Marlo
Check out my DAD BOD
http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/draft2008/columns/story?columnist=ford_chad&page=LotteryPreview-080520
http://myespn.go.com/blogs/truehoop/0-32-209/First-Cup--Special-Lottery-Edition.html
IN THE DRAFT
Players who officially have declared for the 2008 NBA draft
* To preserve eligibility, player has not hired an agent
A.J. Abrams, G, Texas*
Abrams can shoot the lights out and knows how to score, but he's very undersized for a 2-guard. His lack of floor vision or point guard skills will hurt him at the next level. He's a likely second round to undrafted pick at this point.
Joe Alexander, F, West Virginia*
Alexander is a sleeper. He's a long, athletic forward who really began to dominate toward the end of the season. He has the physical tools to be a very good NBA player, but he needs quite a bit more polish. Look for him to go somewhere between 20 and 35 if he stays in the draft.
Antonio Anderson, G, Memphis*
Anderson is a big, athletic guard who has some point guard skills. He can also be a terrific defender. However, his lack of stellar production through three years at Memphis means he likely goes undrafted if he stays in the draft.
Ryan Anderson, F, Cal*
Anderson is one of the best offensive players in the country. He's a big forward who can score inside and out. However, he's stuck between positions. His lack of athleticism hurts his ability to guard 3s and his lack of strength limits his chances of guarding 4s. He's stuck on the first-round bubble right now.
Darrell Arthur, PF, Kansas*
On talent, Arthur has the makings of a lottery pick. He has great size, is very athletic, runs the floor like a deer and can be a very effective scorer in the paint and midrange game. However, his poor rebounding numbers and his inconsistency at KU have kept him from being a lock for the lottery. Look for him to fall somewhere between picks 10 and 20.
D.J. Augustin, PG, Texas
Augustin is arguably the best pure point guard in the draft after Derrick Rose. He has incredible floor vision, great quickness, great shooting touch and is an incredible floor leader. His lack of size is the only thing keeping him from being a Top 5 pick. Look for him to go somewhere between 7 and 12 on draft night.
Jerryd Bayless, G, Arizona
Bayless didn't come with quite the rep of some of the other freshman guards like Derrick Rose, OJ Mayo and Eric Gordon, but he's had a spectacular freshman season. Bayless has great athleticism, can score of the dribble and from deep three-point range and proved that he could play the point, at least part time, in the pros. His lack of pure playmaking skills and the fact that he's a little undersized to play the two will hurt his stock a little, but overall Bayless looks like he'll fall somewhere between 3 and 8 in the draft.
Michael Beasley, F, Kansas State
He may have had the best freshman season in college basketball history -- even surpassing what Kevin Durant did last year. He's got great size, athleticism, can score anywhere on the floor and is a beast of a rebounder. Scouts claim that character issues from Beasley's high school days still haunt him. But, barring some surprise revelation or injury, Beasley will be either the first or second pick in the draft.
Keith Brumbaugh, SF, Hillsbourgh CC*
A former high school stud whose career got derailed by poor grades and poor choices off the court. He's got the game and all the physical tools to be a first round pick ... maybe even a lottery pick. But his lack of experience playing at the highest level and all of his off the court issues will give everyone pause. Brumbaugh's a likely second-round pick.
Josh Carter, G/F, Texas A&M*
After shooting 50 percent from three as a sophomore, NBA scouts had hope he'd be a prospect. But his numbers were really down across the board after Acie Law left the team this year. He does have a great NBA skill ... long-range shooting ... and good size for his position. But right now he projects as a second round to undrafted pick.
Chase Budinger, G/F, Arizona*
He has great size for his position, is an explosive athlete and can shoot the lights out, but he's been criticized for being too passive and not always using his athletic ability. However, NBA GMs still see him as a potential lottery pick ... falling somewhere in the 10-15 range.
Derrick Caracter, F, Louisville
He is big, physical and athletic, and has soft hands around the basket. But he's racked up such a rap sheet at Louisville, there's a great chance that every team in the league will decide to take a pass. He's good, but he's probably not worth the trouble.
DeMarre Carroll, F, Missouri*
Carroll transferred from Vanderbilt to Missouri and had a solid, albeit unspectacular season for the Tigers. He has NBA strength and athleticism, but lacks size and much of a perimeter game. He's likely to go undrafted.
Mario Chalmers, G, Kansas*
Chalmers is capitalizing on his newfound fame after hitting that huge 3-pointer that allowed Kansas to come back against Memphis. His toughness, leadership and scoring ability mean he'll get a look in the late first round. However, most scouts see him as a second-round pick because of his lack of clear position and just so-so athleticism.
