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2013 NBA Draft Early Entries
April 29, 2013.
Steven Adams, C, Pittsburgh, 7-0, Fr.
’12-’13: 7.3 ppg, 6.2 rpg, 2 bpg, 57.1 FG%, 44.3 FT%
This isn’t shocking since Adams is one of 18 kids in his family and size is always in need in the NBA. He will likely be a first-round pick based on potential and upside alone since he is nowhere near ready to contribute yet at the next level.
C.J. Aiken, PF, St. Joseph’s, 6-9, Jr.
’12-’13: 10.4 ppg, 5.6 rpg, 2.6 bpg, 49.6 FG%, 79.3 FT%, 25.3 3-PT%
Aiken is a terrific athlete and shot blocker, but the rest of his game leaves plenty to be desired. He thinks he is a better shooter than he actually is and had a rather disappointing junior season, which makes his decision to turn pro a bit bizarre. Aiken might get some second-round looks based on athleticism and potential alone.
Anthony Bennett, PF, UNLV, 6-8, Fr.
’12-’13: 16.1 ppg, 8.1 rpg, 1.2 bpg, 53.3 FG%, 70.1 FT%, 37.5 3-PT%
Bennett was one of the top producing freshmen in the country this season due to his inside/outside abilities. He is a bit undersized to be a NBA power forward, but will still be a top-10 pick.
Vander Blue, SG, Marquette, 6-4, Jr.
’12-’13: 14.8 ppg, 3.2 rpg, 1.8 apg, 45.4 FG%, 75.6 FT%, 30.3 3-PT%
Blue had a breakout junior year for the Golden Eagles, but this decision is a bit of a head-scratcher. He, by no means, will be a first-round pick and could potentially go undrafted. I think Blue would have benefited from returning for his senior season and showing continued growth with his game, specifically his outside shooting which vastly improved last year.
Lorenzo Brown, PG, N.C. State, 6-5, Jr.
’12-’13: 12.4 ppg, 7.2 apg, 4.3 rpg, 2 spg, 41.9 FG%, 77.1 FT%, 26.3 3-PT%
Brown was my top point guard heading into this season, but didn’t break out like most expected. As a result, he could slip into the second round. Brown has great size for a NBA point guard and the ability to create, even if he is a very inconsistent outside shooter.
Reggie Bullock, G/F, North Carolina, 6-7, Jr.
’12-’13: 13.9 ppg, 6.5 rpg, 2.9 rpg, 1.3 spg, 48.3 FG%, 76.7 FT%, 43.6 3-PT%
With great size for a NBA wing and a smooth stroke from the outside, Bullock is a solid NBA prospect. He hasn’t wowed people during his three years at North Carolina though, which makes him a likely borderline first-round pick. Still, I wouldn’t be surprised if Bullock’s stock rises during workouts.
Trey Burke, PG, Michigan, 5-11, So.
’12-’13: 18.6 ppg, 6.7 apg, 3.2 rpg, 2 spg, 41.9 FG%, 77.1 FT%, 26.3 3-PT%
Due to his clutch play in Michigan’s run to the National Championship Game, Burke has emerged as a likely top-10 lock. His decision to return for his sophomore year did wonders for his stock, and though, he lacks the ideal size for a NBA point guard, should be off the board rather early.
Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, SG, Georgia, 6-4, So.
’12-’13: 18.5 ppg, 7.1 rpg, 2 spg, 43.3 FG%, 79.9 FT%, 37.3 3-PT%
Caldwell-Pope is a talented scorer and pure shooter who was stuck on a pretty crappy Georgia team the past few years, so turning pro makes sense. He will be selected in the first round and could possibly go as high as the mid-teens since there aren’t a ton of shooters in the 2013 NBA Draft.
Michael Carter-Williams, PG, Syracuse, 6-5, So.
’12-’13: 11.9 ppg, 7.3 apg, 4.9 rpg, 2.8 spg, 39.3 FG%, 69.4 FT%, 29.2 3-PT%
Carter-Williams will be one of the first three point guards to come off the board and should fall in the late lottery/late teens. He is not a terrific shooter and needs to get stronger, but is a great passer and athlete who has good size for the point guard position.
