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2010 NBA Draft Early Entries
May 9, 2010.
Solomon Alabi, C, Florida State, 7-1, Soph.
’09-’10: 11.7 ppg, 6.2 rpg, 2.3 bpg, 53.4 FG%, 79.4 FT%
Size is always attractive to NBA teams so you cannot blame Alabi for putting his name in the 2010 NBA Draft. However, his offensive game is still a massive work in progress and I think he is making a mistake. I would not be surprised if he slipped into the second round. Returning to school next season would allow his game to improve and most likely ensure him a mid-first-round pick.
ALABI HAS HIRED AN AGENT AND IS IN THE DRAFT FOR GOOD.
Al-Farouq Aminu, SF, Wake Forest, 6-9, Soph.
’09-’10: 15.8 ppg, 10.7 rpg, 1.4 spg, 1.4 bpg, 44.7 FG%, 69.8 FT%, 27.3 3-PT%
Aminu likely would have been a lottery pick last season and assured that high ranking by returning to Wake this season. I would have been shocked if he would have returned to school as he’s pretty much a top-10 lock.
Cole Aldrich, C, Kansas, 6-11, Jr.
’09-’10: 11.3 ppg, 9.8 rpg, 3.5 bpg, 56.2 FG%, 67.9 FT%
He figures to be a lottery pick and certainly will not fall out of the top 20 which makes his decision fairly easy especially since all he has accomplished at Kansas. He will be one of the top true centers taken in the 2010 NBA Draft.
James Anderson, SG, Oklahoma State, 6-6, Jr.
’09-’10: 22.3 ppg, 5.8 rpg, 2.4 apg, 45.7 FG%, 81.0 FT%, 34.1 3-PT%
It makes perfect sense for the Big 12 Player of the Year to declare for the 2010 NBA Draft. He is a surefire first-round pick who could go as high as the mid-teens. Anderson is a great scoring guard who can make it rain from deep. His athleticism is not at the elite NBA level which could drop him into the 20s.
Luke Babbitt, SF, Nevada, 6-9, Soph.
’09-’10: 21.9 ppg, 8.9 rpg, 50.0 FG%, 91.7 FT%, 41.6 3-PT%
Babbitt is an extremely talented offensive player who can shoot the rock and is in the 2010 NBA Draft for good. He is likely a first-round pick but in a fairly heavy class of small forwards who are projected to go in the 20s, Babbitt could fall into the second round.
Armon Bassett, PG, Ohio, 6-2, Jr.
’09-’10: 17.1 ppg, 3.5 apg, 3.3 rpg, 39.0 FG%, 81.2 FT%, 34.6 3-PT%
The former Indiana transfer stepped back onto the national scene by helping lead the Bobcats to a first-round upset of Georgetown. He likely won’t get drafted if he keeps his name in so expect him to return to Ohio for his senior season.
BASSETT IS STAYING IN THE 2010 NBA DRAFT AS HE LIKELY WOULD NOT HAVE BEEN ALLOWED BACK AT OHIO AFTER RECENTLY BEING ARRESTED. HE WILL ALMOST CERTAINLY GO UNDRAFTED.
Eric Bledsoe, PG, Kentucky, 6-1, Fr.
’09-’10: 11.3 ppg, 3.1 rpg, 2.9 apg, 46.2 FG%, 66.7 FT%, 38.3 3-PT%
I would have liked to see Eric Bledsoe return to Kentucky and have a year of being the alpha dog of the backcourt rather than being John Wall’s sidekick. You cannot blame him for turning pro as he should be a first-round pick (his stock is reportedly all over the board but I wouldn’t be shocked if he landed in the top 10.) Experience will be the issue as he goes to the next level.
BLEDSOE HAS HIRED AN AGENT AND IS IN THE DRAFT FOR GOOD.
Craig Brackins, PF, Iowa State, 6-10, Jr.
’09-’10: 16.5 ppg, 8.5 rpg, 42.0 FG%, 76.0 FT%, 31.0 3-PT%
Brackins is probably kicking himself. Had he of declared for the draft last summer, he could have been a late-lottery pick. However, after a less than stellar junior season, the Cyclone power forward is now in danger of falling into the second round. It is still very likely he ends up hearing his name called in the 20s, but this could be a great example of how returning to school can really hurt your stock.
Avery Bradley, G, Texas, 6-2, Fr.
’09-’10: 11.6 ppg, 2.9 rpg, 2.1 apg, 43.2 FG%, 54.4 FT%, 37.5 3-PT%
He is not hiring an agent, leaving the option to return to school. If he stays in the 2010 NBA Draft, I think he will be making a mistake. He is a combo guard who has not shown the ability to run the point and is not a great outside shooter which seems to be what gets combo guards drafted. I think he needs to return to school or he could possibly fall into the second round.
BRADLEY IS IN FOR GOOD AS REPORTS SAY HE COULD GO AS HIGH AS THE LATE LOTTERY. I THINK IT’S MORE THAN LIKELY HE FALLS INTO THE LATE 20S.
