[IndianaBasketballParticipant]

Ranking the NBA draft’s best players

Gottlieb breaks out his Big Board and offers tips to anyone selecting in this year’s

By Doug Gottlieb
ESPN.com

The deadline for college players to withdraw their names from the NBA draft and preserve their college eligibility was moved up to May 8 this year, meaning we already know which players are taking their chances to be among the 60 names selected on June 24. Here is what the top 30 of my Big Board would look like …

1. John Wall, Kentucky

The real deal. Incredibly fast with the ball and agile in transition. As difficult to keep out of the paint as Rajon Rondo, yet bigger and a better shooter. Only his defense and shooting behind the pick-and-roll are suspect. Best of all, Wall is a winner who isn’t afraid to have the ball in his hands in key situations.

2. Derrick Favors, Georgia Tech

Long, freak athlete who played with below-average guards on an erratic team. Destroyed DeMarcus Cousins in high school and started to elevate his game late in the college season. Has every tool needed to be a star in the pros, just needs reps and polish.

3. Greg Monroe, Georgetown

Has a Chris Bosh feel to his game. He’s bright, well-rounded and, though he’s not a superstar, he’s solid in most every aspect of his game despite playing just two years of college. Has been surrounded by average talent and his passing skills will be more pronounced with better players around him.

4. Evan Turner, Ohio State

Not a great athlete and not a shooter with range, but his basketball IQ and ability to create for himself and others make him a valuable asset.

5. Wesley Johnson, Syracuse

Very unselfish and a quality shooter. Johnson doesn’t go by people, doesn’t really do a great job of posting up and holding position, but he is very long, can play two positions at both ends and recovers from mistakes with his with very good speed.

6. Ekpe Udoh, Baylor

Udoh has a quick jumper with supreme timing and is an exceptionally quick learner and hard worker. He made himself an offensive player during his transfer year at Baylor, yet never lost the slightest bit of timing or intangibles defensively. While his build is fairly slight, he is strong, runs well in transition and has become a decent face-up jump shooter.

7. Al-Farouq Aminu, Wake Forest

Super skilled wing who will be a better pro than he was a college player. Not nasty enough to be a star, but bright, easy to like and still scratching the surface on his overall game. Aminu can guard two or three positions and eventually will play two positions on offense. His perimeter jumper needs work — he made just 23 percent of his jump shots this year — but his form is not “broken,” it is just inconsistent.

8. Luke Babbitt, Nevada

Think Chris Mullin with a smaller Toni Kukoc-type of feel, and Babbitt will impress you. His array of step-backs, “Euro-steps” and range are different from anyone else in the draft. Babbitt is also a willing passer with a tremendous basketball IQ. Babbitt is the “favorite player” of at least five college recruiters I have spoken to and three scouts said the same thing.

9. Gordon Hayward, Butler

Handles like a 2, rebounds and defends like a 4 on the glass. Hayward is probably a year away in terms of strength and consistency in his shooting, but his Mike Miller-meets-Mike Dunleavy style makes him impressive, as does his ability to win. If you want a winner with upside, you want Hayward.

10. DeMarcus Cousins, Kentucky

A monster down low when he “plays,” but he will float and shoot jumpers and will pout. There are some red flags concerning Cousins among several teams. He’s a phenomenal specimen and Calipari says he simply needed to mature, but the likelihood that he can be ruled with an iron fist in the pros as he was in college is nonexistent. Still, he showed, like Tyreke Evans under Cal, major personal and professional growth at Kentucky.

11. Cole Aldrich, Kansas

A solid starting center in the NBA who needs some polish on his low-post game. While his “windup” is awkward for his jumper, his release is fine, and he makes enough shots from 17 feet to have a pick-and-pop game. An underrated athlete who has good timing to block shots or swipe down on the ball, Aldrich is average guarding ball screens laterally, which will cause him to foul more at the next level. Strong, solid, mature and without off-court issues, Aldrich is a safe and sound pick.

12. Ed Davis, North Carolina

Super long and rangy, great running in transition and like North Carolina, not quite the same in the half court. Davis is somewhere in between a 4 and a 5. His hands, shot-blocking and rebounding instincts scream center, but he is only 6-foot-9 and he is light at around 215 pounds. Davis has a tireless motor and if he can continue to improve his jumper with that energy, he will be a very solid power forward in the future.

13. Larry Sanders, Virginia Commonwealth

Super long with a better face-up game than Ed Davis, Sanders has the look of a lottery pick, but his game has yet to totally match his potential.

