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UPDATED 6/19
Here are the 2009 NBA Draft Center rankings. Go here for the rest of the 2009 NBA Draft Prospect Rankings.
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Hasheem Thabeet, UConn
Height: 7-2. Weight: 265. Year: Jr.
Projected Selection: 2-4.
Alters an entire game by his mere presence in the paint… Outstanding shot blocker who can swat a shot with either hand… Changes as many shots as he stuffs due to his incredible length and athleticism… A solid rebounder because of his height, but relies too much on his length which often puts him out of position and gets him into foul trouble… Still raw on the offensive end… Has a decent stroke from 10-15 feet out but it still needs a lot of work… Little threat when catching the ball on the block, but has shown steady improvement in that area.
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B.J. Mullens, Ohio State
Height: 7-1. Weight: 258. Year: Fr..
Projected Selection: 14-21.
An intriguing prospect loaded with potential… A very good athlete for a seven-footer… Soild footwork in the post, but needs to do a better job of establishing him as a force down low… Average ability when facing the basket… Nice strength for some as young as he is and that should only improve over time… Probably a couple of years away from being a steady contributor in the NBA…
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Josh Heytvelt, Gonzaga
Height: 6-11. Weight: 1246. Year: Sr.
Projected Selection: second round.
Matured in college due to off-the-court issues… An inside/outside threat… Physical in the paint, but can also step out and drain the three ball… Not a great athlete but finishes strong at the rim… Very intense and always plays hard… Sometimes has brick hands and needs to better his back-to-the-basket game.
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Chris Johnson, LSU
Height: 6-11. Weight: 205. Year: Sr.
Projected Selection: second round.
Length and leaping ability make him an intimidating shot blocker… Rail thin though and must get stronger so he doesn’t get pushed around inside… Isn’t much of a threat on the offensive end unless an alley-oop or easy dunk is involved… Mid-range potential is there but certainly needs to be polished…
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Vyacheslav Kravstov, Ukraine
Height: 7-0. Weight: 235. Year: 1987.
Projected Selection: second round to undrafted.
Physical presence who isn’t afraid to mix it up down low… Decent athleticism and aggressiveness who gets after the boards… Needs a lot of work with his offensive game especially with his shot and footwork in the post… In no way tries to assert himself as an offensive weapon…
Other 2009 NBA Draft Center Prospects:
- Garrett Siler, Augusta State
- Luke Nevill, Utah
- Kareem Cooper, UTEP
- Russell Hicks, Florida Interntaional
- John Bryant, Santa Clara
Written by Paul Banks of NBC Chicago and 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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