Lee Cummard, G, BYU*
Cummard is an excellent shooter and an all around good player, but he's dreaming if he thinks he's going to be able to crack the first round. Cummard is a possible late second round pick. More likely, he goes undrafted.
Chris Douglas-Roberts, G/F, Memphis
Douglas-Roberts is one of the smoothest scorers in the country. He is an excellent mid-range shooter and has the ability to break down defenses off the dribble. He tends to be a little one dimensional and isn't an off the charts athlete, but he excels at what he does. He's likely a late first-round pick.
Robert Dozier, F, Memphis*
Dozier has the size and athleticism that NBA scouts like, but he's not really put up consistent numbers at Memphis and teams have questioned his work ethic. He's a possible second-round pick, but most likely would go undrafted.
Wayne Ellington, SG, North Carolina*
Ellington has one of the sweetest shooting strokes in college basketball. But he is a bit undersized for his position and can be pretty one-dimensional. He's on the first-round bubble right now and he'll need excellent workouts to guarantee a first-round pick. He's probably better off returning to UNC for his junior season.
Alonzo Gee, G/F, Alabama*
Gee is a super-athletic swingman with a great NBA body. But he still needs to learn how to shoot. A likely second round to undrafted pick.
C.J. Giles, C, Oregon State
Giles has the talent of a lottery pick, but has struggled to get any minutes on the floor. He was kicked off of Kansas' team after his freshman year and was kicked off the Oregon State squad mid-season. Teams love his size, athleticism and upside, but does he have the maturity to stick in the NBA? He's a likely second round pick.
Eric Gordon, G, Indiana
Gordon has many star qualities. He's an excellent athlete, has an NBA body, is explosive going to the basket, an excellent defender and, until the last few weeks of the season, was a dead eye from long range. His struggles since injuring his wrist in January and losing head coach Kelvin Sampson, have been well documented. He couldn't hit a shot and he, and the Hooisers, went down in flames. While his performance in the last quarter of the season didn't help his draft stock, teams still see him as a Top 10 pick.
Jamont Gordon, G, Mississippi State*
A scoring combo guard, Gordon is very tough to keep out of the lane. He has an NBA body, is an excellent rebounder and can play some point. However, he commits a high rate of turnovers and is just a so-so perimeter shooter. Gordon's strong performance against Memphis in the NCAA tournament helped his stock, but it's unlikely that he cracks the first round. Look for him to return to school.
Danny Green, F, North Carolina*
Green may have been the best sixth man in college basketball this year. He doesn't do anything to really wow you, but has a nice all around game on both ends of the floor. He can shoot, lock down the opposing team's best player and really hustles. Most likely he's a second round pick, but with a great Orlando pre-draft camp he could sneak into the late first round.
Donte Greene, F, Syracuse
Greene is a long, athletic forward who can play both inside and out. He had a very strong start to the season before hitting the wall in the second half. Teams love his talent, but he's still raw and finding a position. He could go anywhere from the late lottery to mid-first round.
Richard Hendrix, F, Alabama*
Despite Hendrix's NBA body, athleticism and excellent numbers in the SEC this season, scouts aren't totally sold on him. They believe he is undersized for his position and needs polish on the offensive end. Still, Hendrix is smart to test the waters. He's a junior and he can give teams a free look. If he impresses, he could go anywhere from the late teens to mid 20s. If he doesn't impress, he can return to Alabama for his senior season.
J.J. Hickson, F, North Carolina State*
Hickson has the NBA body and athleticism, and he put up great numbers as a freshman at NC State. But he is going to be a bit of a project and could really use another year in college. If he stays in the draft, look for him to go in the 15-25 range.
Lester Hudson, G, Tennessee-Martin*
This big-time scorer out of the Ohio Valley Conference is intriguing. He's an excellent athlete, good shooter, excellent rebounder and can play the point part time. However, he's played just one year of D-I basketball, turns 24 in August. He could be a second-round pick.
Shawn James, PF, Duquesne*
James is one of the best shot blockers in the country and has the size and athletic ability to be a pro. But his lack of strength and still emerging offensive game, combined with the fact that he turns 25 in September are all strikes against him. He's a likely second round to undrafted pick.
Davon Jefferson, F, USC
Jefferson originally said he'd be returning for his sophomore season at USC, but he's reportedly changed his mind. Jefferson is a top tier athlete and already has a NBA body. But his basketball skills still need work and he's a couple years older than most freshmen. He's a late first to second-round pick.
DeAndre Jordan, C, Texas A&M
As a physical specimen, Jordan is a high lottery pick. He's huge, strong and athletic. However, he's pretty raw on both ends of the floor. His lack of production, especially in the second half of the season, has hurt his stock. However, big workouts could move him up again. He could go anywhere in the 5-12 range.