14. James Anderson, Oklahoma State

Good solid 2-guard who can put points up in a hurry. Solid, but streaky 3-point shooter, moves well without the ball and is a willing and capable passer (more than 2.5 assists per game). Anderson is between a 2 and a 3, but a non-ballhandling 2 in the pros. Soft-spoken and from a small town, Anderson needs the right kind of mentoring at the pro level. He also needs major work on his defense.

15. Xavier Henry, Kansas

Solid and skilled, yet small for a forward but not really a guard in terms of skill outside of shooting the basketball. A Morris Peterson-type of player. While he’s a better overall defender and maybe a better player than James Anderson, Henry’s game is not as diverse on offense, as he relies on his jumper a bit too much. He shook the label of being soft late in the season.

16. Hassan Whiteside, Marshall

Older than you think for a freshman (21 on draft night), but big (legit 7-footer), Whiteside’s rangy and still peaking. He played two years of high school, one year of postgrad and one year at Marshall where he averaged 5.7 blocks per game. His offense is raw, but not terrible. Some baggage, but if surrounded by the right teammates, he will be fine.

17. Patrick Patterson, Kentucky

Came to UK with the reputation as an animal as a rebounder, but began to float on the perimeter a bit too much this year. While his skill improved, his defensive rebounding was not nearly what it had been. Still Patterson plays hard, can post and, though he is 6-8 at best, he already has a face-up game.

18. Avery Bradley, Texas

A phenomenal on-ball defender, Bradley is a man without a position. His jumper is very much a work in progress, but he does have a high basketball IQ and is a competitor who could be this draft’s Jrue Holiday (disappointing season at UCLA before becoming a mid-to-late first-round pick who blossomed late in his rookie season).

19. Eric Bledsoe, Kentucky

This year’s Russell Westbrook. A freak athlete who played mostly at the 2 at Kentucky despite being highly regarded as a scoring point in high school. Has a mini “Jim Jackson” type of frame, but needs to improve his ballhandling and decision-making (1-to-1 assist-turnover ratio) as well as show he can run a team.

20. Daniel Orton, Kentucky

Hurt his knee his senior year in high school, played behind Cousins and Patterson and thus never really got to grow this year at Kentucky. Very much a “kid” mentally, but not a bad kid by any means. A face-up 4 who has gained strength, is quick off the floor and has great timing when blocking shots. Will spend time in the D-League, but has a chance to start in two years.

21. Damion James, Texas

Two years ago he would have been a lottery pick as he was a perfect fit with D.J. Augustin. After a year without a point guard and then a year with three average point guards, James has made himself into a viable lottery-level pick yet again. He is not the caliber of defender, though he could be, of Stanley Robinson, but he is a capable scorer, with a solid midrange jumper that may never extend to the NBA 3-point line. James needs to play in an up-tempo offense.

22. Paul George, Fresno State

Reminds some of Trevor Ariza. George is unpolished, but his game should definitely transfer over to the NBA game, though it has gaping holes. His length and athleticism make up for his lack of a pure offensive arsenal and he can shoot, which allows him to space the floor away from a post or a star teammate. George has a chance to be a starter in the league in time if he works to improve all facets of his game.

23. Donatas Motiejunas, Lithuania

Young and skilled around the basket, Motiejunas must add strength and toughness to his game. The Lithuanian played at a very high level in Italy this year, but despite a lot of statistical success, he is still not a great rebounder, nor does he hold position all that well. At just 19 he is a year away, but his instincts — and his hands — are terrific.

24. Stanley Robinson, Connecticut

Ridiculously long and athletic, “Sticks” is a jump shot away from being an athletic Bruce Bowen. He has good fundamentals defensively, great lateral quickness for his size and also has good hands around the rim on rebounds and alley-oops. He is bigger and better than Jamario Moon, though he may not be as jumpy as Moon.

25. Jordan Crawford, Xavier

His attitude was brutal for much of the year but Crawford has a confidence that, while it can rub you the wrong way, can keep him believing that the ball belongs in his hands late in games. He’s not a great athlete and does seem to carry too much weight. Crawford is very good with the ball in his hands, below average without it. As a late-first to early second-round pick, he needs to expect to play without the ball and improve dramatically in his rookie season.

26. Craig Brackins, Iowa State

His numbers shrunk, and his draft spot has clearly gotten worse, but Brackins has improved as a basketball player in the past year.