Dee Bost, PG, Mississippi State, 6-2, Soph.
’09-’10: 13.0 ppg, 5.2 apg, 4.4 rpg, 40.1 FG%, 72.2 FT%, 35.2 3-PT%
I was impressed by Bost the few times I saw him play this season. He is extremely quick but needs to be a better decision-maker before he is serious about turning pro. Expect him to be back with the Bulldogs next season.
BOST HIRED AN AGENT BUT COULD HEAD OVERSEAS FOR A YEAR AND WAIT UNTIL 2011 TO BE ELIGIBLE FOR THE DRAFT.
Derrick Caracter, PF, UTEP, 6-9, Jr.
’09-’10: 14.1 ppg, 8.1 rpg, 56.7 FG%, 67.2 FT%
Caracter used his one year at UTEP to re-emerge onto the national scene. He is reportedly set on entering the 2010 NBA Draft which might be a mistake as there is no real chance of him being a first-round pick. He is a bruiser down low, but there are still questions about his character (pun intended) dating back to his freshman season at Louisville.
Jordan Crawford, SG, Xavier, 6-4, Soph.
’09-’10: 20.5 ppg, 4.7 rpg, 2.9 apg, 46.2 FG%, 77.3 FT%, 39.1 3-PT%
After blowing up in the NCAA Tournament, Crawford’s stock began to soar. He is still keeping his options open to return to the Musketeers, but I don’t see how he is not a first-round pick and will likely stay in the 2010 NBA Draft.
CRAWFORD HAS HIRED AN AGENT MEANING HE WILL STAY IN THE 2010 NBA DRAFT.
DeMarcus Cousins, C, Kentucky, 6-11, Fr.
’09-’10: 15.1 ppg, 9.8 rpg, 1.8 bpg, 55.8 FG%, 60.4 FT%
He was a man among boys down low in the college game and will be a top-five pick which makes it a no-brainer for him to turn pro. Talent is not the issue with Cousins; it’s whether or not his attitude improves or if he continues down the path of being a head case that will determine his success at the next level.
Ed Davis, PF, North Carolina, 6-11, Soph.
’09-’10: 13.4 ppg, 9.6 rpg, 2.7 bpg, 57.8 FG%, 69.3 FT%
A season-ending injury derailed Davis’ season late in the year but he is still declaring for the 2010 NBA Draft. He did not have the breakout season that most scouts were expecting, but will still be a lottery pick.
Devin Ebanks, SF, West Virginia, 6-9, Soph.
’09-’10: 12.0 ppg, 8.1 rpg, 2.4 apg, 45.7 FG%, 77.0 FT%, 10.0% 3-PT%
The lengthy forward appears to be in for good. He is all over draft boards as I could see him going as high as the late lottery, but would not be surprised if he fell to the late 20s. His athleticism and defense are his strong traits, but his inconsistent outside shooting is what will hurt his stock.
EBANKS HAS SIGNED WITH AN AGENT SO HE IS OFFICIALLY IN.
Derrick Favors, PF, Georgia Tech, 6-10, Fr.
’09-’10: 12.4 ppg, 8.4 rpg, 2.1 bpg, 61.1 FG%, 62.9 FT%
The Yellow Jacket big man had a solid, but not spectacular freshman season. However, his potential is as great as any player in the 2010 NBA Draft. He is an intimidating physical presence who should only get better and better as he matures. Favors will not fall out of the top five.
Courtney Fortson, PG, Arkansas, 6-2, Soph.
’09-’10: 17.9 ppg, 5.7 apg, 5.2 rpg, 36.1 FG%, 75.9 FT%, 31.3 3-PT%
My confused face when I saw Fortson declared said it all. At first, it was expected that he was not going to hire an agent, but he has done so eliminating any possibility of returning to school. He turns 22 in May so he is probably getting antsy about getting paid. Unfortunately for Fortson, he will likely go undrafted and end up in the D-League or in Europe.
Charles Garcia, F, Seattle U., 6-9, Jr.
’09-’10: 18.7 ppg, 8.3 rpg, 47.4 FG%, 61.5 FT%, 27.7 3-PT%
Garcia burst onto the scene after landing at Seattle via junior college. Despite coming back to earth during the second half of the season, Garcia threw his name into the draft for good. He is versatile talent, but the fact that he only played one year of Division I college basketball at a smaller school and recent questions about his attitude likely means he will fall into the second round unless a team decides to take a chance on him late in the first.
Keith “Tiny” Gallon, F/C, 6-9, Oklahoma, Fr.
’09-’10: 10.3 ppg, 7.9 rpg, 54.7 FG%, 69.7 FT%
With an ongoing investigation into Gallon possibly accepting $3,000 from a Florida financial investor, Gallon has apparently decided to flee Norman rather than deal with the possible consequences. He was extremely inconsistent in his only season at Oklahoma and has battled weight issues in his young career. I hope he is OK with playing in the NBDL or overseas.