Kosta Koufos, C, Ohio State
He began his freshman season ranked as a potential Top 10 prospect, hit the wall midseason and finished strong. He's a very skilled big man with excellent perimeter skills. However, his so-so athleticism and rebounding ability limit his upside. Look for him to be a late-lottery to mid-first-round pick.
Ty Lawson, PG, North Carolina*
One of the fastest point guards in college basketball, Lawson has a great assist-to-turnover ratio and can be a leader on the floor. He projects to be a Raymond Felton-like guard in the pros. Look for him to go somewhere between 20-35 if he stays in the draft.
Brook Lopez, C, Stanford
Brook Lopez has the physical tools and offensive abilities to be an excellent NBA player. He has great size, length and above-average athleticism. He's an effective scorer in the paint and can stretch the defense away from the basket. Right now he projects as the top center in the draft and a potential Top 5 pick.
Robin Lopez, C, Stanford
Robin Lopez is more athletic and has a better motor than his brother. He's an active rebounder and excellent shot-blocker. He lacks any real polish on the offensive end of the floor, but he has improved in that area this season. Right now teams see him as a defensive stopper in the Anderson Varejao mold. He's probably a late first to early second-round pick.
Kevin Love, F/C, UCLA
Love was one of the best players in college basketball this season, but will his game translate to the pros? He can score inside and out, has great strength and is the best outlet passer in basketball. But his lack of athleticism along with questions about his conditioning and the health of his knees are major flags. He should fall somewhere between 9 and 18.
O.J. Mayo, G, USC
Mayo's stock has been all over the place -- he was a potential No. 1 pick last summer and slipped to a late lottery pick early in the season. However, Mayo's steady play in the second half of the season won over scouts who see him as a potentially dominant scorer in the NBA. He should go anywhere in the 3-7 range.
JaVale McGee, F/C, Nevada
McGee, a long lanky, ultra-athletic big man, has been solidly on NBA scouts' radar screen all season. He had a coming out party against North Carolina in December and from that point forward, has been considered a draft sleeper for anywhere from the late lottery to late first round. Right now we have him somewhere in the middle, but with great workouts, he has the potential to crack the lottery. You aren't going to find many prospects with his combination of size, length, athleticism and basketball skills.
Jemel McNeal, G, Marquette*
McNeal has the athleticism and scoring ability NBA teams look for in a 2-guard. But his lack of size and so-so perimeter shot mean he's likely a second round to undrafted type of pick.
Luc Richard Mbah a Moute, F, UCLA*
Two years ago, scouts were talking about him as a potential lottery pick. His stock has plummeted since then, but his strong play in the NCAA tournament helped revive some interest. He is an excellent athlete and a tenacious defender, and he can finish around the basket. But he still lacks a jumper or a way to create his own shot. He's on the first-round bubble.
Jeremy Pargo, PG, Gonzaga*
Pargo is an excellent athlete and capable distributor (six assists per game last season), but he didn't have a dominant year at Gonzaga. He shot just 26 percent from 3 and played out of control at times. He's a second-round pick right now if he stays in the draft. He'll have to have to dominate in Orlando and in workouts to get into the first round. Expect him to return to Gonzaga for his senior season.
Trent Plaisted, C, BYU
Plaisted has the size and athleticism to succeed in the NBA, but he still battles inconsistency -- he had a promising freshman season, a disappointing sophomore season and an up-and-down junior season. Right now, he's on the first-round bubble, but with strong workouts he could be a mid-to-late first-round pick.
Anthony Randolph, F, LSU
A big-time athlete, he has great size and is an excellent rebounder and an emerging offensive force. He needs to add strength and experience but many GMs believe he is one of the most talented players in the draft. He's been compared to everyone from Chris Bosh to Brandan Wright. Look for Randolph to go anywhere in the 5-10 range.
John Riek, C, Prep School
Riek is a huge, 7-2 center who wowed scouts at LeBron's high school camp last year. Some scouts said at the time that he'd be a lottery pick this year. But injuries have really derailed him all year and scouts report that he has been out of shape and hasn't improved his game. If he can get healthy, someone will take him in the late first to second round.
Derrick Rose, PG, Memphis
Rose has all the physical tools to be a superstar. He has great size, strength, athleticism and speed for his position. He also has a great feel for the game, plays unselfishly and can score on just about anyone off the dribble. Scouts wish he would improve his jump shot, especially from 3-point range, but that's his only real weakness. On some draft boards he's the No. 1 pick. On others he's the No. 2. I doubt he slides past there.
Brandon Rush, SG, Kansas
Rush entered the draft as a high school senior and again last year, only to suffer an injury during workouts. He's praying that the third time is the charm. He has the skill set, size and athleticism to be an excellent pro player. The question is ... does he have the will? His passiveness has concerned scouts over the years, though he stepped up big for KU in the second half of the season. He's a mid-to-late first-round pick.