He played against a double-team or sagging man-to-man all year and in actuality, he is much better facing up than posting up. Brackens is big and skilled and though not a great or even really a good athlete, his pick-and-pop game, post-up game and ability to score points makes him valuable. If he were a better athlete, he might be a starter and a lottery pick this year, but his David West-type of game only helps if you have a Chris Paul alongside you.

27. Dominique Jones, South Florida

Has a Dwyane Wade-type of game and position. Not a point, not a 2, just a scoring guard that shoots it at an average level, but is unreal at getting into the paint. Jones is a good pickup for a playoff team needing offense off the bench, but he needs to shoot it better from 3. Though he has no position, he can guard a point or an averaged-sized 2 right now, which will help him get onto the court this year.

28. Solomon Alabi, Florida State

Looks the part of a starting center, but can be fairly unproductive. Alabi is a capable rebounder and shot blocker, holds decent position, but is yet to establish a polished post-up game. Still, his length, sheer size and hands make him a good big man off the bench who could grow into a starting role with some serious offensive work.

29. Quincy Pondexter, Washington

Really skilled and experienced wing. Not as big or long as Sticks Robinson, but a far better offensive player. Pondexter lacked confidence in his game until this year, but when the confidence kicked in, he became a dynamic scorer in the half court and transition.

30. Willie Warren, Oklahoma

Probably only 6-2½ in bare feet, but Warren can still score. He was injured, both mentally and physically, this year as his team simply imploded both while he was in the lineup and while he was hurt. A poor man’s Ben Gordon, Warren can flat-out score and is a willing passer. He must grow up in his interpersonal relationships with coaches and teammates, but make no mistake: when his head is right, he can really play.

[IndianaBasketballParticipant]

This is the most different top 30 I’ve seen. Luke Babbitt and Gordon Hayward above DeMarcus Cousins? Evan Turner ranked fourth?

What do y’all think?

[McDunkin]

i was gonna say the same thing BB…those 2 being ahead of such players kills the credibility of this list

[MrAnalyst]

Gottlieb is a moron. Turner 4th is almost as laughable as Babbit and Hayward above Cousins. How does this guy get paid? Every person who posts on this site can probably come up with a better top 30 than that.

[llperez]

obviously there is a few things to disagree with. But i have a lot of respect for doug normally. Besides, every mock pretty much has the same group of guys listed in similar order but how often when we look back in hindsight are the mocks even close to being 100% correct? Becasue doug disagrees with a lot of people does not mean he is automatically wrong. people would have said anyone who doesnt consider Michael olowokandi a top 5 pick has no credibility and been laughed at as well.

[RUDEBOY_Participant]

This is the 1st mock i’ve seen that had Babbitt ,Udoh & Hayward rated ahead of Cousins..lol..But do I think Hayward & Babbitt are going to surprise alot of people….Cousins is going number 2 unless Minnesota or the Clippers gets the 2nd pick..George is rising up the charts..Wesley Johnson is going to be an average player..Patrick Patterson might be another Boozer or another Sheldon Williams..Damion James might be another Shawn Marion…Aldrich is very overrated..Soloman Alabi ,Omar Samham & Hamady N’Dyiaye might be better pro players then college..

[beerandhiphopParticipant]

1. John Wall, Kentucky

The real deal. Incredibly fast with the ball and agile in transition. As difficult to keep out of the paint as Rajon Rondo, yet bigger and a better shooter. Only his defense and shooting behind the pick-and-roll are suspect. Best of all, Wall is a winner who isn’t afraid to have the ball in his hands in key situations.”

In college he can sure he just athletically outclasses anyone he sees, but who playing for vandy is guna say COOKIES? He’ll get ripped alot especially early on in the nba.

Theres a huge gap between Rondos and Walls respective handles, sure he’ll be up to post and get into the paint exceptionally off the bounce, especially in transition, but in the half court, saying he can roam as freely as Rondo is a mistake, thats actually besides being a great athlete what makes Rondo who he is as a player. Wall is a better overall scorer sure, But even if you can him a pure 1 Rondo is more of a pure 1, Dont GET it twisted WALL will be great, i just disagree with the scouting report, it seems more of commercial comparison than a basketball one, iuno lol

[BiggysmallsParticipant]

I actually like his list to be honest. Cousins being at 10 is suprising, but its not like Cousins is a cant miss type of player. I think Monroe and Udoh are both going to better then him. Cousins may very well go number 2…but that doesnt mean anything in terms of his NBA prospects.

I am not a Derrick Favors fan, but Gottlieb does bring up good points with Georgia Tech being a dumb team that seems to invent ways to turn the ball over.