Paul George, SF, Fresno State, 6-8, Jr.
’09-’10: 16.8 ppg, 7.2 rpg, 3.0 apg, 2.2 spg, 42.4 FG%, 90.9 FT%, 35.3 3-PT%
More proof that social media is taking over the world; George made his intentions known that he was going to test the 2010 NBA Draft waters via twitter. There is no questioning George’s athleticism, but he still raw in terms of his overall game. Yet his potential should earn him a spot in the mid- to late-first round which likely means his days at Fresno State are done.
GEORGE IS OFFICIALLY IN AS HE HAS SIGNED WITH AN AGENT.
Manny Harris, SG, Michigan, 6-5, Jr.
’09-’10: 18.1 ppg, 6.0 rpg, 4.1 apg, 1.8 spg, 42.1 FG%, 81.0 FT%, 30.8 3-PT%
I can’t really blame Harris for declaring. His game has not evolved that much during his three years at Michigan and the Wolverines don’t show any signs of improving next season. Shooting the ball is not his forte, but Harris can get to the rim and excels in transition. He is more than likely a second-round pick, but could possibly go undrafted.
Gordon Hayward, SF, Butler, 6-9, Soph.
’09-’10: 15.5 ppg, 8.2 rpg, 46.4 FG%, 82.9 FT%, 29.4 3-PT%
After the Bulldogs’ run to the NCAA Championship this year, Hayward was expected to test the waters and that is exactly what he will do. He is pretty much a guaranteed first-round pick who could go as high as the mid-teens, but I have this funny feeling he will be back at Butler next season.
HAYWARD WILL SIGN WITH AN AGENT AND IS IN FOR GOOD.
Xavier Henry, SG, Kansas, 6-6, Fr.
’09-’10: 13.4 ppg, 4.4 rpg, 45.8 FG%, 78.3 FT%, 41.8 3-PT%
“X,” as Brent Musberger called him this season, will likely be a late lottery pick. He had an up-and-down freshman season but showed enough to warrant being the first one-and-done player in Jayhawk history.
Darington Hobson, G/F, New Mexico, 6-7, Jr.
’09-’10: 15.9 ppg, 9.3 rpg, 4.6 apg, 1.3 spg, 44.0 FG%, 65.3 FT%, 36.1 3-PT%
I really like Hobson’s game and thinks it translates well to the next level due to his versatility. He is putting his name in the 2010 NBA Draft, but not hiring an agent which is wise since he is not guaranteed a spot in the first round.
HOBSON WILL FORGO HIS SENIOR SEASON AND HIRE AN AGENT.
Armon Johnson, PG, Nevada, 6-3, Jr.
’09-’10: 15.6 ppg, 5.6 apg, 3.4 rpg, 49.5 FG%, 67.8 FT%, 23.9 3-PT%
Johnson appears to be in for good. In a weak class of point guards, it is not a bad idea. He should be a late first-round pick but with good workouts could move into the mid-first round.
Wesley Johnson, SF, Syracuse, 6-7, Jr.
’09-’10: 16.5 ppg, 8.5 rpg, 2.2 apg, 1.7 spg, 1.8 bpg, 50.2 FG%, 77.2 FT%, 41.5 3-PT%
Johnson made the absolute most of his lone season at Syracuse, proving he was one of the most versatile players in college basketball. His decision to turn pro was expected as he figures to go anywhere from third to eighth in the 2010 NBA Draft.
Dominique Jones, G, South Florida, 6-4, Soph.
’09-’10: 21.4 ppg, 6.1 rpg, 3.6 apg, 1.7 spg, 45.0 FG%, 74.1 FT%, 31.1 3-PT%
The classic example of declaring for the 2010 NBA Draft and not hiring an agent to test his stock, Jones won’t sign with the agent unless it’s clear he will be taken in the first round. He is gifted scorer and a great creator, but due to his lack of outstanding athleticism and status as a combo guard, there is no guarantee of him being a first-round pick.
JONES WILL FORGO HIS REMAINING ELIGIBILITY AND HIRE AN AGENT.
Mac Koshwal, PF, DePaul, 6-10, Jr.
’09-’10: 16.1 ppg, 10.1 rpg, 1.8 spg, 54.4 FG%, 55.0 FT%
I have had Koshwal in my 2010 NBA Mock Draft since the beginning of the year so this move comes as no surprise to me. He tested the waters last summer which means he is in for good. Playing on a crappy team with crappy players, it is hard to get a solid read on his game, but he is physical and skilled down low, and could be a second-round sleeper.
Sylven Landesberg, SG, Virginia, 6-6, Soph.
’09-’10: 17.3 ppg, 4.9 rpg, 2.9 apg, 44.3 FG%, 81.0 FT%, 38.3 3-PT%
After being suspended near the end of the season due to academic reasons, Landesberg decided to leave Virginia and pursue a professional career. He is not ready to contribute in the NBA, but still has plenty of potential. A team will likely take a second-round flier on Landesberg and let him develop in the D-League or overseas for a year or two.