Josh Shipp, G/F, UCLA*
A major slump toward the end of the season badly hurt Shipp's stock. He does have good size and versatility for his position, but he has a lot of damage control to do. He's a likely late second round to undrafted pick in the draft.
Marreese Speights, F/C, Florida*
Speights is one of the most efficient low-post scorers in college basketball. He's not especially flashy, but can be brutally effective in the paint, both scoring and grabbing rebounds. Scouts question his position a little and his conditioning, but overall they project him as a late lottery to mid first-round pick.
Ronald Steele, G, Alabama*
Steele was once considered a potential first rounder, but a subpar junior season and a season long injury this year have dramatically hurt his stock. He's going to try to go out and show NBA teams that he's 100 percent and hope for a miracle, but right now it looks highly unlikely that he'd be a first-round pick. Look for him to return to Alabama for his senior year.
Robert Vaden, G, Alabama-Birmingham*
Vaden transferred from Indiana to UAB this year and lit up Conference USA this season. Vaden is a deadly outside shooter, but doesn't do much else. He does have a good NBA body, but doesn't have great athleticism. Barring a lights-out performance at the Orlando predraft camp, he'll rank somewhere in the mid-to-late second round and return to UAB for his senior season.
Bill Walker, G/F, Kansas State*
Walker is one of the most athletic players in the draft, but he's still recovering from the ACL surgery he underwent last season. At times he looked like the old Bill Walker this season -- the high-flying, sweet-shooting Vince Carter clone. But other times he didn't look like NBA material at all. He's projected as a second-round pick, though someone may take him late in the first round based on his upside.
Russell Westbrook, G, UCLA*
At the beginning of the season, he wasn't on any draft boards. By midseason scouts were talking about Westbrook as a first rounder. Now, most scouts have him rated as the best pro prospect on the UCLA team. His combination of size, athleticism, strength and versatility means he's likely to go somewhere in the 8-15 range.
<HR>
INTERNATIONAL
International players under 22 years old who have declared or who are likely to declare
Alexis Ajinca, PF, France
Ajinca is a very fluid athlete for someone his size. He also has a lot of skills facing the basket. However, he desperately needs to add strength and experience before he's ready for the NBA. He's a late first round to early second round pick if he stays in the draft.
Nicolas Batum, SF, France
Batum is a big time athlete who can score in a variety of ways. He has very good size for his position. However, his disappointing performance in France this year, combined with criticism that he's a little soft, have hurt his stock. He's a mid to late first round pick.
Rodrigue Beaubois, PG, France
Beaubois is an athletic point guard who can really get up the floor. But his lack of experience playing at the highest level concerns scouts. He's a likely second round pick.
Omri Casspi, F, Israel
Casspi may be the best prospect to ever come out of Israel. He's beginning to contribute on one of the best teams in Israel. He's tough and skilled, though not an off the charts athlete. Looks like a late first to second round pick.
Victor Claver, F, Spain
Claver is considered one of the best prospects in Europe with good athleticism and skill for his size. However a poor year at Valencia has hurt his stock. He's a late first to second-round pick.
Nando De Colo, PG, France
Big combo guard has great basketball IQ, but does he have the athleticism and lateral quickness to make it in the NBA? A potential second-round pick.
Danilo Gallinari, SF, Italy
Gallinari is the best international prospect in the draft. He is very versatile and has a fantastic basketball IQ. He's putting up big numbers at a young age on one of the top teams in Europe. However, his so-so athleticism and lack of a reliable deep jumper hurt his stock. He's all over the board. Some scouts have him ranked as the No. 3 pick. Most have him in the late lottery.
Serge Ibaka, F, Congo
Ibaka is a long, athletic forward who really gets up and down the floor. He's also developing a reliable jump shot. However, his lack of experience and strength make him an intriguing long term project. He's a late first round to second round pick.
Joe Ingles, F, Australia
Ingles is one of the top young players in Australia. He's a scorer who makes his living taking it to the basket. He's a likely second round pick.
Luc Louves, F, France
Louves is a long, athletic forward who is still trying to figure out the game. He has a lot of raw ability, but is a definite project. He's a second rounder to undrafted.
Rudy Mbemba, PG, Sweden
Super athletic point guard has been a star at the Reebok Eurocamp the past few years. His lack of size and experience at a high level hurt him, but there's no denying his physical tools and emerging offensive game. A likely second round pick.
Giorgi Shermadini, C, Georgia
Versatile big man makes his living facing the basket. Think a poor man's Mehmet Okur. A likely second round pick.
Ante Tomic, C, Croatia
Tomic is perhaps, the most skilled big man in Europe. He's put up solid numbers the past few years in the Adriatic league. However, his lack of strength continues to hurt him. A likely late first round pick.