I cant say much about Babbit or Heyward, but I do like the comparisons for both of them.

Overall I think his board is pretty solid.

[M-DYMESParticipant]

Gottlieb is insane. I am damn near shocked to see this even from him. Babbit is decent, but he is stating that he has 8th pick overall value. Dude doesn’t even get consideration in the lottery by 99% of analysts, as well as the general public. I mean I can understand people have a difference of opinion, but what in the world can lead you to believe Babbit > Cousins. Just cuz he doesn’t give it his all all the time allegedly (in my Jim Rome voice) ;).

I mean lets look at football…

Randy Moss doesn’t give it his all every play, but he has a hell lot more talent and end ups as a far superior player when compared to a guy like Nate Burleson who gives it his all and is a decent WR but doesn’t have near the talent of Moss.

[MrAnalyst]

Do people realize that DeMarcus Cousins was putting up 25.8 points and 16.8 rebounds per 40 minutes? If he goes outside the top 3 it will not be smart. And Turner averaged the closest thing to a triple double I have seen out of a player of the year in a LONG time. Wall, Turner, Cousins are my top 3 and than I see a slight drop off.

[Providencefriars15Participant]

I think he was just trying to make a point by putting babbit that high, just to let the average fan know who he is. I must say i saw him play in an NIT game against URI and he put up a real quiet 20 points and played well, but he should be at 15-20 on evryones boards maybe even lower

[JNixonParticipant]

This list is surprisingly silly and non-logical for someone as smart as Doug Gottlieb usually is. But hey, he could know something I/we don’t…..I think (?)

[McWinningParticipant]

Lol heres his one last year.

————————————————————————————————————————————————

1. Blake Griffin, Oklahoma

What I like: Beast. Strong as an ox. Tulsa’s Jerome Jordan, who played against Memphis for a couple of years with Joey Dorsey, told me recently that Griffin is “far and away the strongest guy I have ever played against and he gets off the floor really quickly.” Griffin has played hurt, plays hard and comes from a two-parent home that appears to be the real deal and would keep him on an even keel in Los Angeles (assuming the Clippers draft him). He has a unique type of fluidity for his size and strength, and while he is not the shooter he needs to be, there is not a real flaw in his delivery for that not to improve as his legs start to age. Griffin is a very good passer from the double-team and he seems to enjoy the assist more than others at his position. He blocks shots based on effort and athleticism, not length, which proves his motor is phenomenal.

What I don’t like: The best player in a weak draft. Only 6-foot-8½ in bare feet and not long. He is not a good free-throw shooter and not a good shooter, period.

Best case: A more athletic Karl Malone.

2. Ricky Rubio, Spain

What I like: Clever as can be with the ball, he has a Steve Nash-meets-Pistol Pete-feel. Unlike both those guys, Rubio is a below-average shooter, but his form and numbers have improved. If you put a team around him, he will entertain from day one. While he plays no defense and is immature at times in terms of decision-making, the skills seem to be there with good size to overcome his lack of speed.

What I don’t like: There is not really a blueprint for a non-defender, below-the-rim point guard who is a poor shooter and average finisher.

Best case: A bigger Steve Nash with the looks and flair of the Pistol.

3. Jrue Holiday, UCLA

What I like: The best high school player in America in 2008, Holiday is a unique guard who can make everyone else better while also getting his. Is as fluid and natural an athlete as there is in the draft.

What I don’t like: Is he really a point? He doesn’t shoot it that well. Holiday seemed to pout a bit when there was adversity during his freshman year at UCLA.

Best case: Gary Payton

4. DeMar DeRozan, USC

What I like: Freaky athlete with massive upside. Began to “get it” at the end of the season. One of the few players in the draft who will not have to change position in the NBA — he is a much more natural 2 than Harden. Poster child for “upside” and may spend time in the D-League, but in a draft of uncertainties, he seems to have the measurables to eventually live up to his massive talent.

What I don’t like: Below-average 3-point shooter in college, very raw in terms of basketball acumen, and may need the right tutoring from a veteran coach/player, as he has some hangers-on he needs to part with.

Best case: David Thompson

5. Brandon Jennings, Italy

What I like: Jennings can be as dynamic with the ball as Chris Paul, and like Paul, he can finish at the rim. No question there’s a lot of talent here.

What I don’t like: Carried himself with a major attitude when last seen in the States, and fell flat in Italy. Shoots a lot, but does not shoot it that well. His shot selection and decision-making leave a lot to be desired. Has a slight build and does not look like he will put on weight.