Gani Lawal, PF, Georgia Tech, 6-9, Jr.
’09-’10: 13.1 ppg, 8.5 rpg, 1.4 bpg, 52.9 FG%, 57.2 FT%
Lawal tested the waters after his sophomore season so this time around, he is in for good. He figures to be a role player at the next level, bringing energy and toughness off the bench and should be a mid-late first round pick.
Tommy Mason-Griffin, PG, Oklahoma, 5-11, Fr.
’09-’10: 14.1 ppg, 5.0 apg, 2.1 rpg, 39.8 FG%, 81.3 FT%, 42.4 3-PT%
Our first “what the hell is he thinking” decision of the 2010 NBA Draft. Mason-Griffin was not happy at Oklahoma and chose to leave school and turn pro rather than try to transfer. Down the line, there would be a chance of him being able to play at the next level. Right now, he is not near ready. It is highly unlikely that he gets drafted and will probably end up overseas or in the NBDL.
Elijah Millsap, SG, UAB, 6-6, Jr.
’09-’10: 16.1 ppg, 9.5 rpg, 43.5 FG%, 69.5 FT%, 24.1 3-PT%
Paul’s younger brother had an outstanding first season after transferring to UAB, but is not a first-round prospect at this point. He wisely chose to not hire an agent and test the waters which can only help his stock for the 2011 NBA Draft.
MILLSAP HAS ANNOUNCED HE WILL STAY IN THE 2010 NBA DRAFT. HE WILL EARN HIS DEGREE THIS SEMESTER SO THE DECISION MAKES SENSE.
Greg Monroe, PF, Georgetown, 6-10, Soph.
’09-’10: 16.1 ppg, 9.6 rpg, 3.8 apg, 1.5 bpg, 52.5 FG%, 66.0 FT%
Monroe was one of the last major players to declare for the 2010 NBA Draft which comes as no surprise since he should be a top 10 lock. His versatility for a big is very attractive to NBA teams and he should be able to come in right away and be a solid contributor on whichever team takes him.
Arnett Moultrie, PF, UTEP, 6-10, Soph.
’09-’10: 9.8 ppg, 6.7 rpg, 47.5 FG%, 65.1 FT%, 22.5 3-PT%
Moultrie did not have the breakout season that many were expecting, but still he entering the 2010 NBA Draft although not hiring an agent. Down the line he is a potential first-round pick. However if he stays in this year’s draft, he likely gets taken in the second round, possibly even going undrafted.
MOULTRIE WILL NOT RETURN TO UTEP, BUT IT IS UNCERTAIN WHETHER HE IS STAYING IN THE DRAFT OR WILL TRANSFER TO ANOTHER SCHOOL.
A.J. Ogilvy, C, Vanderbilt, 6-10, Jr.
’09-’10: 13.4 ppg, 6.2 rpg, 1.5 bpg, 50.9 FG%, 73.1 FT%
The big Aussie is in for good as he will hire an agent. Mistake. Ogilvy has been a bit of a disappointment since a great freshman year and will certainly not be a first-round pick, and possibly could not be drafted at all. Dumb move on his part.
Daniel Orton, F/C, Kentucky, 6-10, Fr.
’09-’10: 3.4 ppg, 3.3 rpg, 1.4 bpg, 52.7 FG%, 52.4 FT%
Of the five Kentucky players declaring, this is the one I disagree with. Despite having an NBA-ready body, Orton is a still a raw talent on the offensive end. Due to his potential, he will still likely be a first round pick, but I think he should return to the Wildcats and become more of a threat on the offensive end, thus improving his stock for 2011.
ORTON HAS HIRED AN AGENT AND IS IN THE DRAFT FOR GOOD.
Patrick Patterson, PF, Kentucky, 6-9, Jr.
’09-’10: 14.3 ppg, 7.4 rpg, 1.3 bpg, 57.5 FG%, 69.2 FT%, 34.8 3-PT%
Patterson is getting his degree from Kentucky this spring so there is no real reason for him to return for his senior season. He should be a mid-late lottery pick depending on which power forwards declare and is ready to contribute on whichever team drafts him right away.
Eniel Polynice, SG, Ole Miss, 6-5, Jr.
’09-’10: 8.8 ppg, 4.1 rpg, 3.9 apg, 41.9 FG%, 67.9 FT%, 24.2 3-PT%
Polynice has one year of eligibility remaining on the court but graduates this semester so you cannot blame him for putting his name in the 2010 NBA Draft. He doesn’t have much buzz around him and will most likely go undrafted.
Samardo Samuels, PF, Louisville, 6-9, Soph.
’09-’10: 15.3 ppg, 7.0 rpg, 52.4 FG%, 70.6 FT%
Samuels appears to be testing the waters which is odd for a sophomore. He is nowhere near a first-round lock and should get comfortable with the idea that he will be returning to Louisville or heading overseas.
