Post by kmatrixg on May 18, 2011 14:22:07 GMT -5
Kyrie Irving PG 6'2 185 19 Duke Fr.
Strengths: Close to a can't miss PG prospect with probably the highest ceiling in the draft. He showed the most seamless transition of any freshman in the country before getting a foot injury early on that ended his season. Irving was on his way to being possibly the top PG in the nation, he did a tremendous job of unselfishly running the offense with established veteran players, at the same time putting up fantastic numbers and highlights while and leading his team to wins.
Weaknesses?: It is difficult to find knocks on Kyrie. He has good enough size and strength for a PG but not ideal to move to another position. Although his injury is not thought to be severe it makes you wonder if he is going to be a victim to nagging injuries. The SSBL schedule will be a big leap for him, but Irving is as good of an all around PG prospect as you will find and barring injury should be among the elite class of PGs sooner rather then later.
Derrick Williams PF 6'8 235 20 Arizona So.
Strengths: Has been hands down best player in the Pac-10 and main reason that Arizona is in first place in the conference. Listed on team roster at 6'8" and 240lbs, has the size and athleticism to play either forward position but probably will not over-power matchups in the SSBL, instead rely on his craftiness. A good head on his shoulders, very competitive, smart and unselfish player. Solid post up game, his greatest strength is his mid range game, he can finish with both hands and great at converting 3 point plays. Very efficient from the free throw line and from 3 even though he doesn’t attempt many beyond the arc.
This past tourney showed that we can project Derrick more than just a role player at the next level, but as a future all star and Rookie of the Year favorite. A Blake Griffin-like prospect is not too far off. This is a great story of a great kid who in 2 years went from fortunate to play in the Pac-10, to a guy that an SSBL team will build around.
Weaknesses: No glaring weaknesses. Already has a good offensive repertoire and shows the ability to work on his game and improve. Has the mental makeup to be a asset in the SSBL for several years.
Harrison Barnes SF 6'8 210 19 North Carolina Fr.
Strengths: Barnes came into this year with lofty expectations, garnering preseason All-American honors. He wasn’t able to live up to the hype in the beginning of the season, but has come along strong as of late. He is a very smooth player, who can make the game look easy at times. He has a great perimeter jump shot, with a great stroke that can extend to the SSBL three. He’s long and athletic, but not very explosive, making him an average defender. Barnes is very fundamentally sound, with a high basketball IQ. He’s not afraid to take the big shot, and has shown his ability to come up big at the end of games.
Weaknesses: As SSBL ready as he might be, it did take him awhile to become assertive at the college level, and it might take him longer to feel comfortable at the higher, SSBL level. He has a slim frame, and could benefit from adding more muscle. For his size he needs to develop some sort of post game, which he hasn’t shown all year. He doesn’t attack the rim as much as scouts would like, but he does have the potential to do so.
Jared Sullinger PF 6'8 250 19 Ohio State Fr.
Strengths: Jared Sullinger is a power big man with strong low post moves and natural rebounding instincts. Although slightly undersized at 6'8 for an ideal SSBL power forward, he more than makes up for it with his ability to use his body to his advantage to boxout and push his opponent out of the lane. He uses all 260 pounds to reek havoc on the boards and wear down defenders. He has a decent mid-range jumper, although it could use some improvement.
Weaknesses: He does not show raw SSBL-ready athleticism and could stand to improve his conditioning and speed to get back on defense. His biggest struggle when moving to the SSBL game will be against taller, more athletic big men. He has similar physical make up of Kevin Love, however, with Love's struggle to acclimate to the pro game, many scouts worry how Sullinger will transition with similar athleticism and playing style.
Brandon Knight PG 6'3 170 19 Kentucky Fr.
Strengths: He has a very high work ethic and has the killer instinct of an assassin. A big time scorer in his prep career but is now struggling to adapt to being a pure lead guard at Kentucky, but is slowly making the transition as the season progresses. For such a smart kid, Knight makes a lot of bad turnovers forcing the issue at times but understands what it takes to win games.
With that said, he knows his main strength is shot making and he is one of the best in SEC Conference in that department. A huge shot maker and shot taker that has the ability to score in bunches and has the Kentucky freshman record for most 20 plus points game in a season. His ability to shoot it from deep is what separates him from John Wall, but doesn't have Wall's elite athleticism. He is very good at changing pace with the dribble and shows a solid first step while attacking.