<HR>
http://myespn.go.com/blogs/truehoop/0-32-209/First-Cup--Special-Lottery-Edition.html
IN THE DRAFT
Players who officially have declared for the 2008 NBA draft
* To preserve eligibility, player has not hired an agent
A.J. Abrams, G, Texas*
Abrams can shoot the lights out and knows how to score, but he's very undersized for a 2-guard. His lack of floor vision or point guard skills will hurt him at the next level. He's a likely second round to undrafted pick at this point.
Joe Alexander, F, West Virginia*
Alexander is a sleeper. He's a long, athletic forward who really began to dominate toward the end of the season. He has the physical tools to be a very good NBA player, but he needs quite a bit more polish. Look for him to go somewhere between 20 and 35 if he stays in the draft.
Antonio Anderson, G, Memphis*
Anderson is a big, athletic guard who has some point guard skills. He can also be a terrific defender. However, his lack of stellar production through three years at Memphis means he likely goes undrafted if he stays in the draft.
Ryan Anderson, F, Cal*
Anderson is one of the best offensive players in the country. He's a big forward who can score inside and out. However, he's stuck between positions. His lack of athleticism hurts his ability to guard 3s and his lack of strength limits his chances of guarding 4s. He's stuck on the first-round bubble right now.
Darrell Arthur, PF, Kansas*
On talent, Arthur has the makings of a lottery pick. He has great size, is very athletic, runs the floor like a deer and can be a very effective scorer in the paint and midrange game. However, his poor rebounding numbers and his inconsistency at KU have kept him from being a lock for the lottery. Look for him to fall somewhere between picks 10 and 20.
D.J. Augustin, PG, Texas
Augustin is arguably the best pure point guard in the draft after Derrick Rose. He has incredible floor vision, great quickness, great shooting touch and is an incredible floor leader. His lack of size is the only thing keeping him from being a Top 5 pick. Look for him to go somewhere between 7 and 12 on draft night.
Jerryd Bayless, G, Arizona
Bayless didn't come with quite the rep of some of the other freshman guards like Derrick Rose, OJ Mayo and Eric Gordon, but he's had a spectacular freshman season. Bayless has great athleticism, can score of the dribble and from deep three-point range and proved that he could play the point, at least part time, in the pros. His lack of pure playmaking skills and the fact that he's a little undersized to play the two will hurt his stock a little, but overall Bayless looks like he'll fall somewhere between 3 and 8 in the draft.
Michael Beasley, F, Kansas State
He may have had the best freshman season in college basketball history -- even surpassing what Kevin Durant did last year. He's got great size, athleticism, can score anywhere on the floor and is a beast of a rebounder. Scouts claim that character issues from Beasley's high school days still haunt him. But, barring some surprise revelation or injury, Beasley will be either the first or second pick in the draft.
Keith Brumbaugh, SF, Hillsbourgh CC*
A former high school stud whose career got derailed by poor grades and poor choices off the court. He's got the game and all the physical tools to be a first round pick ... maybe even a lottery pick. But his lack of experience playing at the highest level and all of his off the court issues will give everyone pause. Brumbaugh's a likely second-round pick.
Josh Carter, G/F, Texas A&M*
After shooting 50 percent from three as a sophomore, NBA scouts had hope he'd be a prospect. But his numbers were really down across the board after Acie Law left the team this year. He does have a great NBA skill ... long-range shooting ... and good size for his position. But right now he projects as a second round to undrafted pick.
Chase Budinger, G/F, Arizona*
He has great size for his position, is an explosive athlete and can shoot the lights out, but he's been criticized for being too passive and not always using his athletic ability. However, NBA GMs still see him as a potential lottery pick ... falling somewhere in the 10-15 range.
Derrick Caracter, F, Louisville
He is big, physical and athletic, and has soft hands around the basket. But he's racked up such a rap sheet at Louisville, there's a great chance that every team in the league will decide to take a pass. He's good, but he's probably not worth the trouble.
DeMarre Carroll, F, Missouri*
Carroll transferred from Vanderbilt to Missouri and had a solid, albeit unspectacular season for the Tigers. He has NBA strength and athleticism, but lacks size and much of a perimeter game. He's likely to go undrafted.
Mario Chalmers, G, Kansas*
Chalmers is capitalizing on his newfound fame after hitting that huge 3-pointer that allowed Kansas to come back against Memphis. His toughness, leadership and scoring ability mean he'll get a look in the late first round. However, most scouts see him as a second-round pick because of his lack of clear position and just so-so athleticism.
Lee Cummard, G, BYU*
Cummard is an excellent shooter and an all around good player, but he's dreaming if he thinks he's going to be able to crack the first round. Cummard is a possible late second round pick. More likely, he goes undrafted.