Allen Crabbe, SG, California, 6-6, Jr.
’12-’13: 18.4 ppg, 6.1 rpg, 2.6 apg, 1.1 spg, 45.9 FG%, 81.3 FT%, 34.8 3-PT%
Because of Crabbe’s smooth stroke from the perimeter and size at the two guard position, I think he could have a nice NBA career. Crabbe figures to be a late first-round pick, but could sneak into the late teens/early 20s since there aren’t a great deal of shooters in the 2013 NFL Draft.
Dewayne Dedmon, C, USC, 7-0, Jr.
’12-’13: 6.7 ppg, 7 rpg, 2.1 bpg, 50 FG%, 68.1 FT%
I get that the dude is a true seven-footer, but he did NOTHING during his time with the Trojans to warrant him turning pro right now. Maybe a team will take a second-round flier on him based on potential alone, but I doubt that.
Gorgui Dieng, C, Louisville, 6-11, Jr.
’12-’13: 9.8 ppg, 9.4 rpg, 2.5 bpg, 53.4 FG%, 65.2 FT%
With the Cardinals cutting down the nets in Atlanta, you figured Dieng would head to the NBA. He is a solid rebounder and shot blocker, and is improving as an offensive threat. More than likely, Dieng ends up being taken somewhere in the 20s.
Jamaal Franklin, SG, San Diego State, 6-5, Jr.
’12-’13: 17 ppg, 9.5 rpg, 3.3 apg, 1.6 spg, 41.3 FG%, 78.6 FT%, 28 3-PT%
Likely a first-round pick, Franklin is terrific at attacking the basket, but not a great outside shooter. He does contribute in a number of ways on the court and is a terrific rebounder for his size.
Archie Goodwin, SG, Kentucky, 6-4, Fr.
’12-’13: 14.1 ppg, 2.6 apg, 4.7 rpg, 1.1 spg, 44 FG%, 63.7 FT%, 26.6 3-PT%
Goodwin is a tremendous athlete and thrives attacking the basket. He does struggle shooting the rock though, which hurts his stock and could mean he ends up going in the mid-late first round.
Tim Hardaway Jr., SG, Michigan, 6-5, Jr.
’12-’13: 14.5 ppg, 4.7 rpg, 2.4 rpg, 43.7 FG%, 69.4 FT%, 37.4 3-PT%
Nothing surprising here since the Wolverines made it to the title game and Hardaway Jr. is who he is; a borderline first-round pick. Returning to school wasn’t going to help his stock that much, so he might as well strike when the iron’s hot.
Grant Jarrett, PF, Arizona, 6-10, Fr.
’12-’13: 5.2 ppg, 3.6 rpg, 40.9 FG%, 81.8 FT%, 40.5 3-PT%
Dumbest decision of any underclassmen. Why? What’s the rush? Enjoy the D-League.
Myck Kabonogo, PG, Texas, 6-1, So.
’12-’13: 14.6 ppg, 5.5 apg, 5 rpg, 2 spg, 41.8 FG%, 79.2 FT%, 29.6 3-PT%
After dealing with the NCAA fiasco and having to sit the first 23 games of this season, you can’t blame Kabongo for going pro. He has first-round talent, but could slip into the second round. Kabonogo’ individual workouts will be really important since he only played in 11 games this season, and for a crappy team.
Shane Larkin, PG, Miami FL, 5-11, So.
’12-’13: 14.5 ppg, 4.6 apg, 3.8 rpg, 2 spg, 47.9 FG%, 77.7 FT%, 40.6 3-PT%
This was a no-brainer decision in my opinion. Larkin had a breakthrough sophomore season and since the Hurricanes are losing a ton of players to graduation, it makes sense for Barry’s kid to strike while the iron’s hot especially since he should be first-round pick.
Ricky Ledo, SG, Providence, 6-7, Fr.
’12-’13: n/a
Ineligible this season, Ledo is heading to the NBA without ever playing a minute of college action. He is talented and has plenty of potential, which could land him a spot in the first round. Individual workouts will be vital for Ledo since nobody has really seen him play much in the past year.
Alex Len, C, Maryland, 7-1, So.
