What to do now the NBA lockout’s here
Its been a few weeks since the 2011 NBA Draft, and about a week or two since the lockout kicked in. And with no games to look forward to your probably thinking ‘what am I going to watch this year?'” Well a lot more heads are turning towards the new college basketball season, and believe me this year there is some talent in the NCAA, and i’m about to give you a guide to this year’s talent and what to look forward to in the 2012 NBA draft.
James McAdoo – University of North Carolina
McAdoo is a combo forward, he can play at SF or PF. He may not have a true position, but NBA scouts will view him as a versatile prospect. He’s strong, has good defensive ability, and loves a two handed jam. He’s a good prospect and ESPNU 100 have him as 5th best player in the country and second best PF. I agree with second best PF but I would have him 6th or 7th on my list of best players in the country. And now he’s in the same team with possible 1st pick Harrison Barnes, the UNC frontcourt will be a monster!
Average 2012 Mock Draft Pick – 7th
NBA Comparison – Rashard Lewis, Lamar Odom.
Anthony Davis – University of Kentucky
Davis is versatile enough to play any position on the floor. He has tremendous potential, and would likely be considered the top draft if he declares. He’s a good rebounder, has great athleticism for someone of 6ft 10” and defensively he is a game changer. He’s also an elite shot blocker with an unreal wingspan and terrific timing and he has good ball handling skills as he use to be a Shooting Guard but he grew 7” in a year and converted to a PF. His size is an attribute that will obviously help him tremendously in this position. No one in the 2011 class has elevated their game like Davis. He has gone from a relative unknown to being considered one of the top if not the top prospect in the country. But he needs to add weight as he is very skinny, but that will come with time.
Average 2012 Mock Draft Pick – 1st
NBA Comparison – A less intense Kevin Garnett.
Brad Beal – University of Florida
Bradley Beal will challenge Austin Rivers as to who is the best Shooting Guard in the draft. He may be the best pure shooter in the class. He averaged 32.5 points as a Senior in High School, and he is difficult to guard as he move swell and intelligently without the ball. Beal knows how to utilize screens to get open and he has the ability to create space to get his shot off. The downside is that he’s only 6ft 3” now but so is Monta Ellis. Ellis has unbelievable ball handling and driving to the basket skills which Beal doesn’t have.
Average 2012 Mock Draft Pick – 9th
NBA Comparisons – Ray Allen.
Austin Rivers – Duke University
Austin Rivers, son of Boston Celtics coach Doc Rivers, is an incredibly gifted player, who many people thought was the number one play in the country before the emergence of Anthony Davis. He has range out to 28-feet, uses the jab-step as well as seasoned pros, an excellent mid-range game, can finish through contact when attacking the basket and has the best NBA-level floater over the bigs of any player in the high school or college ranks. Austin is moving better without the ball. However, he needs to play in a stance on defence more often especially away from the ball and not hop around looking for a steal, which causes him to foul sometimes. At first he committed to Florida but then went back on it and signed with Duke, which I think was a good decision
Average 2012 Mock Draft Pick – 5th
NBA Comparison – Steph Curry.
Now I can’t go through them all. I had a list of 14 players to look out for, but i’m now going share with you the two that i’m most excited about, and a young Englishman to look out for at VCU!
Marquis Teague – University of Kentucky
The best PG in the draft, this kid has unbelievable ball handling skills and amazing passing ability. He’s unstoppable in a one on one situation. He has improved as a leader by example as well. He’s the most dangerous open court player in the 2011 class. He has tremendous ball quickness and is almost impossible to stop in transition or one-on-one getting into the paint or to the rim at will. Although Teague is a wonderful athlete that relentlessly attacks his opponents, he needs to improve his medium range jump shot and his consistency from behind the 3 point line.
Average 2012 Mock Draft Pick – 8th
NBA Comparison – John Wall, Monta Ellis
Andre Drummond – None (hasn’t committed yet)
This guy is… I don’t have words to describe him, there have been some problems as he was held back a grade making him a part of the class of 2012. He has to have all of his core classes to graduate by the end of the 2010-11 school year. The NCAA says that a student must complete all core classes and graduate within eight semesters, but he can reclassify and if he does don’t be surprised if he declares for the draft and goes number one. He’s a 6ft 10” Center with very good ball handling skills, fast feet and quick when running. With great athleticism, he’s a beast in the paint, can finish strong and has a good mid range jumper. He has been known to knock down the occasional 3 pointer. Anywhere on the floor he’s an adept passer which speaks to his basketball IQ. His reflexes around the ball and the rim are awesome. He’s a super offensive rebounder and will get after it on the other side. Defensively, he’s an intimidator and a great shot blocker.
NBA Comparison – Dwight Howard.
An Englishman who committed to VCU called Teddy Okereafor, is aggressive, a good ball handler and has a nice touch on his runners and floaters and finishing around the rim. He Could develop into a consistent mid-range shooter. He needs to get a little bit stronger though, could he make it to the NBA, with a lot of hard work and dedication I don’t see why not! He would at least be a 2nd round pick.
Here’s a list of the rest of the players to look out for this year:
Incoming Freshman:
– Marshall Plumlee
– Michael Gilchrist
– Adonis Thomas
– Quincey Miller
Players who are already in there Sophomore, Junior or Senior stages of college:
– Harrison Barnes – Sophomore
– Jared Sullinger – Sophomore
– Jeremy Lamb – Sophomore
– William Buford – Senior
– Perry Jones – Sophomore
Best International Player In The Class:
– Tomas Satoransky
Content courtesy of Alex Green