SAMUELS ANNOUNCED HE IS HIRING AN AGENT AND STAYING IN THE 2010 NBA DRAFT. IT IS UNLIKELY HE GETS DRAFTED AND WILL PROBABLY BE HEADING OVERSEAS OR TO THE D-LEAGUE.
Larry Sanders, F/C, VCU, 6-11, Jr.
’09-’10: 14.4 ppg, 9.1 rpg, 2.6 bpg, 53.4 FG%, 64.1 FT%
The VCU junior is expected to hire an agent which should come as no surprise. He has been on the NBA radar since last season and is pretty much a first-round lock due to his tremendous rebounding and shot-blocking abilities.
Lance Stephenson, SG, Cincinnati, 6-6, Fr.
’09-’10: 12.3 ppg, 5.4 rpg, 2.5 apg, 44.0 FG%, 66.4 FT%, 21.9 3-PT%
You cannot blame a young man for choosing to turn pro because he needs to support his family. Stephenson’s stock seems to be all over the board with some people thinking he will fall into the second round. I really like Stephenson’s potential and think his ability translates better to the NBA game (aka why his nickname is “Born Ready.”)
Lazar Trifunovic, F, Radford, 6-8, Jr.
’09-’10: 13.0 ppg, 8.1 rpg, 44.8 FG%, 62.3 FT%, 36.0 3-PT%
There is another Lazar in college basketball besides Marquette’s Hayward?
Evan Turner, G/F, Ohio State, 6-7, Jr.
’09-’10: 20.4 ppg, 9.2 rpg, 6.0 apg, 1.7 spg, 51.9 FG%, 75.8 FT%, 36.4 3-PT%
Duh. Although why is he not hiring an agent yet? He will be a top-three pick.
TURNER HAS MADE IT OFFICIAL, SIGNING WITH AGENT DAVID FALK.
Ekpe Udoh, PF, Baylor, 6-10, Jr.
’09-’10: 13.9 ppg, 9.8 rpg, 3.7 bpg, 49.0 FG%, 68.5 FT%, 26.9 3-PT%
Udoh made a huge impact in his first year at Baylor after sitting out a year transferring from Michigan. He is already 23 years old and likely a late-lottery pick so it makes complete sense for him to enter the 2010 NBA Draft, though he is holding off on signing an agent.
UDOH HAS SIGNED WITH AN AGENT AND IS STAYING IN THE 2010 NBA DRAFT.
John Wall, PG, Kentucky, 6-4, Fr.
’09-’10: 16.6 ppg, 6.5 apg, 4.3 rpg, 1.8 spg, 46.1 FG%, 75.4 FT%, 32.5 3-PT%
Duh, Part 2. Despite what people may write in the time leading up to the 2010 NBA Draft, Wall will be the first-overall pick. Debate it all you want, but there is no question in my mind.
Willie Warren, G, Oklahoma, 6-4, Soph.
’09-’10: 16.3 ppg, 4.1 apg, 3.3 rpg, 43.8 FG%, 79.5 FT%, 30.9 3-PT%
The Sooner sophomore had an injury-plagued, disappointing season but is declaring for the 2010 NBA Draft and hiring an agent. Heading into the season, Warren had the potential of being a top-five pick, but now he figures to be taken anywhere from the middle of the first round to possibly falling into the second round. Warren could be one of the wild cards of the draft.
Quinton Watkins, G, San Diego State, Fr.
’09-’10: n/a
Originally a Illinois recruit, Watkins never qualified academically and ended up at San Diego State. Only thing is he never played a game for the Aztecs as he left the program for family reasons. So as far as I can tell, Watkins, who was a high school grad in 2007 has not played a single college game. Hmmm…
C.J. Webster, PF, San Jose State, 6-9, Jr.
’09-’10: 8.8 ppg, 4.8 rpg, 53.2 FG%, 63.0 FT%
Webster didn’t even start at San Jose State so he was pretty much wasting the required paperwork.
WEBSTER WILL STAY IN THE 2010 NBA DRAFT. HIS DECISION IS REPORTEDLY BASED OFF THE FACT THAT HIS FIANCEE GAVE BIRTH IN FEBRUARY. UNFORTUNATELY, HE HAS NO CHANCE OF BEING DRAFTED.
Terrico White, SG, Ole Miss, 6-5, Soph.
’09-’10: 15.1 ppg, 4.6 rpg, 43.0 FG%, 71.4 FT%, 34.3 3-PT%
Scouts were expecting a breakout season from White, who at one point early in the season was a mid-lottery pick in my 2010 NBA Mock Draft. However, the Rebel sophomore failed to blossom into a lottery prospect. Still, he has the skill set to be taken in the first round, but that is not a guarantee. He will not hire an agent and return to Ole Miss if he is not positive he will be a first-round pick. That might not be a bad idea because a big junior year could vault him into the lottery in the 2011 NBA Draft. WHITE HAS ANNOUNCED HE WILL FORGO HIS NEXT TWO YEARS AND STAY IN THE 2010 NBA DRAFT.
