The prize of the NBA Draft is obviously Kentucky’s Anthony Davis. The shot-blocking, highly skilled big man will make whoever wins Wednesday’s draft lottery very happy. But this is one of the deepest fields in recent history. So who else is out there?
Looking the part » Kentucky’s Michael Kidd-Gilchrist and Florida’s Bradley Beal likely will be the next two picks following Davis. Both have NBA size, excelled as freshmen at successful SEC programs and are solid on both sides of the ball. Outside of Davis, these two have the fewest question marks.
Scary “potential” picks » At 6-foot-11, 275 pounds, UConn’s Andre Drummond has the rare combination of size and athleticism to be an NBA center. At 6-11, 235 pounds, Baylor’s Perry Jones showed ability to score all over the floor and is explosive around the basket. Both had flashes of greatness, but neither were consistent. They failed to dominate at the college level despite their immense talent.
Proven producers » These guys showed they could put up big numbers in college but have their limitations. Kansas’ Thomas Robinson averaged 17.7 points and 11.9 rebounds — second highest in the country — but at 6-9 he’ll be an undersized power forward at the next level. Harrison Barnes led North Carolina in scoring, but while he has a pretty jumper, he struggles to create for himself. Jared Sullinger averaged more than 17 points and nine rebounds in two years at Ohio State. But going against NBA-sized frontcourts could give the power forward problems because of his lack of athleticism.
Straight scorers » UConn’s Jeremy Lamb, Syracuse’s Dion Waiters and Duke’s Austin Rivers tried to do too much at times in college, but there’s no doubting their ability to score. All three have shown they can put up points a lot of different ways. They can make perimeter jumpers, create off the dribble and finish at the rim. But they must work to be more complete players.
– Jeffrey Tomik
