBA. He has made great strides in improving his overall game in his 4 years as a Husky and has arguably been the best player in a down PAC-10 Conference this season. Inside the arc, he is as offensively talented as any player in the draft because of a lightning quick first step, which allows him to create his own shot at will. Needs to improve 3 point shooting and playing off of the ball. In the right situation, he could be a steal.
27.	New Mexico	Darrington Hobson	SF	6’7”, 205 lbs
		After taking the Juco route prior to excelling at New Mexico, Hobson is another intruiging SF prospect at the next level. He has good size, excellent handles, and possesses the ability to create his own shot as a left handed shooter. On the downside, he lacks athleticism, but uses his body well off the dribble to get to the foul line. Think Joe Johnson, but with slightly less ability from the 3 point line.
28.	Oklahoma	Willie Warren	PG/SG	6’2”, 200 lbs
		Not many players have taken a bigger hit than Warren this season. If he had come out after his freshman season, he may have been a lottery pick, now some predict he may slide into the 2nd round even though he has the pure athletic ability to be a star at the next level. Despite a lack of size, Warren projects as a prolific scoring SG in the mold of Ben Gordon since he has excellent range out to 30 feet, and is at his best creating his own shot off the dribble. His stock has dropped considerably after numerous squabbles with the coaching staff at OU, an ankle injury that has been slow to heal, and a bout of mono which limited his playing time late in the season.
29.	Mississippi State	Jarvis Varnado	PF/C	6’9”, 210 lbs
		After finishing his collegiate career as the NCAA’s all time leading shot blocker, Varnado can help an NBA squad out immediately from the defensive side of the ball. Similar to Udoh, but with less upside, he may be a finished product at age 22. With that being said, he can run the floor with ease for a big man which fits well into an uptempo NBA style team. Good rebounder but average at best offensively and needs to add bulk.
30.	Kentucky	Daniel Orton	PF/C	6’11”, 280 lbs
		Although he is not a deserving 1st rounder with stats of 4 pts and 4 rebs, Orton has a prototypical NBA big body, but would be well served by going back to school. Like Cousins before him, he could evolve into a lottery pick next season. With that being said, you can’t teach size, and I don’t doubt that some team will take a gamble on Orton. It’s been done before: Aaron Gray and Byron Mullens