Chris Douglas-Roberts, G/F, Memphis
Douglas-Roberts is one of the smoothest scorers in the country. He is an excellent mid-range shooter and has the ability to break down defenses off the dribble. He tends to be a little one dimensional and isn't an off the charts athlete, but he excels at what he does. He's likely a late first-round pick.
Robert Dozier, F, Memphis*
Dozier has the size and athleticism that NBA scouts like, but he's not really put up consistent numbers at Memphis and teams have questioned his work ethic. He's a possible second-round pick, but most likely would go undrafted.
Wayne Ellington, SG, North Carolina*
Ellington has one of the sweetest shooting strokes in college basketball. But he is a bit undersized for his position and can be pretty one-dimensional. He's on the first-round bubble right now and he'll need excellent workouts to guarantee a first-round pick. He's probably better off returning to UNC for his junior season.
Alonzo Gee, G/F, Alabama*
Gee is a super-athletic swingman with a great NBA body. But he still needs to learn how to shoot. A likely second round to undrafted pick.
C.J. Giles, C, Oregon State
Giles has the talent of a lottery pick, but has struggled to get any minutes on the floor. He was kicked off of Kansas' team after his freshman year and was kicked off the Oregon State squad mid-season. Teams love his size, athleticism and upside, but does he have the maturity to stick in the NBA? He's a likely second round pick.
Eric Gordon, G, Indiana
Gordon has many star qualities. He's an excellent athlete, has an NBA body, is explosive going to the basket, an excellent defender and, until the last few weeks of the season, was a dead eye from long range. His struggles since injuring his wrist in January and losing head coach Kelvin Sampson, have been well documented. He couldn't hit a shot and he, and the Hooisers, went down in flames. While his performance in the last quarter of the season didn't help his draft stock, teams still see him as a Top 10 pick.
Jamont Gordon, G, Mississippi State*
A scoring combo guard, Gordon is very tough to keep out of the lane. He has an NBA body, is an excellent rebounder and can play some point. However, he commits a high rate of turnovers and is just a so-so perimeter shooter. Gordon's strong performance against Memphis in the NCAA tournament helped his stock, but it's unlikely that he cracks the first round. Look for him to return to school.
Danny Green, F, North Carolina*
Green may have been the best sixth man in college basketball this year. He doesn't do anything to really wow you, but has a nice all around game on both ends of the floor. He can shoot, lock down the opposing team's best player and really hustles. Most likely he's a second round pick, but with a great Orlando pre-draft camp he could sneak into the late first round.
Donte Greene, F, Syracuse
Greene is a long, athletic forward who can play both inside and out. He had a very strong start to the season before hitting the wall in the second half. Teams love his talent, but he's still raw and finding a position. He could go anywhere from the late lottery to mid-first round.
Richard Hendrix, F, Alabama*
Despite Hendrix's NBA body, athleticism and excellent numbers in the SEC this season, scouts aren't totally sold on him. They believe he is undersized for his position and needs polish on the offensive end. Still, Hendrix is smart to test the waters. He's a junior and he can give teams a free look. If he impresses, he could go anywhere from the late teens to mid 20s. If he doesn't impress, he can return to Alabama for his senior season.
J.J. Hickson, F, North Carolina State*
Hickson has the NBA body and athleticism, and he put up great numbers as a freshman at NC State. But he is going to be a bit of a project and could really use another year in college. If he stays in the draft, look for him to go in the 15-25 range.
Lester Hudson, G, Tennessee-Martin*
This big-time scorer out of the Ohio Valley Conference is intriguing. He's an excellent athlete, good shooter, excellent rebounder and can play the point part time. However, he's played just one year of D-I basketball, turns 24 in August. He could be a second-round pick.
Shawn James, PF, Duquesne*
James is one of the best shot blockers in the country and has the size and athletic ability to be a pro. But his lack of strength and still emerging offensive game, combined with the fact that he turns 25 in September are all strikes against him. He's a likely second round to undrafted pick.
Davon Jefferson, F, USC
Jefferson originally said he'd be returning for his sophomore season at USC, but he's reportedly changed his mind. Jefferson is a top tier athlete and already has a NBA body. But his basketball skills still need work and he's a couple years older than most freshmen. He's a late first to second-round pick.
DeAndre Jordan, C, Texas A&M
As a physical specimen, Jordan is a high lottery pick. He's huge, strong and athletic. However, he's pretty raw on both ends of the floor. His lack of production, especially in the second half of the season, has hurt his stock. However, big workouts could move him up again. He could go anywhere in the 5-12 range.
