At one point during the season, George Mason’s Cam Long, and Georgetown’s Chris Wright and Austin Freeman were projected as second-round picks in the 2011 NBA Draft.
But as June 23 approaches, their names have disappeared from the mock lists of NBADraft.net and DraftExpress.com, victims of the worst label now attached to pro basketball prospects — seniors.
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But NBA scout Ryan Blake will not be surprised to see any of the locals eventually make the NBA. He says the pendulum is swinging back, favoring players with skill and experience.
“We’ve got small ball in our league now,” Blake said. “Prototypical size is no longer required.”
Wherever they end up, Blake says that they will be judged first on what they do without the ball.
“If you’re not in the first round, your opportunities come on the defensive end,” Blake said. “You have to be ready to show you can play away from the ball, more than what you can do when you get it.”
Cam Long » Long appeared at the Portsmouth Invitational, an NBA Draft camp, and improved his stock, but perhaps not enough to get drafted. “I knew him as a good shooter,” Blake said. “But he has a little bit more to him — an in-between game. I like the way he rebounds. He defends. He might be that extra guard who can go between the two guard and the point. He passes well. He’s got good size.”
Chris Wright » Undersized, but with quickness and a complete offensive game, Blake compares Wright favorably to former Villanova All-American Scottie Reynolds. The best-case scenario, according to Blake, is to become a Chris Duhon-type. “[Duhon] was able to adapt,” Blake said. “[Wright] is not afraid. He wants to show people he can play.”
Austin Freeman » Blake compares Freeman to Maurice Evans, but only if he’s in shape. “He scores. He passes. He makes other players better,” Blake said. “But is he able to defend a point guard? Can he defend a taller two guard? Those are the questions. But the guy is tough. He is a winner.”