Hassan Whiteside, C, Marshall, 7-0, Fr.
’09-’10: 13.1 ppg, 8.9 rpg, 5.4 bpg, 52.4 FG%, 58.8 FT%
Whiteside came from out of nowhere to be a dominant big man in Conference USA and in the process, pretty much guaranteeing himself a spot in this summer’s lottery. He is a great shot-blocker and has shown the ability to step away from the basket. I am not sure that he is a major contributor right away, but he is loaded with upside.
Elliot Williams, G, Memphis, 6-4, Soph.
’09-’10: 17.9 ppg, 4.0 rpg, 3.8 apg, 45.9 FG%, 75.8 FT%, 36.6 3-PT%
Williams is in for good as he decided to sign an agent. He was the model of consistency for the Tigers this season and should be a first-round pick. My real question is whether or not he is a two-guard in the NBA or will have to learn to play the point.
Stevy Worah-Ozimo, PF, Slippery Rock, 6-8, Jr.
’09-’10: n/a
Next…
Jahmar Young, SG, New Mexico State, 6-5, Jr.
’09-’10: 20.3 ppg, 3.5 rpg, 3.1 apg, 45.9 FG%, 83.8 FT%, 37.4 3-PT%
The Aggie junior is testing the waters and will likely withdraw his name from the 2010 NBA Draft because he likely won’t get drafted at all. It doesn’t hurt for him to at least throw his name in and get some feedback and attention to possibly improve his stock in 2011.
YOUNG IS IN THE 2010 NBA DRAFT FOR GOOD. OFF-THE-COURT HAVE ISSUES HAVE FORCED HIM TO MAKE THIS DECISION SOONER THAN EXPECTED BECAUSE THE AGGIES WOULD LIKELY NOT TAKE HIM BACK.
Withdrawn from 2010 NBA Draft
Lavoy Allen, PF, Temple, 6-9, Jr.
’09-’10: 11.5 ppg, 10.7 rpg, 1.4 bpg, 53.6 FG%, 62.5 FT%, 21.7 3-PT%
Allen is a physical, hard-working power forward who will test the process but likely return to the Owls for his senior season as he won’t get a first-round guarantee. He could be a late first-round pick in 2011, but will more than likely go in the second round.
ALLEN WILL RETURN TO TEMPLE FOR HIS SENIOR SEASON.
Kevin Anderson, PG, Richmond, 6-0, Jr.
’09-’10: 17.8 ppg, 3.4 rpg, 2.7 apg, 45.6 FG%, 81.6 FT%, 33.9 3-PT%
He has every intention of returning for his senior season and is just going through the process.
ANDERSON HAS WITHDRAWN HIS NAME FROM THE 2010 NBA DRAFT AND WILL RETURN TO RICHMOND FOR HIS SENIOR SEASON.
Talor Battle, PG, Penn State, 6-0, Jr.
’09-’10: 18.5 ppg, 5.3 rpg, 4.2 apg, 42.0 FG%, 70.5 FT%, 35.0 3-PT%
The leader of the Penn State “Talor Battles,” the junior point guard is putting his name in the 2010 NBA Draft but not hiring an agent which is a smart move. I think it is a good idea for him to work out for other teams so they get a feel for his game, but he is not a first-round pick and will likely end up back at Penn State for his senior season unless he is OK with being a second-round pick heading overseas to play professionally.
BATTLE HAS ANNOUNCED HE WILL RETURN TO PENN STATE FOR HIS SENIOR SEASON.
Keith Benson, C, Oakland, 7-0, Jr.
’09-’10: 17.3 ppg, 10.5 rpg, 3.3 bpg, 53.3 FG%, 72.4 FT%
The 7-footer is going to test the waters but in a draft class deep of big men, he will not be a first-round pick and likely return to Oakland. A solid senior season could put him into the first round of the 2011 NBA Draft, but more than likely he is a second-round pick.
BENSON HAS ANNOUNCED HE WILL RETURN TO OAKLAND FOR HIS SENIOR SEASON AND WILL NEED SURGERY ON HIS RIGHT THUMB.
Anatoly Bose, SF, Nichols State, 6-6, Jr.
’09-’10: 21.1 ppg, 6.0 rpg, 43.9 FG%, 74.3 FT%, 38.4 3-PT%
Going through the process and nothing more. Bose will be back at Nicholls State next year.
AS EXPECTED, BOSE WILL RETURN TO SCHOOL FOR HIS SENIOR SEASON.
Carlon Brown, SG, Utah, 6-5, Jr.
’09-’10: 12.6 ppg, 4.1 rpg, 2.5 apg 40.9 FG%, 75.6 FT%, 35.1 3-PT%
Just testing the waters; will be back at Utah next season.
BROWN ANNOUNCED HE WILL BE GOING BACK TO SCHOOL, BUT TRANSFERRING TO COLORADO.
Mike Davis, PF, Illinois, 6-9, Jr.
