Post by Oklahoma City Thunder on Apr 16, 2008 1:49:47 GMT -5
2008
Week 1: Michael Beasley
Michael Beasely
This weeks featured prospect is the one and only Michael Beasley. The 6'9" 235 lb. Beasley, a projected top 2 pick according to all the draft services, had a tremendous freshman season at Kansas State University. He broke all sorts of conference records for freshman in points, rebounds, and double doubles. In only his 1st collegiate game, he recorded just a gigantic stat line that included 40 points and 20 rebounds.
Strengths: Low post scorer, has an array of post moves, and versatility
Areas in need of work: Passing, shooting of the dribble, & basketball I.Q.
NBA Comparison: Carmelo Anthony
Week 2: Jerryd Bayless
Jerryd Bayless
Week 2 showcases one of the most explosive scorers in this years upcoming draft. Jerryd Bayless the 6'3" 190 lb. flashy guard out of Arizona, is oozing with potential. As we stand right now, he is being projected to be picked anywhere from pick 4 through pick 10 depending on team need and pre-draft workouts. Bayless, led the University of Arizona in scoring and assists this season averaging 20 PPG & 4 APG. No freshman in Arizona history has ever scored as many points in a season as Bayless’ 592. Additionally, he became the first player in Arizona history to score 30 or more points in three consecutive games when he accomplished the feat Feb. 10-16.
Strengths: Has great form on his jump shot, can create his own shot, & has a winners mentality
Areas in need of work: Passing, perimeter defense, & can play out of control at times
NBA Comparison: Gilbert Arenas/Monta Ellis
Week 3: Eric Gordon
Eric Gordon
Week 3 showcases one of the best shooting guards in this years upcoming draft. Eric Gordon, the 6'4" 220 lb. guard out of Indiana University, is a scoring machine. His NBA ready body has GM's drooling over this prospect. As we stand right now, he is being projected to be picked in the top 10 easily. Gordon, led Indiana University in scoring and 3-pointers made this season averaging 21 PPG & nearly making 3 3's a game. He became the first freshman to average more than 20 points per game and first Hoosier overall since Brian Evans averaged 21.2 in 1996. Additionally, his 669 points scored was an IU and Big Ten freshman record.
Strengths: Tremendous leaper, deep 3-point range, & gets to the free throw line with regularity
Areas in need of work: Undersized SG, lacks great vision, & passing
NBA Comparison: Ben Gordon/Mitch Richmond
Week 4: Brook Lopez
Brook Lopez
Week 4 showcases THE best center in this years upcoming draft. Brook Lopez, the 7'0" 260 lb. big man out of Stanford University, is an extremely gifted offensive player. Brook, the better one of the Lopez twins, is ready to take the NBA by storm. As we stand right now, he is being projected as a top 5 pick guaranteed, barring anything unusual happening (injuries and such). Lopez, led Stanford in scoring and rebounding this season averaging 19 PPG & 8 RPG. He was named to the AP All-American team. He was the 1st Stanford player since Josh Childress did it in 2004 to earn such honors.
Strengths: Polished post moves, good shooter from 18 feet, & runs the floor great for a 7 footer
Weaknesses: Explosiveness, not a dominant rebounder, & settles for bad shots at times
NBA Comparison: Brad Daugherty/Chris Kaman
Week 5: Derrick Rose
Derrick Rose
Week 5 showcases THE best pure PG in this years upcoming draft. Derrick Rose, the 6'3" 205 lb. is a breathtaking athlete with amazing PG skills. Derrick, originally from Chicago, Illinois, is ready to take his game up to the next level. As we stand right now, he is being projected as a top 2 pick by all the draft publications. FWIW, He could go #1 overall if the right team wins the lottery. Rose, led Memphis in assists this season averaging close to 5 a game. With Rose, you need to look at everything but his stats. He brought so many other things to the team, leading them to the final four and 37 wins. He was named the MVP for the South region in the NCAA tournament. Additionally, he was named to the All-American team.
Strengths: Great vision and handle, quickness, & has tremendous finishing ability
Weaknesses: Perimeter shooting, defensive fundamentals, & plays out of control at times
NBA Comparison: Dwyane Wade/Jason Kidd
Week 6: Anthony Randolph
Anthony Randolph
Week 6 showcases the player with the most upside/potential in this years upcoming draft. Anthony Randolph, the 6'10" 220 lb. freakish athlete, is loaded with "potential". As we stand right now, he is being projected as a top 7 pick by all the draft publications. He is one player that has really taken off since the college season ended. Scouts love him more and more everyday. Randolph led LSU in rebounds and blocked shots this season averaging close to 9 rebounds and 3 blocks a game. He was 2nd on the team in scoring averaging close to 16 PPG. LSU didn't have the type of season Randolph was hoping for, but he did his part to help the team. They just didn't have enough help around him. He was named as an honorable mention choice for the Freshman All-American Team.
Strengths: Explosive leaper, great shot-blocker, & can handle the ball like a guard
Weaknesses: Free throw shooting, is turnover prone, & lacks strength (gets pushed around at times)
NBA Comparison: Lamar Odom/Chris Bosh
Week 7: O.J. Mayo
O.J. Mayo
Week 7 showcases the player with the most hype in this years upcoming draft. O.J. Mayo, the 6'4" 200 lb. STUD, has been hyped as the next "big thing" ever since he was in the 8th grade. At one time he was being compared to Lebron James. As we stand right now, he is being projected as a top 10 pick by all the draft publications. Mayo led USC in points and assists this season averaging close to 21 points and 3.5 assists per game. On the pessimistic side of things, he led the Pac-10 conference in turnovers. But its something you can live with as many of the best players turn the ball over a lot. He took his team to the NCAA tournament only to be eliminated in the 1st round, losing to fellow Top 10 pick Michael Beasley and his Kansas State team.
Strengths: 3-Point Range, can finish in traffic, & has an NBA-ready body
Weaknesses: Off the court issues, ego inflates at times, & is turnover prone
NBA Comparison: Ben Gordon/Chauncey Billups
2009
Week 1: Blake Griffin
Blake Griffin
Year 2 of our very popular featured prospect side table is back! Week 1 showcases the hands down unanimous collegiate player of the year. Blake Griffin, the 6'9" 245 lb. BEAST, is the next monster Big 12 prospect. 2 Years ago it was Kevin Durant, last year it was Michael Beasley, & this year it was Blake Griffin. As we stand right now, he is being projected as the top pick by all the draft services. Griffin led Oklahoma in points, rebounds, and blocks this season averaging 23 pts, 14 rebs, & 1.2 blks per game. He also led the entire nation in double-doubles. He led his team into the elite eight in the NCAA tournament only to be eliminated by Ty Lawson and a tremendously talented North Carolina team.
Strengths: Excellent finisher, great hands, & has an NBA-ready body
Areas in need of work: Passing, free throw shooting, & is turnover prone
NBA Comparison: Carlos Boozer/Charles Barkley