[BallerScriptParticipant]

 If you were to rank the Kentucky freshmen as NBA prospects how would you rank them?

1. Jermarl Baker – Lights out shooter, underrated so will play with a chi- I’m just kidding

 

1. Kevin Knox – I’ve seen some people placing this guy in the mid first round. To me at the moment he is a top 10 pick. He’s listed at 6’9" but could end up being closer to 7’0". Similar prospect to both Ingram and Isaac with his length and ability to put the ball on the floor and impact the game at both ends. Right now I like him over Diallo mainly because I’m not too keen on Diallo’s lack of a jumper.

2. Hamidou Diallo – If Diallo can shoot on average percentages than he will be a fantastic player. Right now I believe his ceiling is DeMar DeRozan. He has elite athleticism plus nice footwork and a developing mid-range/high post touch. Nice ball skills too. His jumpshot is the only thing holding him back significantly and it will really impact his stock.

3. Jarred Vanderbilt – Hopefully he returns well from his surgery and comes off to a good start. Vanderbilt looks so impressive to me. A fluid athlete with great size. A real swiss army knife type of player like a Draymond, an Evan Turner or a MKG to an extent. Just one of those solid well rounded guys. I’m hoping his jumpshot is there and he develops into a plus defender because if he does he will be one of those guys that contributes mightily to contending teams.

4. Nick Richards – His physical tools are one of the main parts of his game that is creating buzz for him. He should be a solid run and jump athlete at the next level but if he is to be worth a top selection he will need to improve his basketball IQ, feel for the game, awareness and focus. A lot of those just come with experience so hopefully Richards comes along nicely and plays a similar role to Capela in the league.

5. P.J. Washington – All I know about Washington really is he is under-sized, has a mature body, impressed at the U19’s and has a game that is expanding out to the perimeter. Without having seen much footage I’m getting Caleb Swanigan vibes but I could be off there. Anyway, he might stay and extra year depending on how the minutes go around but he may be a guy to keep your eye on.

6. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander/Quade Green – This is honestly a real toss up. Right now I wouldn’t have them far below Washington and I actually would put them on the same level. Quade could stay a few years and become a NPOY candidate and develop into one of the next best backup point guards in the NBA like a Cory Joseph, a Tyler Ulis or a Tim Frazier. Green seems to be a solid leader and shooter and I’m intrigued to see how he develops as a leader. On the other hand I love Shai’s potential. His length, his defense, his athleticism… I just love it. His jumpshot is improving and I think at best he could go mid-first round if he ends up getting the starting nod over Quade.

[GBeeParticipant]

 From what I’ve seen, I expect PJ Washington to be the best of the bunch. He’s tough as nails, physical, great motor with expanding perimeter skill. Decent intermediate, mid-range game and powerful driver with a knack for seeking contact. He also plays with active hands defensively with the timing for steals and blocks. Great nose for rebounding too with really good hands.  Reminds me of Paul Millsap. I thought he was clearly u19 Team USA’s best player.  I don’t think he has the upside of Diallo, but I think he’s the most ready, both for college and the NBA, with the highest likelihood of reaching his ceiling bc of his intangibles.

On the contrary, I thought Diallo looked awful.  He looks the type, has all the physical tools but his game is so raw.  His ball skills, shot and footwork all suck.  On top of that he’s a low IQ player who only knows how to play at one speed and forces up a ton of crap.

Knox has lost a bit of his luster in my eyes.  He has a tendency to float and his skills have stagnated a bit. He made a big improvement to his junior season, but hasn’t really built off of that.  Offensively, he really isn’t good at any one area.  His shot looks nice but I wouldn’t even call him an average shooter.  His ball skills stink too, only being able to dribble in straight lines while not having a great first step.  Like Diallo, Knox looks more like an athlete than a basketball player at this juncture.  I think he’ll have a tough time adjusting.

The only other freshman I’ve seen extensive action of is Quade Green who I think could have a Tyler Ulis type of impact this upcoming season.  He’s the quintessential pure PG.  Skilled with high IQ.  Can really shoot it from deep and off pull ups. Plays with great pace.  Good distributor and playmaker as well with excellent vision, a quarterback’s mentality with leadership skills.  Is a dog of a defender too.  Undersized, but tough, gritty with a penchant for steals.  Not sure if he has great pro potential bc not only is he small, but isn’t a great athlete either (although I think his change of pace is good), but I expect he and Washington to be the most important and impactful UK freshmen.

 

 

[GBeeParticipant]

 Oh I have seen a bit of Vanderbilt too.  His game is kinda weird. He’s got decent ball skills and he’s a willing passer but I think he forces those aspects of his game because he’s not a great shooter… or scorer for that matter.  Plays with good activity though and has good length, but has a questionable feel, appearing to be a gambler on both ends. Not that high on him but he could be a solid energy player.  Really needs to fix that shot though to at least be somewhat respectable offensively and so he can take advantage of his passing ability.

As for strictly NBA prospect potential, I still think that PJ Washington is the best, because he already has a solid base while also having the best intangibles (along with Green) out of the bunch.  As I mentioned, whatever his ceiling is,  I think he has the greatest likelihood of reaching it.

 

 

[ph90702]

 I wanted to see PJ Washington go to UNLV, but Marvin Menzies started recruiting him too late.

[HobbyOGParticipant]

 PJ Washington reminds me of Terrance Jones. Thier highlight tapes, body, etc. looks similar. 

[Author]

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