Weaknesses: Knight has an improved physique and shows confidence in throwing his body into defenders. He can sometimes become trigger happy which can be a blessing or a curse, and needs to improve the nuances of the point guard position before making the leap to the SSBL. This will be his biggest obstacle in the SSBL - finding his niche. Whether it be a shoot first PG, or a combo guard, ala Jerryd Bayless will be determined by his ability/desire to get better.
Kawhi Leonard SF 6'7 225 20 San Diego State So.
Strengths: Leonard has shown great potential to become a solid SSBL perimeter player. He is only a sophomore and is still quite raw. His ability to rebound for his size is what sticks out the most in his game. At 6'7 he would be a 2 or 3 in the SSBL, and the ability to grab ten rebounds a game is a great attribute to have. His ability to attack the boards on both ends allows him to get a lot of second chance points on the offensive glass. Coaches will love his ability to quickly get the ball in transition with his ability to grab rebounds and start fast breaks himself. He is also a solid ball handler in transition that can make plays for himself and his running mates. He's a strong finisher in the open floor as well.
Weaknesses: He possesses a good mid-range jump shot, but is inconsistent from the perimeter. He does show nice form on the jumper, so with extra work in the gym, he should be able to improve from the perimeter before he gets to the league. Kawhi sometimes seems to disappear on the offensive end. He needs to make himself more assertive by demanding the ball from his teammates.
Patrick Patterson PF 6'8 223 22 Kentucky Sr
Strengths: Patterson has a very mature post game due to the fact that he remained in college for another year, rather than the SSBL. He operates his opponents with a high skill set, and is very effective drop stepping with either hand. Very adapt at squaring his man up from out of the post and blowing past him with a vicious dunk. A very smart and intelligent student as well as a player.
Weaknesses: Patterson is only about 6'8 or 6'9, and might have trouble guarding bigger fours. Strong body seems to hinder his lateral movement, as he looks a little stiff at times. Doesn't really possess that star quality potential that the SSBL looks for in a top 20 picks. Defers to less talented players on his team at times, when his coach needs him to be the go to man. Has to work on break down moves going to the hoop.
MORE TO COME!!!
Strengths: Close to a can't miss PG prospect with probably the highest ceiling in the draft. He showed the most seamless transition of any freshman in the country before getting a foot injury early on that ended his season. Irving was on his way to being possibly the top PG in the nation, he did a tremendous job of unselfishly running the offense with established veteran players, at the same time putting up fantastic numbers and highlights while and leading his team to wins.
Weaknesses?: It is difficult to find knocks on Kyrie. He has good enough size and strength for a PG but not ideal to move to another position. Although his injury is not thought to be severe it makes you wonder if he is going to be a victim to nagging injuries. The SSBL schedule will be a big leap for him, but Irving is as good of an all around PG prospect as you will find and barring injury should be among the elite class of PGs sooner rather then later.
Derrick Williams PF 6'8 235 20 Arizona So.
Strengths: Has been hands down best player in the Pac-10 and main reason that Arizona is in first place in the conference. Listed on team roster at 6'8" and 240lbs, has the size and athleticism to play either forward position but probably will not over-power matchups in the SSBL, instead rely on his craftiness. A good head on his shoulders, very competitive, smart and unselfish player. Solid post up game, his greatest strength is his mid range game, he can finish with both hands and great at converting 3 point plays. Very efficient from the free throw line and from 3 even though he doesn’t attempt many beyond the arc.
This past tourney showed that we can project Derrick more than just a role player at the next level, but as a future all star and Rookie of the Year favorite. A Blake Griffin-like prospect is not too far off. This is a great story of a great kid who in 2 years went from fortunate to play in the Pac-10, to a guy that an SSBL team will build around.
Weaknesses: No glaring weaknesses. Already has a good offensive repertoire and shows the ability to work on his game and improve. Has the mental makeup to be a asset in the SSBL for several years.
Harrison Barnes SF 6'8 210 19 North Carolina Fr.
Strengths: Barnes came into this year with lofty expectations, garnering preseason All-American honors. He wasn’t able to live up to the hype in the beginning of the season, but has come along strong as of late. He is a very smooth player, who can make the game look easy at times. He has a great perimeter jump shot, with a great stroke that can extend to the SSBL three. He’s long and athletic, but not very explosive, making him an average defender. Barnes is very fundamentally sound, with a high basketball IQ. He’s not afraid to take the big shot, and has shown his ability to come up big at the end of games.