’09-’10: 10.7 ppg, 9.2 rpg, 47.3 FG%, 63.1 FT%
There is no chance he is staying in the 2010 NBA Draft, rather Davis is using the next couple of weeks to get some feedback on his game for the 2011 NBA Draft where he still probably won’t be one of the top 60 picks unless he blows up during his senior year. DAVIS ANNOUNCED HE WILL RETURN FOR HIS SENIOR SEASON.
Paul Davis, PF, Winston Salem State, 6-9, Jr.
’09-’10: 10.9 ppg, 7.8 rpg, 1.7 bpg, 57.6 FG%, 51.8 FT%
He is 6-9, 195 pounds. Yeah, the NBA needs a lot of power forwards like that.
DAVIS HAS WITHDRAWN HIS NAME FROM THE DRAFT AND WILL RETURN TO SCHOOL.
Malcolm Delaney, PG, Virginia Tech, 6-3, Jr.
’09-’10: 20.2 ppg, 4.5 apg, 3.7 rpg, 38.7 FG%, 84.2 FT%, 30.6 3-PT%
The Hokie junior is testing the waters and you cannot blame him. He is more of a scoring point guard, and in a weak point guard class has a slim chance of getting a first round guarantee which might keep him in the 2010 NBA Draft. In all likelihood, Delaney will be returning to Virginia Tech.
DELANEY WILL RETURN TO VIRGINIA TECH FOR HIS SENIOR SEASON.
Kenneth Faried, PF, Morehead State, 6-8, Jr.
’09-’10: 16.9 ppg, 13.0 rpg, 1.9 bpg, 56.4 FG%, 59.5 FT%
An undersized post player, Faried is physical and active inside but limited in other areas of the game. However, there does not seem to be much room for improvement as he likely is who he is at this point. With that said, he is keeping the option available to return to school which is a good idea at this point since he probably falls into the second round.
FARIED HAS WITHDRAWN FROM THE DRAFT AND WILL RETURN FOR HIS SENIOR SEASON.
Jimmer Fredette, G, BYU, 6-2, Jr.
’09-’10: 22.1 ppg, 4.7 apg, 3.1 rpg, 45.8 FG%, 89.2 FT%, 44.0 3-PT%
The sharp-shooting Cougar will test the waters but not hire an agent, keeping his college eligibility alive. The decision makes sense after a 37-point performance in the opening round of the NCAA Tournament against Florida. I cannot see him getting a first-round guarantee and would expect him to be back at BYU for his senior season.
FREDETTE IS RETURNING TO BYU FOR HIS SENIOR SEASON AFTER SUFFERING A QUAD INJURY DURING A WORKOUT WITH THE KNICKS.
Anthony Gurley, SG, UMass, 6-3, Jr.
’09-’10: 13.6 ppg, 4.2 rpg, 39.3 FG%, 75.7 FT%, 31.5 3-PT%
Wasting his time, will be back with the Minutemen next season.
AS EXPECTED, GURLEY WILL HEAD BACK TO UMASS FOR HIS SENIOR SEASON.
Jeremy Hazell, SG, Seton Hall, 6-5, Jr.
’09-’10: 20.4 ppg, 3.5 rpg, 1.5 spg, 42.3 FG%, 75.8 FT%, 33.8 3-PT%
A pure scorer who has never met a shot he didn’t like, Hazell is not going to hire an agent yet and that is a smart decision. Defensively, he has a long way to go and will probably be a second-round pick if he does decide to forgo his senior season.
HAZELL HAS DECIDED TO RETURN TO SETON HALL FOR HIS SENIOR SEASON.
Adnan Hodzic, F/C, Lipscomb, 6-9, Jr.
’09-’10: 22.7 ppg, 9.1 rpg, 60.4 FG%, 67.6 FT%
The nation’s second-leading scorer is entering the 2010 NBA Draft but wisely not hiring an agent. It seems like a good move just to get him some more exposure. At 6-9, 255 pounds he is a big body but won’t get a first-round guarantee and will likely be headed back to Lipscomb unless he chooses to play professionally overseas.
HODZIC WILL RETURN TO SCHOOL FOR HIS SENIOR SEASON.
JuJuan Johnson, PF, Purdue, 6-10, Jr.
’09-’10: 15.5 ppg, 7.1 rpg, 2.1 bpg, 50.7 FG%, 71.8 FT%
The Boilermaker junior will throw his name in the 2010 NBA Draft but not hire an agent. He is a borderline first-round pick in a draft heavy on power forward prospects, so I doubt he gets the first-round guarantee he will need to stay in the draft. His odds of being a first-rounder should increase if he returns to Purdue for his senior season.
JOHNSON HAS ANNOUNCED HE WILL RETURN TO PURDUE FOR HIS SENIOR SEASON.
Ravern Johnson, SF, Mississippi State, 6-7, Jr.
’09-’10: 13.2 ppg, 3.4 rpg, 47.8 FG%, 65.1 FT%, 40.7 3-PT%
Johnson is a lengthy wing who is a good outside shooter. However, his game is limited to his perimeter shot and at 175 pounds, he doesn’t project well to the NBA. He should return for his senior season.