’12-’13: 11.9 ppg, 7.8 rpg, 2.1 bpg, 53.4 FG%, 68.6 FT%
The Ukranian has the size and potential that make him an intriguing, though risky, pick come draft night. He has good mobility for a seven-footer but wasn’t fully utilized to his potential with the Terps. I don’t see Len being an immediate contributor at the next level, but regardless, he will be a mid-lottery pick.
C.J. Leslie, PF, N.C. State, 6-9, Jr.
’12-’13: 15.1 ppg, 7.1 rpg, 1.2 bpg, 51.9 FG%, 61.2 FT%
Leslie is a ridiculous leaper who possesses a ton of skill and athleticism. However, he is not a great outside shooter and doesn’t have the physicality to bang down low. Plus, there have been questions about his maturity and basketball IQ. Some NBA team will probably take a chance on Leslie in the 20s, but it wouldn’t surprise me if he slipped into the second round.
Amath M’Baye, PF, Oklahoma, 6-9, Jr.
’12-’13: 10.1 ppg, 5.2 rpg, 46.1 FG%, 75 FT%, 27.9 3-PT%
Since he transferred to Oklahoma from Wyoming, M’Baye is graduating this Spring and is already 23 years old, so you can’t blame him for leaving school now. He is a possible second-round prospect due to his length, athleticism, and ability to step away from the basket and knock down jumpers.
Ray McCallum, PG, Detroit, 6-3, Jr.
’12-’13: 18.7 ppg, 4.5 apg, 5.1 rpg, 1.9 spg, 49.1 FG%, 71.7 FT%, 32.3 3-PT%
McCallum put up monster numbers in the Horizon League, but still only projects as a second-round pick, possibly even undrafted. I’m not sure returning for his senior year would have helped out any though.
Ben McLemore, SG, Kansas, 6-5, Fr.
’12-’13: 15.9 ppg, 5.2 rpg, 2 apg, 49.5 FG%, 87 FT%, 42 3-PT%
McLemore had a spectacular freshman season with the Jayhawks and is in line to possibly be the No. 1 pick in the 2013 NFL Draft.
Tony Mitchell, F, North Texas, 6-8, So.
’12-’13: 13 ppg, 8.4 rpg, 2.7 bpg, 44 FG%, 67.5 FT%, 30 3-PT%
Mitchell had a somewhat disappointing sophomore season that has hurt his stock some since he was a possible top-10 pick coming into the year. The mid-first round seems like a more realistic spot for him now, but Mitchell could still sneak into the late lottery.
Shabazz Muhammad, G/F, UCLA, 6-6, Fr.
’12-’13: 17.9 ppg, 5.2 rpg, 44.3 FG%, 71.1 FT%, 37.7 3-PT%
Muhammad was a legitimate No. 1 overall pick option early in the season, but that certainly cooled off later in the year because of questions about his selfishness and ability to jell on a team at the next level. As it stands now, the mid-late lottery seems like a more realistic landing spot.
Nerlens Noel, PF, Kentucky, 6-10, Fr.
’12-’13: 10.5 ppg, 9.5 rpg, 4.4 bpg, 2.1 spg, 59 FG%, 52.9 FT%
Had it not been for a torn ACL in mid-February, Noel would probably have been a lock for the top overall pick. The injury means he probably won’t be ready for the start of the 2013-14 NBA season, but he is still the best prospect in the 2013 NBA Draft and will be one of the first three selections depending on team need.
Victor Oladipo, SG, Indiana, 6-5, Jr.
’12-’13: 13.6 ppg, 6.3 rpg, 2.1 rpg, 2.2 spg, 55.9 FG%, 74.6 FT%, 44.1 3-PT%
I love me some Oladipo. His rapid improvement throughout this season has put him in position to be a top-five pick. I think he has the chance to be a VERY good pro.
Kelly Olynyk, C, Gonzaga, 7-0, Jr.
’12-’13: 17.8 ppg, 7.3 rpg, 1.1 bpg, 62.9 FG%, 77.6 FT%, 30% 3-PT FG%
After redshirting last year, Olynyk came from practically nowhere to become an All-American and possible lottery pick in the 2013 NBA Draft. He has great mobility and skill for a seven-footer, but will need to get stronger.