Best case: Jason Williams meets Damon Stoudamire

6. Hasheem Thabeet, Connecticut

What I like: Huge, long and with great timing while blocking shots, Thabeet has some very intriguing attributes. He is a very good teammate, has not played a ton of basketball and has rapidly improved his hands along the way. Thabeet is also a low-maintenance guy in that he is not used to being the focus of an offense, thus he will not be offended when he doesn’t get the ball early in his career.

What I don’t like: His hands are suspect and his “feel” is just not there. Thabeet struggles to catch in traffic, hold position against stronger players and can be a liability on ball screens.

Best case: Dikembe Mutombo

7. Jeff Teague, Wake Forest

What I like: Teague can finish at the rim and has a very sound midrange game. His first step far exceeds that of Stephen Curry. Not a true point but has the makings of the most underrated player in the draft. Can shoot the 3, but needs work on the catch-and-shoot game off screens and from deep.

What I don’t like: As a leader, his team fell apart at midseason and was never the same. Also, Teague is not nearly as good without the ball or in a half-court game.

Best case: Devin Harris with a jump shot

8. Jordan Hill, Arizona

What I like: Has played basketball for only the past six years competitively. Hill has played hurt, played tough and loves a physical game. Hill, like Thabeet, is more used to getting his points off the rim and not off the pass, making it an easier transition as a team’s fourth or fifth offensive option.

What I don’t like: Is not great at any one thing, and seems more like Etan Thomas than Brian Grant.

Best case: A Brian Grant-type

9. Jonny Flynn, Syracuse

What I like: Ultra-quick and a very strong scoring point guard. Flynn is difficult to keep out of the lane and, unlike many other point guards, he will finish above the rim. He is a great competitor and winner who can lift a team to five more wins on his drive alone.

What I don’t like: Needs to be a better shooter and make fewer turnovers, and his defense is a bit raw.

Best case: Kevin Johnson

10. James Harden, Arizona State

What I like: Good competitor and a player you want with the game on the line. Harden has a pretty diverse game on the offensive end. His body and game are mature, and he gives and takes contact well. Harden knows how to score.

What I don’t like: Rarely goes right, not really a guard, and he is an average athlete.

Best case: Manu Ginobili

11. Patty Mills, Saint Mary’s

With better players around him, Mills is a terror to contain. Apparently, scouts did not see the obvious difference in speed with the ball as he dismantled Steph Curry in the NIT, but among those who did — and those watched the Olympics — they get this ranking. The knocks against Mills are:

1. He got hurt (it was his wrist in a freak fall, not a knee)
2. His shooting can be erratic (sure, but he has improved steadily)
3. He is a defensive liability (this is true, but that is due to effort, not skill)

12. B.J. Mullens, Ohio State

Huge body and a vicious dunker in traffic. Mullins seems to be two years from putting it together, but if/when he does, look out. He can shoot a pick-and-pop and is fearless in terms of competition.

13. Tyreke Evans, Memphis

A great driver off the bounce, Evans uses his body really well. Decent passer who showed a marked unselfishness in his stint at Memphis. The bad? No position, finishes below the rim and is not a great athlete. Evans can score, but it will take a good fit to work.

14. Earl Clark, Louisville

Long, skilled and athletic, Clark has all the vitals to be a 10-year NBA player. He has the ability to play either a long 3 or a face-up 4 and can guard several positions. Clark is as up and down as the stock market, not from game to game, but within each game. He seems to lack a basketball IQ to put it all together.

15. Stephen Curry, Davidson

A prolific shooter with range and an improving off-the-dribble game. Curry has a prodigious work ethic, and his body and game seem to respond with substantial improvement. He is very comfortable on ball screens, as he is coming off screens in order to shoot or show a deft passing touch. The problem is, he’s in between a 1 and a 2. He’s a high-volume shooter who will have to adjust to far fewer looks in the league and an average athlete who may struggle to contain both positions.

16. James Johnson, Wake Forest

Terrific build and skill set, and can score in bunches both inside and out. Not as good an athlete as some may believe. Really struggles to guard on the perimeter.

17. Gerald Henderson, Duke

A poor man’s Kobe who does a very good Kobe impression. (Remember when Kobe used to talk like MJ?) Henderson is a terrific athlete who is an improving shooter to go with his midrange game.

