[NCarmean18Participant]

I just wanted to get the communities view of the NBA potential behind Illinois sophomore studs Malcolm Hill and Kendrick Nunn.  

Personally, I believe that Hill has more potential to succeed than Nunn at the next level, but I feel as though both have solid shots at making it.  They both have made beautiful leaps during their sophomore campaigns, especially whenever Rayvonte Rice went down with a broken bone in his hand/wrist, as both have taken over the scoring responsibilities for the Illini.  

I just personally have not heard a lot of talk about either play as far as their futures as professionals, and would like to generate some speculation from the community here on nbadraft.net

Kendrick Nunn – 6’3", 190 lbs.  Projected as an NBA SG.  

As a freshman: 6.2 PPG, 1.7 RPG, 1.1 APG, .6 SPG, 1 TO, 45.6% FG, 38.8% 3-Pt, 80.8% Ft in 19.5 MPG, and was named 2013-14 Big Ten All-Freshmen Team.  

As a Sophomore: 11 PPG, 3.2 RPG, 1.8 APG, 1.2 SPG, 1 TO, 45.1% FG, 45.2% 3-Pt, 83.9% FT in 27.3 MPG.

 

Malcolm Hill – 6’6", 230 lbs. Projected as an NBA SG/SF

As a Freshman: 4.4 PPG, 2.4 RPG, 0.7 APG, .9 TO, 38.3% FG, 34.1% 3-PT, 77% FT in 14.1 MPG.

As a Sophomore: 14 PPG, 5.4 RPG, 1.2 APG, 1 SPG, 1.8 TO, 47.4% FG, 41.4% 3-PT, & 76.4% FT in 29.2 MPG.

So, what do you all think?  Do either of these guys have futures in the NBA?  I’d love to have some imput.  I already know where I stand as far as these two players are concerned.  I’d love to hear your thoughts!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[ChewyParticipant]

 I really like the improvements Nunn has made. It seems like he has fully adjusted to the speed, physicality and level of B10 play this year. But I dont see it as enough. Right now he is a great shooting with average everything else. I don’t see that "everything else" improving enough to be an NBA player. However, he does fall under that ‘specialist’ type of basketball player, so after 4 yrs at Illinois he could be a 2nd rounder.

Malcolm Hill on the other hand has 1rd potential. I’m interested in seeing how he grows now that he has to be the man with Rice out.

 

[ChewyParticipant]

 I really like the improvements Nunn has made. It seems like he has fully adjusted to the speed, physicality and level of B10 play this year. But I dont see it as enough. Right now he is a great shooting with average everything else. I don’t see that "everything else" improving enough to be an NBA player. However, he does fall under that ‘specialist’ type of basketball player, so after 4 yrs at Illinois he could be a 2nd rounder.

Malcolm Hill on the other hand has 1rd potential. I’m interested in seeing how he grows now that he has to be the man with Rice out.

 

[IhateusernamesParticipant]

 Kendrick has Ben Gordon upside. I have no hope of him ever becoming a PG, he won’t. But he is explosive enough that his lack of size wont hinder him as much as usual. I think after next year he will be firmly on the NBA radar.

With Malcolm Hill, people are gonna have to be able to not be blinded by the fact he isnt a quick twitch athlete. He plays the game at Paul Pierce speed.But he gets BUCKETS. He is a year younger than his classmates, and played as a 17 year old freshman. Pretty impressive. I think he is a 1st rd pick after next season regardless, but if he can gain a tad more bounce and a quarter step of quickness hes got lottery potential. He’s a natural bucket getter.

 

 

[IhateusernamesParticipant]

 Kendrick has Ben Gordon upside. I have no hope of him ever becoming a PG, he won’t. But he is explosive enough that his lack of size wont hinder him as much as usual. I think after next year he will be firmly on the NBA radar.

With Malcolm Hill, people are gonna have to be able to not be blinded by the fact he isnt a quick twitch athlete. He plays the game at Paul Pierce speed.But he gets BUCKETS. He is a year younger than his classmates, and played as a 17 year old freshman. Pretty impressive. I think he is a 1st rd pick after next season regardless, but if he can gain a tad more bounce and a quarter step of quickness hes got lottery potential. He’s a natural bucket getter.

 

 

[i’m jus so offendedParticipant]

As someone who has watched every game Illinois has played this year, I will try not to be biased in my opinions…but I pretty much agree with everyone here. Only thing is I’m a little higher on Nunn with his athleticism, defensive prowess and pedigree. He is not just a shooter, he can slash and finish well at the hoop, however, I agree he is a likely fringe 1st rounder. Malcolm is a stud dude. Kid has played the 4 most of his career when his true calling is at the 3 and he showed why yesterday. With Rice and Cosby out, playing mostly on the wing, he dropped 27 on Penn State in every way imaginable. Fastbreak finishes, 3’s, mid range, pull ups, fadeaways. And like stated, he’s super young for his class. He’s barely months older than some HS seniors RIGHT NOW. I have high hopes for him showing potential recruits talent can be developed at Illinois.

[i’m jus so offendedParticipant]

As someone who has watched every game Illinois has played this year, I will try not to be biased in my opinions…but I pretty much agree with everyone here. Only thing is I’m a little higher on Nunn with his athleticism, defensive prowess and pedigree. He is not just a shooter, he can slash and finish well at the hoop, however, I agree he is a likely fringe 1st rounder. Malcolm is a stud dude. Kid has played the 4 most of his career when his true calling is at the 3 and he showed why yesterday. With Rice and Cosby out, playing mostly on the wing, he dropped 27 on Penn State in every way imaginable. Fastbreak finishes, 3’s, mid range, pull ups, fadeaways. And like stated, he’s super young for his class. He’s barely months older than some HS seniors RIGHT NOW. I have high hopes for him showing potential recruits talent can be developed at Illinois.

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