Norvell Pelle, PF, L.A. College Prep, 6-10, Fr.
’12-’13: n/a
The former St. John’s and Iona commit has issues getting cleared academically and never actually played for the Red Storm or Gaels. He was highly touted recruit in the 2011 class due to his athleticism, versatility, and length. Pelle is still very much a work in progress, but should be worth a second-round flier for some team wanting to develop him.
Otto Porter, SF, Georgetown, 6-8, So.
’12-’13: 16.2 ppg, 7.5 rpg, 2.7 bpg, 1.8 spg, 48 FG%, 77.7 FT%, 42.2 3-PT%
There might not be a more versatile player in this draft who can impact the game in numerous ways like Porter can. He did a little bit of everything for the Hoyas this past season and projects to be an outstanding role player at the next level. I’ll be surprised if he falls out of the top four.
Marshawn Powell, PF, Arkansas, 6-7, Jr.
’12-’13: 14.5 ppg, 5.4 apg, 1.2 bpg, 48.7 FG%, 64.2 FT%, 34.6 3-PT%
Powell is an undersized four who could very well go undrafted. He does have the ability to shoot the ball and can be explosive at the rim, however the fact that he doesn’t have a true position at the next level hurts his potential.
Phil Pressey, PG, Missouri, 5-11, Jr.
’12-’13: 11.9 ppg, 7.1 apg, 3.3 rpg, 1.8 spg, 37.6 FG%, 73.5 FT%, 32.4 3-PT%
I don’t really get this one. Pressey is a terrific passer, but is undersized, takes bad shots, and is way too turnover prone to be a first-round pick. What’s the rush in leaving college here?
Andre Roberson, SF, Colorado, 6-7, Jr.
’12-’13: 10.9 ppg, 11.2 rpg, 1.3 bpg, 2.2 spg, 48 FG%, 55.1 FT%, 32.8 3-PT%
This a questionable decision by Roberson. Due to his athleticism, he was an elite rebounder at the college level but at 6-7, that won’t translate as well to the next level. Roberson is not a great shooter, and he projects to be a second-round selection.
Tony Snell, SF, New Mexico, 6-7, Jr.
’12-’13: 12.5 ppg, 2.5 rpg, 2.6 apg, 44.2 FG%, 84.3 FT%, 39 3-PT%
Originally, it seemed as if Snell was just testing the waters, but he has decided to hire an agent and remain in the 2013 NBA Draft. That’s an interesting decision since he could go undrafted.
Adonis Thomas, SF, Memphis, 6-7, So.
’12-’13: 11.7 ppg, 4.5 rpg, 40.5 FG%, 75.2 FT%, 29.2 3-PT%
A highly recruited prospect coming out of high school, Thomas battled injury his freshman year and didn’t do anything special as a sophomore to warrant his leaving school early. He’ll still probably get drafted, but will enjoy a lot of time in the D-League.
Deshaun Thomas, SF, Ohio State, 6-7, Jr.
’12-’13: 19.8 ppg, 5.9 rpg, 44.5 FG%, 83.4 FT%, 34.4 3-PT%
This is not a shock at all, Thomas was the guy for the Buckeyes this past season, and it’s hard to imagine that he would benefit from another year in school. Plus, I know Thomas has a child, so getting to the next level will help his family as well. Thomas is a terrific scorer all-around, but not a great athlete, which is why he likely ends up in the late first-round to early second-round range.
B.J. Young, PG, Arkansas, 6-3, So.
’12-’13: 15.2 ppg, 3.4 apg, 3.5 rpg, 44.9 FG%, 66.9 FT%, 22.7 3-PT%
After testing the waters last year, Young is in for good. He is an athletic combo guard who is best attacking the rim, but is not a great outside shooter or distributor. The late first round/early second round seems like a probable landing spot for him.
Cody Zeller, C, Indiana, 7-0, So.
’12-’13: 16.5 ppg, 8.1 rpg, 1.3 bpg, 56.2 FG%, 75.7 FT%
I just can’t get over how soft Zeller was at times this season and how he disappeared down the stretches of games. I personally don’t think Zeller is going to be anything special at the next level and wouldn’t touch him if I had a top-10 pick. However, he will probably be a top-seven selection, so leaving Bloomington makes sense.