Kosta Koufos, C, Ohio State
He began his freshman season ranked as a potential Top 10 prospect, hit the wall midseason and finished strong. He's a very skilled big man with excellent perimeter skills. However, his so-so athleticism and rebounding ability limit his upside. Look for him to be a late-lottery to mid-first-round pick.
Ty Lawson, PG, North Carolina*
One of the fastest point guards in college basketball, Lawson has a great assist-to-turnover ratio and can be a leader on the floor. He projects to be a Raymond Felton-like guard in the pros. Look for him to go somewhere between 20-35 if he stays in the draft.
Brook Lopez, C, Stanford
Brook Lopez has the physical tools and offensive abilities to be an excellent NBA player. He has great size, length and above-average athleticism. He's an effective scorer in the paint and can stretch the defense away from the basket. Right now he projects as the top center in the draft and a potential Top 5 pick.
Robin Lopez, C, Stanford
Robin Lopez is more athletic and has a better motor than his brother. He's an active rebounder and excellent shot-blocker. He lacks any real polish on the offensive end of the floor, but he has improved in that area this season. Right now teams see him as a defensive stopper in the Anderson Varejao mold. He's probably a late first to early second-round pick.
Kevin Love, F/C, UCLA
Love was one of the best players in college basketball this season, but will his game translate to the pros? He can score inside and out, has great strength and is the best outlet passer in basketball. But his lack of athleticism along with questions about his conditioning and the health of his knees are major flags. He should fall somewhere between 9 and 18.
O.J. Mayo, G, USC
Mayo's stock has been all over the place -- he was a potential No. 1 pick last summer and slipped to a late lottery pick early in the season. However, Mayo's steady play in the second half of the season won over scouts who see him as a potentially dominant scorer in the NBA. He should go anywhere in the 3-7 range.
JaVale McGee, F/C, Nevada
McGee, a long lanky, ultra-athletic big man, has been solidly on NBA scouts' radar screen all season. He had a coming out party against North Carolina in December and from that point forward, has been considered a draft sleeper for anywhere from the late lottery to late first round. Right now we have him somewhere in the middle, but with great workouts, he has the potential to crack the lottery. You aren't going to find many prospects with his combination of size, length, athleticism and basketball skills.
Jemel McNeal, G, Marquette*
McNeal has the athleticism and scoring ability NBA teams look for in a 2-guard. But his lack of size and so-so perimeter shot mean he's likely a second round to undrafted type of pick.
Luc Richard Mbah a Moute, F, UCLA*
Two years ago, scouts were talking about him as a potential lottery pick. His stock has plummeted since then, but his strong play in the NCAA tournament helped revive some interest. He is an excellent athlete and a tenacious defender, and he can finish around the basket. But he still lacks a jumper or a way to create his own shot. He's on the first-round bubble.
Jeremy Pargo, PG, Gonzaga*
Pargo is an excellent athlete and capable distributor (six assists per game last season), but he didn't have a dominant year at Gonzaga. He shot just 26 percent from 3 and played out of control at times. He's a second-round pick right now if he stays in the draft. He'll have to have to dominate in Orlando and in workouts to get into the first round. Expect him to return to Gonzaga for his senior season.
Trent Plaisted, C, BYU
Plaisted has the size and athleticism to succeed in the NBA, but he still battles inconsistency -- he had a promising freshman season, a disappointing sophomore season and an up-and-down junior season. Right now, he's on the first-round bubble, but with strong workouts he could be a mid-to-late first-round pick.
Anthony Randolph, F, LSU
A big-time athlete, he has great size and is an excellent rebounder and an emerging offensive force. He needs to add strength and experience but many GMs believe he is one of the most talented players in the draft. He's been compared to everyone from Chris Bosh to Brandan Wright. Look for Randolph to go anywhere in the 5-10 range.
John Riek, C, Prep School
Riek is a huge, 7-2 center who wowed scouts at LeBron's high school camp last year. Some scouts said at the time that he'd be a lottery pick this year. But injuries have really derailed him all year and scouts report that he has been out of shape and hasn't improved his game. If he can get healthy, someone will take him in the late first to second round.
Derrick Rose, PG, Memphis
Rose has all the physical tools to be a superstar. He has great size, strength, athleticism and speed for his position. He also has a great feel for the game, plays unselfishly and can score on just about anyone off the dribble. Scouts wish he would improve his jump shot, especially from 3-point range, but that's his only real weakness. On some draft boards he's the No. 1 pick. On others he's the No. 2. I doubt he slides past there.
Brandon Rush, SG, Kansas
Rush entered the draft as a high school senior and again last year, only to suffer an injury during workouts. He's praying that the third time is the charm. He has the skill set, size and athleticism to be an excellent pro player. The question is ... does he have the will? His passiveness has concerned scouts over the years, though he stepped up big for KU in the second half of the season. He's a mid-to-late first-round pick.