Weaknesses: As SSBL ready as he might be, it did take him awhile to become assertive at the college level, and it might take him longer to feel comfortable at the higher, SSBL level. He has a slim frame, and could benefit from adding more muscle. For his size he needs to develop some sort of post game, which he hasn’t shown all year. He doesn’t attack the rim as much as scouts would like, but he does have the potential to do so.
Jared Sullinger PF 6'8 250 19 Ohio State Fr.
Strengths: Jared Sullinger is a power big man with strong low post moves and natural rebounding instincts. Although slightly undersized at 6'8 for an ideal SSBL power forward, he more than makes up for it with his ability to use his body to his advantage to boxout and push his opponent out of the lane. He uses all 260 pounds to reek havoc on the boards and wear down defenders. He has a decent mid-range jumper, although it could use some improvement.
Weaknesses: He does not show raw SSBL-ready athleticism and could stand to improve his conditioning and speed to get back on defense. His biggest struggle when moving to the SSBL game will be against taller, more athletic big men. He has similar physical make up of Kevin Love, however, with Love's struggle to acclimate to the pro game, many scouts worry how Sullinger will transition with similar athleticism and playing style.
Brandon Knight PG 6'3 170 19 Kentucky Fr.
Strengths: He has a very high work ethic and has the killer instinct of an assassin. A big time scorer in his prep career but is now struggling to adapt to being a pure lead guard at Kentucky, but is slowly making the transition as the season progresses. For such a smart kid, Knight makes a lot of bad turnovers forcing the issue at times but understands what it takes to win games.
With that said, he knows his main strength is shot making and he is one of the best in SEC Conference in that department. A huge shot maker and shot taker that has the ability to score in bunches and has the Kentucky freshman record for most 20 plus points game in a season. His ability to shoot it from deep is what separates him from John Wall, but doesn't have Wall's elite athleticism. He is very good at changing pace with the dribble and shows a solid first step while attacking.
Weaknesses: Knight has an improved physique and shows confidence in throwing his body into defenders. He can sometimes become trigger happy which can be a blessing or a curse, and needs to improve the nuances of the point guard position before making the leap to the SSBL. This will be his biggest obstacle in the SSBL - finding his niche. Whether it be a shoot first PG, or a combo guard, ala Jerryd Bayless will be determined by his ability/desire to get better.
Kawhi Leonard SF 6'7 225 20 San Diego State So.
Strengths: Leonard has shown great potential to become a solid SSBL perimeter player. He is only a sophomore and is still quite raw. His ability to rebound for his size is what sticks out the most in his game. At 6'7 he would be a 2 or 3 in the SSBL, and the ability to grab ten rebounds a game is a great attribute to have. His ability to attack the boards on both ends allows him to get a lot of second chance points on the offensive glass. Coaches will love his ability to quickly get the ball in transition with his ability to grab rebounds and start fast breaks himself. He is also a solid ball handler in transition that can make plays for himself and his running mates. He's a strong finisher in the open floor as well.
Weaknesses: He possesses a good mid-range jump shot, but is inconsistent from the perimeter. He does show nice form on the jumper, so with extra work in the gym, he should be able to improve from the perimeter before he gets to the league. Kawhi sometimes seems to disappear on the offensive end. He needs to make himself more assertive by demanding the ball from his teammates.
Patrick Patterson PF 6'8 223 22 Kentucky Sr
Strengths: Patterson has a very mature post game due to the fact that he remained in college for another year, rather than the SSBL. He operates his opponents with a high skill set, and is very effective drop stepping with either hand. Very adapt at squaring his man up from out of the post and blowing past him with a vicious dunk. A very smart and intelligent student as well as a player.
Weaknesses: Patterson is only about 6'8 or 6'9, and might have trouble guarding bigger fours. Strong body seems to hinder his lateral movement, as he looks a little stiff at times. Doesn't really possess that star quality potential that the SSBL looks for in a top 20 picks. Defers to less talented players on his team at times, when his coach needs him to be the go to man. Has to work on break down moves going to the hoop.
MORE TO COME!!!