Returning to School
Isaiah Austin, PF/C, Baylor, 7-1, Fr.
’12-’13: 13 ppg, 8.3 rpg, 1.7 bpg, 45.9 FG%, 63.4 FT%, 33 3-PT%
Due to his size and ability to step out and knock down jumpers, Austin would have likely been a mid-first round pick. However, he is nowhere near NBA ready since he is so rail thin and needs to get stronger before making the leap to the next level.
Deonte Burton, PG, Nevada, 6-1, Jr.
’12-’13: 16.3 ppg, 3.6 rpg, 44.9 FG%, 71.8 FT%, 30.1 3-PT%
Burton wasn’t going to be a first-round pick this year. It’s likely he won’t be next year either.
Jahii Carson, PG, Arizona State, 5-10, Fr.
’12-’13: 18.5 ppg, 5.1 apg, 3.7 apg, 47.3 FG%, 73.4 FT%, 32 3-PT%
Carson had a really nice freshman year, but I think his size will hurt his draft stock whether he would have declared this summer or in two summers.
Willie Cauley-Stein, C, Kentucky, 7-0, Fr.
’12-’13: 8.3 ppg, 6.2 rpg, 2.1 bpg, 62.1 FG%, 37.2 FT%
I’m surprised that Cauley-Stein is returning to school since he would have been a lottery pick and Kentucky has some talented young bigs coming in next year. Cauley-Stein does need more time to develop though, so another year with the Wildcats should serve him well.
C.J. Fair, SF, Syracuse, 6-8, Jr.
’12-’13: 14.5 ppg, 7 rpg, 1.1 bpg, 47 FG%, 75.5 FT%, 46.9 3-PT%
Fair may have snuck into the first round, but probably did the right thing by returning for his senior year. He has been a terrific role player during his three years at Syracuse, but I’d like to see him become more of an assertive scorer as a senior.
Gary Harris, SG, Michigan State, 6-4, Fr.
’12-’13: 12.9 ppg, 2.5 rpg, 45.6 FG%, 75.5 FT%, 41.1 3-PT%
The Spartan freshman was viewed by many as a likely lottery selection especially in this weaker 2013 NBA Draft. I don’t think he’s NBA ready and could use another year in East Lansing to develop his skills and become more well-rounded as a player.
Sean Kilpatrick, SG, Cincinnati, 6-4, Jr.
’12-’13: 17 ppg, 5.2 rpg, 39.8 FG%, 73.8 FT%, 30.7 3-PT%
Kilpatrick is a high-level college scorer, but I’m not sure what else he’s going to bring to a NBA team. Kilpatrick would have been a second-round pick, so finishing off his collegiate career at Cincinnati makes sense.
James Michael McAdoo, PF, North Carolina, 6-9, So.
’12-’13: 14.4 ppg, 7.3 rpg, 1.5 spg, 44.5 FG%, 57.8 FT%
Once a projected as a top-five to top-10 pick, McAdoo’s lackluster sophomore campaign has dropped him out of the lottery. Therefore, returning for his junior year was the intelligent decision. He needs to either become a bigger force inside or improve his outside shot before being ready for the next level.
Doug McDermott, SF, Creighton, 6-8, Jr.
’12-’13: 23.2 ppg, 7.7 rpg, 54.8 FG%, 87.5 FT%, 49 3-PT%
McDermott likely would have been a late first-round pick because of his efficiency as a scorer. It’s hard to imagine him improving more next season, but there is always a need for shooters at the next level and his athleticism will always hold him back some in the view of NBA scouts.
Mitch McGary, PF/C, Michigan, 6-10, Fr.
’12-’13: 7.4 ppg, 6.2 rpg, 1.1 spg, 60.5 FG%, 45.7 FT%
McGary came up huge for the Wolverines down the stretch of their March run and was gaining steam as a late-lottery prospect. His stock won’t be hotter at this time next year, unless he has a monster sophomore season so the decision could backfire a bit.
Eric Moreland, PF, Oregon State, 6-10, So.
