Now That the Dust Clears and the Draft is Over…Breakout Prospects for 2011

1. Shelvin Mack: 6’2 215, PG/SG, Butler: He’s not what you’d consider a true playmaker, and he’s not particularly athletic or quick, but he’s strong and has the ability to make shots spotting up or off the dribble. Also a Butler perimeter player, so you know he’s a tough defender. Doesn’t hurt that he’ll be the leader of the team now that Gordon Hayward is gone. He could be in for a breakout 2011.

2. Reggie Jackson: 6’3 200 PG/SG, Boston College: Jackson is a long-armed and athletic guard who often finishes spectacular at the rim. He needs to get efficient though, but there is no reason for him not to, well, unless BC gets more talented guys to support him. Also a tough defender and a decent playmaker for others. Good prospect on a bad team?

3. Kim English: 6’6 195 SG, Mizzou: My pick to be a 1st round pick in 2011 since last season, English has a jump shot that is a thing of beauty from mid-range on out. He’s a good athlete with a long and wiry frame, but he needs to improve his handle to take advantage of his tools. Gets most of his shots off of screens and transition because of his mediocre handle. Also needs to improve on D, as he’s the only player on Mizzou’s roster that can be considered a shaky defender (which limits him at times).

4. Mike Snaer: 6’3 185 SG, Florida State: An explosive athlete with intense defensive instincts. He’s raw in terms of his offensive polish, but he has the potential to be a 12 or 13 ppg scorer next season and some true highlight worthy finishes. His mid-range game is very good for a young player with the amount of polish he lacks everywhere else.

5. Travis Leslie: 6’4 200 SG, UGA: Leslie is the best athlete in the country. He has great quickness and open floor speed, and his leaping ability is 2nd to none. He’s not really polished offensively, but he is a decent shooter and is a spectacular finisher around the rim. Also a big-time shot blocker and rebounder from the wing. Him and Howard Thompkins could take UGA to places they haven’t been since Jim Harrick was cheating/coaching in Athens.

6. Anthony Jones: 6’10 205 SG/SF, Baylor: He’s got some of the best potential in college basketball. Most don’t know him or follow him, but his long-term scoring potential is incredible. He can shoot the ball very well, and handle the ball like a player 5 inches shorter. Needs to get stronger though and add more lbs to his frame. He’s a mismatch problem on the wing at his size, and last year Coach Drew sometimes put him at SG with LD Dunn at PG, Quincey Acy at SF, Udoh at PF, and Lomers at C (aka the biggest lineup in the nation lol). Look out for him, him and Perry Jones could form a mismatch nightmare next season on the perimeter with their size and scoring ability.

7. Durand Scott: 6’3 195, SG, Miami (FL): He broke out in the last 7 or 8 games last year after a decent season before that. He’s very long and a good athlete, so he defends and slashes well. He does need to improve his shot and PG skills, because he stuck in positions right now. He could develop into the best defender at PG in the nation, as he has the mean streak to do it.

8. Ravern Johnson: 6’7 180, SG/SF, Mississippi State: Shooter. Shooter. Shooter. Johnson’s shot is cash. He needs screens and picks to get his shot off because he’s not a good ball-handler or so he can’t create in iso. Good shot from mid-range. He can’t slash to the rim though, and if he does make it he has trouble finishing because he’s incredibly weak and skinny. Also is a bad defender. He still could make it in the NBA as a shooting specialist though.