Josh Shipp, G/F, UCLA*
A major slump toward the end of the season badly hurt Shipp's stock. He does have good size and versatility for his position, but he has a lot of damage control to do. He's a likely late second round to undrafted pick in the draft.
Marreese Speights, F/C, Florida*
Speights is one of the most efficient low-post scorers in college basketball. He's not especially flashy, but can be brutally effective in the paint, both scoring and grabbing rebounds. Scouts question his position a little and his conditioning, but overall they project him as a late lottery to mid first-round pick.
Ronald Steele, G, Alabama*
Steele was once considered a potential first rounder, but a subpar junior season and a season long injury this year have dramatically hurt his stock. He's going to try to go out and show NBA teams that he's 100 percent and hope for a miracle, but right now it looks highly unlikely that he'd be a first-round pick. Look for him to return to Alabama for his senior year.
Robert Vaden, G, Alabama-Birmingham*
Vaden transferred from Indiana to UAB this year and lit up Conference USA this season. Vaden is a deadly outside shooter, but doesn't do much else. He does have a good NBA body, but doesn't have great athleticism. Barring a lights-out performance at the Orlando predraft camp, he'll rank somewhere in the mid-to-late second round and return to UAB for his senior season.
Bill Walker, G/F, Kansas State*
Walker is one of the most athletic players in the draft, but he's still recovering from the ACL surgery he underwent last season. At times he looked like the old Bill Walker this season -- the high-flying, sweet-shooting Vince Carter clone. But other times he didn't look like NBA material at all. He's projected as a second-round pick, though someone may take him late in the first round based on his upside.
Russell Westbrook, G, UCLA*
At the beginning of the season, he wasn't on any draft boards. By midseason scouts were talking about Westbrook as a first rounder. Now, most scouts have him rated as the best pro prospect on the UCLA team. His combination of size, athleticism, strength and versatility means he's likely to go somewhere in the 8-15 range.
<HR>
INTERNATIONAL
International players under 22 years old who have declared or who are likely to declare
Alexis Ajinca, PF, France
Ajinca is a very fluid athlete for someone his size. He also has a lot of skills facing the basket. However, he desperately needs to add strength and experience before he's ready for the NBA. He's a late first round to early second round pick if he stays in the draft.
Nicolas Batum, SF, France
Batum is a big time athlete who can score in a variety of ways. He has very good size for his position. However, his disappointing performance in France this year, combined with criticism that he's a little soft, have hurt his stock. He's a mid to late first round pick.
Rodrigue Beaubois, PG, France
Beaubois is an athletic point guard who can really get up the floor. But his lack of experience playing at the highest level concerns scouts. He's a likely second round pick.
Omri Casspi, F, Israel
Casspi may be the best prospect to ever come out of Israel. He's beginning to contribute on one of the best teams in Israel. He's tough and skilled, though not an off the charts athlete. Looks like a late first to second round pick.
Victor Claver, F, Spain
Claver is considered one of the best prospects in Europe with good athleticism and skill for his size. However a poor year at Valencia has hurt his stock. He's a late first to second-round pick.
Nando De Colo, PG, France
Big combo guard has great basketball IQ, but does he have the athleticism and lateral quickness to make it in the NBA? A potential second-round pick.
Danilo Gallinari, SF, Italy
Gallinari is the best international prospect in the draft. He is very versatile and has a fantastic basketball IQ. He's putting up big numbers at a young age on one of the top teams in Europe. However, his so-so athleticism and lack of a reliable deep jumper hurt his stock. He's all over the board. Some scouts have him ranked as the No. 3 pick. Most have him in the late lottery.
Serge Ibaka, F, Congo
Ibaka is a long, athletic forward who really gets up and down the floor. He's also developing a reliable jump shot. However, his lack of experience and strength make him an intriguing long term project. He's a late first round to second round pick.
Joe Ingles, F, Australia
Ingles is one of the top young players in Australia. He's a scorer who makes his living taking it to the basket. He's a likely second round pick.
Luc Louves, F, France
Louves is a long, athletic forward who is still trying to figure out the game. He has a lot of raw ability, but is a definite project. He's a second rounder to undrafted.
Rudy Mbemba, PG, Sweden
Super athletic point guard has been a star at the Reebok Eurocamp the past few years. His lack of size and experience at a high level hurt him, but there's no denying his physical tools and emerging offensive game. A likely second round pick.
Giorgi Shermadini, C, Georgia
Versatile big man makes his living facing the basket. Think a poor man's Mehmet Okur. A likely second round pick.
Ante Tomic, C, Croatia
Tomic is perhaps, the most skilled big man in Europe. He's put up solid numbers the past few years in the Adriatic league. However, his lack of strength continues to hurt him. A likely late first round pick.
<HR>
