OVERRATED/UNDERRATED
You're right about the skill levels of all of these people, but the point of people drafting them is their potential. DeAndre Jordan is a 7 footer with crazy, Dwight Howard-esque athleticism who turned 20 two days ago. Along with Bill Walker, his athleticism and young age are what make them such good prospects. With that type of explosiveness and some NBA coaching, there is a chance they could both be studs. No player is a sure thing, other than the top 2 or 3 every year, and then the rest have a mix of polish and potential. It seems as if you're saying these guys are overrated because they have more potential than the polish.
Now I am huge on big men out of the big-12 but the one major knock that I have on Maric is that his game will not translate into the NBA. As you said he is 6'11 and pretty much used his size to his advantage, that size factor will work against him in the NBA. His limited athleticism and lack of range and defense will also hurt his stock.
Yes every single pint of information you gave is true. I beleive that any freshmen who is going to go to the second round is simply stupid. Bill Walker is the kind of guy who has/had all star potential IF he had stayed at Kansas State 4 years. DeAndre Jordan is for sure the next Kwame Brown. I have to disagree with you a little on Donte Green. Don't get me wrong i don't beleive in Freshmen leaving college but Donte Green has potential to be a great role player if he ends up on a team suchas maybe... Golden State, Toronto or even maybe Phoenix (especially being around Nash). One steal i want to mention is Sean Singletary. I simply do not understand why most mock drafts have him undrafted. The kid almost beat UNC singlehandly. This kid has mroe potential than most people realize. He may be short but he sure can do a lot. Averaging 19 points and 6 assists (on a team that has no one who he can really pass to) is stunning that he would go undrafted.
It is kind of funny how the three overrated guys have turned out to be decent values given where they were picked. Walker has done enough with his chance in New York to merit that option being picked up. I think that his offensive game is starting to come back after all the injuries. He still holds too much defensively, but that is something that can be worked on if the Knicks ever decide to play defense. Jordan is competent enough to be a backup center. Greene is nothing special, but he is giving respectable production for someone taken 28th.
Maric has had a really good season in the Euroleague. It would be interesting to see if someone gives him a look this summer.
The top 3 most OVERRATED players in this years draft
1. DeAndre Jordan (Texas A&M)
His talent is has no limits. With that said, even a player who is young and has a ton of possibilites must show something in terms of prduction. 8 Points 6 Rebounds and 1.6 Turnovers a game for a 7'0 255 LB center should make your head scratch a bit. Not the strongest of big men either, He had only four double digit point games and only two double digit rebounding games in conference play. His minutes were very limited towards the latter end of the years and I take note of that. Alot of work will have to go into DeAndre but with the right training and expertise, you may have a productive big man.
2. Donte Green (Syracuse)
Donte's freshman year was very similar to the rollercoasters you ride on the family trip to six flags. Up then down...Up again then down again. Overall 17.7 points and 7 rebounds looks mighty good for a freshman in the Big East, while his 2.6 turnovers and 41% FG% as a 6'10 220 LB big man makes you think a bit. The upside to Donte is tremendous. But how high are you willing to gamble on that? Great talent, Good size with more then a few flaws.
3. Bill Walker (Kansas State)
An un-appreciated talent or a product of Michael Beasley's reign of terror?
This is an easy one for me...
2006'2007 stats (9.7 points 4 rebounds 0.7 Ast and 40% FG Pct
Welcome Michael Beasley
2007'2008 stats (16 points 6.3 rebounds 2 Ast and 47% FG Pct
Enough said. Nice size at 6'6 220 LB's of muscle at the SF position, a good defender who plays hard. Decent all-around player.
Top 3 most UNDERRATED players in this years draft
1. Reggie Williams (VMI)
They call him "The Pride of Prince George" The nations 2-time leading scorer in the country and portsmouth all-tournament team. He averaged 28 points a game during his junior and senior season adding 4 Ast along with 10 rebounds during his senior year. A versatile G/F 6'6 200 LBs who has great athleticism, court vision and a natural feel for the game. While of course the competition at Virginia Military Institute is not on the same level as the Big East, Big 12, Pac 10 and ACC. Most people just do not realize that while Reggie was putting up these numbers, he was facing double and triple teams with not much talent to dish off to. While I was down at Portsmouth, I interviewed Bruce Pearl, his comment and I quote "Reggie has been the best player here" I was extremely high on him before that, that just put the icing on the cake.
2. Gary Forbes
Most people have Forbes scattered around the 2nd round. Anywhere from early second to un-drafted you'll here. He is a first rounder in my book. His size, speed, ball handling skills and body of work make him a can't miss draft selection. While nothing about his game may be top notch, he does everything at a very high level. The most complete NBA ready players outside the top 20 picks is Gary Forbes. With the right team and situation he can become an immediate impact player.
3. Aleks Maric
Who? Nebraska's big man has all the right tools it takes for this league. 16 points and 10 rebounds a game with teammates that did not help him much playing in the Big 12 is outstanding. The most eye popping thing that Maric supplies is his best games came against the best competition. The 6'11 270 LB very skilled big man has the potential to be a draft day stunner.