’12-’13: 9.4 ppg, 10.6 rpg, 2.5 bpg, 57.4 FG%, 56.6 FT%, 31.6 3-PT%
Moreland briefly tested the waters but has decided to return to Oregon State for his junior season. That’s a smart move since the former UTEP transfer was likely to go undrafted.
Shabazz Napier, PG, Connecticut, 6-1, Jr.
’12-’13: 17.1 ppg, 4.6 apg, 4.4 rpg, 2 spg, 44.1 FG%, 81.9 FT%, 39 8-PT%
Napier wasn’t going to be a first-round pick this year. He won’t be a first-round pick next year. Napier might as well get that degree.
LeBryan Nash, SF, Oklahoma State, 6-7, So.
’12-’13: 14 ppg, 4.1 rpg, 46.2 FG%, 74.1 FT%, 24 3-PT%
After a somewhat disappointing freshman campaign, Nash was overshadowed by Marcus Smart at Oklahoma State in 2012. Nash likely would have been a second-round pick and is wise in heading back to the Cowboys.
Adreian Payne, PF, Michigan State, 6-10, Jr.
’12-’13: 10.5 ppg, 7.6 rpg, 1.3 bpg, 54.6 FG%, 84.8 FT%, 38.1 3-PT%
Payne really came on strong during his junior year and could have snuck into the first round this year. However, another year in East Lansing should only help his development as an inside/outside threat with terrific athleticism.
Alex Poythress, SF, Kentucky, 6-8, So.
’12-’13: 11.2 ppg, 6 rpg, 58.1 FG%, 68.9 FT%, 42.4 3-PT%
Poythress certainly lived up to expectations during a very up-and-down freshman season. He needed to return to school and improve his all-around game, but will he get a chance to do that with the influx of talent coming to Lexington?
Glenn Robinson III, SF, Michigan, 6-6, Fr.
’12-’13: 11 ppg, 5.4 rpg, 57.2 FG%, 67.6 FT%, 32.4 3-PT%
Since the 2013 Draft class is so weak, Robinson would have been a lottery pick based on potential alone. He is by no means NBA ready though, so returning to Michigan to be “the guy” next year should help his game grow.
Marcus Smart, G, Oklahoma State, 6-4, Fr.
’12-’13: 15.4 ppg, 5.8 rpg, 4.2 apg, 40.4 FG%, 77.7 FT%, 29 3-PT%
All I can say is WOW! Smart was a top-five pick had he declared, which makes his decision absolutely shocking since next year’s class will be much deeper at the top than this year. I do have to give the young man a tip of the cap for turning down the money and returning to school. It makes college basketball that much better when this happens.
Russ Smith, G, Louisville, 6-1, Jr.
’12-’13: 18.7 ppg, 3.3 rpg, 2.9 apg, 2.1 spg, 41.4 FG%, 80.4 FT%, 32.8 3-PT%
Smith was on the fence but decided to return for his senior year in hope of logging more minutes at the point. He is a tremendous scorer, but is known for his terrible decision-making as well, which makes him a borderline first-round pick.
Isaiah Sykes, G, Central Florida, 6-5, Jr.
’12-’13: 16 ppg, 7.5 rpg, 4.5 apg, 45.7 FG%, 61.7 FT%, 32-PT%
Sykes threw his hat into the ring just to get feedback on his draft potential but wisely chose to return to school.
C.J. Wilcox, SG, Washington, 6-5, Jr.
’12-’13: 16.8 ppg, 4.3 rpg, 41.9 FG%, 81.6 FT%, 36.6 3-PT%
With no real shot of being a first-round pick, Wilcox made a smart move in deciding to return for his senior campaign.
Patric Young, PF/C, Florida, 6-9, Jr.
’12-’13: 10.1 ppg, 6.3 rpg, 1.6 bpg, 58.6 FG%, 48.9 FT%
This is a smart decision since Young would have been a second-round pick. He is built like Zeus and plays incredibly hard, but is limited on the offensive end and needs to improve on that end to have a chance of being a first-rounder someday.
Written by Paul Banks of the Washington Times, and David Kay of the The Sports Bank.
Send Paul an e-mail here: paulb05 AT hotmail DOT com.
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