JOHNSON HAS ANNOUNCED HE WILL RETURN TO MISSISSIPPI STATE FOR HIS SENIOR SEASON.
Cameron Jones, SG, Northern Arizona, 6-4, Jr.
’09-’10: 19.3 ppg, 4.6 rpg, 2.8 apg, 50.2 FG%, 73.9 FT%, 42.3 3-PT%
Jones has no real intentions of staying in the 2010 NBA Draft but is just trying to increase his exposure for next year. He really is not even on scouts’ radars at this point.
AS EXPECTED, JONES WILL RETURN FOR HIS SENIOR SEASON.
Kenny Lawson, PF, Creighton, 6-9, Jr.
’09-’10: 13.8 ppg, 6.1 rpg, 1.5 bpg, 53.8 FG%, 81.9 FT%
Lawson is a physical threat inside and is testing the waters. He does not plan on hiring an agent pretty much ensuring he will be back with the Blue Jays next season.
LAWSON HAS ANNOUNCED HE WILL RETURN TO CREIGHTON FOR HIS SENIOR SEASON.
Demetri McCamey, PG, Illinois, 6-3, Jr.
’09-’10: 16.4 ppg, 3.8 rpg, 2.7 apg, 44.5 FG%, 73.0 FT%, 34.9 3-PT%
The Illini floor leader will put his name in the 2010 NBA Mock Draft but leave the option open to return for his senior year. He developed into a true point guard this past season for Bruce Weber but still has some maturity issues. I cannot see him getting a first-round guarantee even in a weak point guard draft so I expect him to be back with Illinois next season.
MCCAMEY IS PULLING OUT OF THE DRAFT AND RETURNING TO ILLINOIS FOR HIS SENIOR SEASON.
E’Twaun Moore, SG, Purdue, 6-4, Jr.
’09-’10: 16.4 ppg, 3.8 rpg, 2.7 apg, 44.5 FG%, 73.0 FT%, 34.9 3-PT%
It seems as if Moore is declaring for the sole purpose of getting more feedback about how he can improve his game for the next level. He is not hiring an agent, and from the sound of it, has no intention to do so. I am 99-percent confident he will be back in a Boilermaker uniform next season.
MOORE IS PULLING OUT OF THE DRAFT AND RETURNING TO PURDUE FOR HIS SENIOR SEASON.
Rico Pickett, SG, Manhattan, 6-4, Jr.
’09-’10: 17.7 ppg, 3.9 rpg, 1.3 spg, 44.0 FG%, 71.1 FT%, 33.3 3-PT%
The Arkansas transfer is throwing his name in the 2010 NBA Draft to get exposure but has no real chance of being one of the top 60 picks and will be back with the Jaspers next season.
AS EXPECTED, PICKETT WILL RETURN TO SCHOOL FOR HIS SENIOR SEASON.
Herb Pope, PF, Seton Hall, 6-8, Jr.
’09-’10: 11.5 ppg, 10.7 rpg, 1.8 bpg, 45.9 FG%, 49.6 FT%, 42.9 3-PT%
The exodus at Seton Hall continues with Pope’s decision to turn pro. He is physical and can step out and hit perimeter shots but is an undersized power forward which drops him into the second round. He will need to wow scouts with workouts if he has any hope of being taken in the first round.
POPE WILL RETURN TO SETON HALL.
Jeff Robinson, SF, Seton Hall, 6-6, Jr.
’09-’10: 12.2 ppg, 5.8 rpg, 53.6 FG%, 68.8 FT%, 16.7 3-PT%
If this is anything other than a “I’m a junior so I mind as well throw my name out there to get some more exposure but I am obviously returning to school,” Robinson is making a bigger mistake than anybody who doesn’t take Jack Bauer’s advice.
ROBINSON WILL RETURN TO SETON HALL FOR HIS SENIOR SEASON.
John Sloan, PG, Huntingdon (Al), 5-11, Jr.
’09-’10: n/a
I am not even going to waste my time Googling this guy’s name.
Tracy Smith, PF, N.C. State, 6-8, Jr.
’09-’10: 16.5 ppg, 7.3 rpg, 52.4 FG%, 65.4 FT%
Smith had a superb junior season for the Wolfpack developing himself as a legit inside player. However, he is 6-8 which makes him undersized for the next level. If Smith stays in the 2010 NBA Draft, he’s making a mistake.
SMITH WILL RETURN TO N.C. STATE FOR HIS SENIOR SEASON.
Alex Tyus, F, Florida, 6-8, Jr.
’09-’10: 11.8 ppg, 6.9 rpg, 50.3 FG%, 68.3 FT%
The headband rocking, dread-locked, balding Gator junior will not hire an agent. He is pretty much wasting his time because he is not going to get drafted.
TYUS WILL RETURN TO FLORIDA FOR HIS SENIOR SEASON.
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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