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2012 NBA Draft Stock: McDonald’s All-American Game
Updated 4/1
2012 NBA Draft Stock: Buying
Anthony Davis, Kentucky, 6-10, F It is easy to see why Anthony Davis is considered the top prospect for the 2012 NBA Draft. Because he had a 7-inch growth spurt in the past year and a half, Davis possesses some very unique talents for a 6-10 player. He can play like a guard with his ability to handle the basketball, shoot the rock and run the break, but he also has ridiculous length that allows him to be a difference maker in the paint on the defensive end. Like most high school players Davis needs to put on some muscle and work on his low post game while at Kentucky, but he reminds me a little bit of Baylor freshman Perry Jones due to his untapped potential.
Bradley Beal, Florida, 6-5, SG Early on, it seemed like Beal was taking his matchup with top recruit and former Florida recruit Austin Rivers personally. He showed his ability to stroke it from the outside but also use his solid frame to get to the basket. ESPN listed him at 6-5 during the game which is a good size for an NBA shooting guard. Depending on how he finds his shots in a fairly selfish Gator backcourt consisting of returning starters Erving Walker and Kenny Boynton, and Rutgers transfer Mike Roasrio, Beal has lottery potential written all over him. Improving his ball handling will be the one area he needs to work on in Gainesville.
James McAdoo, North Carolina, 6-8, F An inside/outside threat, McAdoo ended up earning game co-MVP honors with his 17 points. He showed the ability to get his own shot by putting the ball on the deck, was active on the glass and in the passing lanes, and was terrific in transition. The nephew of NBA legend Bob McAdoo, James should be able to play either forward spot at North Carolina, and will be a great fit in Roy Williams’ up-tempo offense.
Khem Birch, Pitt, 6-9, F/C I am ignoring the fact that Khem Birch wore a long-sleeve t-shirt underneath his jersey which has to be one of the biggest pet peeves’ in all of sports. Nevertheless, Birch was extremely active on the glass (nine offensive boards) and as a shot blocker which probably has Jamie Dixon drooling. His offensive game is fairly limited at this point and should improve over time, but his effort and intensity is something that caught my eye and probably stood out among NBA scouts as well.
2011 NFL Draft Stock: Selling
Austin Rivers, Duke, 6-4, SG This is some tough love since Austin Rivers is obviously an outstanding talent and deserving of the No. 1 ranking in that many recruiting places have given him. However, he certainly did not wow me with his play. My biggest concern about Rivers when he eventually gets to the next level is his ability to handle contact. He seemed to shy away from more physical play and for the most part, struggling when trying to finish in traffic. Rivers also has a long way to go as a defender.
Maybe I am crazy, but Doc’s son is still a terrific pure scorer and already has NBA range on his three-point shot, which is why he reminds a lot of Steph Curry. He will almost certainly be one of the top players chosen in the draft when he decides to declare, but I think there are a few players in this class who are better NBA prospects.
Marshall Plumlee, Duke, 6-11, C The youngest Plumlee brother almost seemed like he did not belong on the court. He had one moment where he made a nice post move on the block but could never really acclimate himself to the up-tempo game. Marshall needs to work on his all-around game but seems to have more of Miles’ build to go with Mason’s athleticism. Neither of his older brothers have done anything to establish themselves as future NBA players, and Marshall will need to do some serious developing of his game at Duke if he going to break into the next level.
2012 NBA Draft Stock - April 1 (McDonald's All-American Game)
2011 NBA Draft Stock - March 31
2011 NBA Draft Stock - March 22
2011 NBA Draft Stock - Feb. 11
2011 NBA Draft Stock - Jan. 28
2011 NBA Draft Stock - Jan. 20
2011 NBA Draft Stock - Jan. 13
2011 NBA Draft Stock - Jan. 7
2011 NBA Draft Stock - Dec. 26
2011 NBA Draft Stock - Dec. 18
2011 NBA Draft Stock - Dec. 10
2011 NBA Draft Stock - Dec. 3
2011 NBA Draft Stock - Nov. 27
2011 NBA Draft Stock - Nov. 18
Written by Paul Banks of the Washington Times, and David Kay of the The Sports Bank.
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