18. Toney Douglas, Florida State

This year’s Courtney Lee. Big-time scorer who can play the 1. Though not nearly as good a defender as his rep, will be able to contain other teams’ point guards with his lateral speed and strength. Additionally, Douglas is ready right now to be a Ben Gordon-type of off the bench — a guard who can give you points in a hurry.

19. Damion James, Texas

Uber-athlete who will be much better in an open court and with a viable point guard. James can defend and rebound at a high level and his shot is not that far off.

20. Gani Lawal, Georgia Tech

Played without a true point in college and that hurt his game and his team’s win total. Can block shots and board, and can score when given the ball and space. A solid backup post in the NBA with a chance to eventually be a starter.

21. Darren Collison, UCLA

Very sound backup point guard who knows how to lead and win. Unlike Lawson, he is very good off ball screens. Collison is slight of build and may never start, but he is solid and sound and can really defend.

22. Derrick Brown, Xavier

Long, lean and really active, Brown can defend inside and out, is good on the break and eventually will become a legit 3. His game is a bit unorthodox, but that makes him better and more intriguing. His shot-blocking and tip-ins sometimes go unnoticed.

23. Omri Casspi, Israel

Face-up 3 or 4 who must get stronger, but he is fearless at attacking the rim. Has a ton of valuable experience in the high-level Euro league that other prospects have struggled in.

24. Terrence Williams, Louisville

Good player who does everything well, nothing great. Should be a fine passing 2 coming off the bench — a guy who can play some point in a pinch. Versatility makes him valuable.

25. Sam Young, Pittsburgh

Desmond Mason-type who is a great competitor and athlete. Needs to guard better on the perimeter with his feet, but will finish way above the rim and can play some undersized 4. Will post smaller guards.

26. Eric Maynor, VCU

Great midrange pull-up shooter and a good leader. Does not handle, pass or shoot from distance as well as his rep, but a good point and productive player to take late.

27. Wayne Ellington, North Carolina

Smooth wing who lacks the burst to be a legit lottery pick.

28. Marcus Thornton, LSU

Big-time scorer who goes on binges of 30-point games, but he is smaller than listed and is not as consistent as needed to go higher.

29. Ty Lawson, North Carolina

Do not think I am hating on Lawson, but he is small and not as creative a playmaker as others in this draft. Lawson was great at Carolina and will play in the league for a long while, but he most likely will be a backup for the vast majority of his career.

30. Austin Daye, Gonzaga

Not sure what all the hubbub is about. Daye is young, thin and, yes, soft. Durant was weak at this stage too, but he wasn’t soft. Daye looks like he has the talent to be a star, but only a great team that can stow him away should take the risk of waiting.

Should be somewhere on this list: DeJuan Blair, Pittsburgh

[knicksfan7Participant]

I like Gottlieb’s comparisons, but I think his rankings are terrible. I also think the way he describes some of the prospects is very off topic and irrelevant to the player. Doug, stick to talking about college basketball, not how they do in the pros.

[Zeke33Participant]

I like this alot. Its very different but i see exactly where he is coming from. Babbitt really does have 8th overall talent i just dont see him going that high obviously. Babbitt can be a VERY good player i nthe L. ive player with and against him since middle school and hes unbelievable. Cousins is the only surprise on here but it doesnt shock me because his workethic is so questionable. Turner is another that i dont see as a GUARANTEED superstar. i think he will be one…but i think hes very much a tweener and that could bother his developement alot. But i personally believe Turner will be very good. Hayward is another that i agree on. if u watched him on butler he truly was way to unselfish on offense. NBA coaches will change that and really make him grow as a player and develope. i Think Hayward will be great.

[llperez]

i have to say, i didnt see much of babbitt in college. but about a week ago i watched a replay of Nevada vs UNC so i could get a feel for babbitt, armon johnson and ed davis, and i really liked what i saw from babbitt. He looked smooth and had a good pull up off the dribble. dont think he will be anything special, but i can defenitely see where the hype is coming from.

[Zeke33Participant]

Yeah. Maybe im more on his side since im also from the Reno area…but UNR’s offense was garbage. They had Luke at the top of the key trying to go one on one and trying to create his own shot WAY to much. I dont think in the NBA they will have him do that as much. If he comes off screens and sets his feet its automatic everytime. So i truly believe he will be a better pro than college player. and Armon Johnson was not a good PG for Luke. It seemed like Armon tried to match Lukes points all the time and always got not just Luke but the whole team out of rythym (love Armon jsut not for UNR). so I personaly think hel be a steal if he slips and possibly a very effective starter. We’ll just have to wait and see

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