[JNixonParticipant]

 58: Darius Johnson-Odom, 6’3 215, SG, Marquette, Sr.

Johnson-Odom was one of the better players in college hoops in his 3 years at Marquette after spending a year at a JUCO. He has helped lead Marquette to the tournament all 3 years and was one of the main reasons they were so tough to beat despite being an undersized team. Physically, Johnson-Odom is below average. While he does have a sturdy 215 lb frame and nice strength, he is about 2 inches shorter than average for an NBA SG and his 6’6 wingspan is just decent in addition. Athletically, he is also nothing special. He is fairly quick and shifty, but he lacks explosiveness in his burst and any real noteworthy leaping ability.

Offensively, Johnson-Odom makes his hay as a jump shooter. He has generally been a good shooter and has the mechanics to continue. Good range, consistent follow through, and a nice release speed. Shoots the same shot every time. Best as a spot-up shooter, but can hit basic 2 or 3 dribble pull-ups when he gets his feet underneath him. Added an off the dribble game more as a Jr. and Sr., which helps his development more. Is capable of making shots off screens. Likes to shoot the 3 a lot. Off the dribble, Johnson-Odom is average. He has solid handles and does a good job of being very tight against good D. Doesn’t have the burst or quickness to beat guys to the rim consistently though, even though his 1^st step isn’t bad. Not going to cross anyone up. Should look to add a floater for his in-between game. Does not show any real combo guard skills despite his size, definitely is a SG. Is fairly unselfish though, and will definitely look to pass if the situation calls for it. Will look to take the ball off the dribble and draw contact more than a shooter of his reputation usually does. Has struggled with free throws more than someone who shoots as well as he does should at times. Not a particularly good finisher around the rim due to middling athleticism. Has to have plays run for him for him to really be most effective, which is a gift and curse due to whats sure to be a more limited role for him if he plays in the NBA.

Johnson-Odom plays pesky defense. His enough lateral quickness and strength to deny penetration against some PG’s and undersized SG’s. Don’t going to be a disruption in the passing lanes in the NBA. Does contest, but can be shot over by taller guards. Plays with energy and grit. Can struggle against taller guards who like to work off screens and move a lot without the ball. Not going to be a rebounding threat on the wing.

Johnson-Odom’s energy and shooting may get him a roster spot, but his lack of size and only OK athleticism will limit him in the NBA and he may not be a great prospect due to that. Really, if he was either taller or more of a passer/PG than he is now, he’d definitely be a draft pick. But his limitations will always hinder him as an NBA prospect.

 

57: Quincy Acy, 6’7 230, PF, Baylor, Sr.

Acy seems like he’s been in college forever and a day. But boy was he fun to watch. He was apart of 2 Elite 8 teams at Baylor and he developed nicely while in college. He is known for his dunking and the frenetic energy he plays at, but he was really productive, especially in his last 2 seasons. Physically, Acy is middling at best. He’s is short for a PF at 6’7 and has a somewhat slight 230 lb frame, but he has what appears to be a 7’2 wingspan and it allows him to play as if he is taller than he is. He also has very good strength and will throw his weight around and overpower guys that are bigger than he is. Wiry strong, and will pop you on contact at times down low. Athletically Acy is real explosive. He has as impressive a 2^nd jump as any PF in this draft. Not especially fluid, quick or agile, Acy can be stiff when he has to change directions, but in straight lines he is an animal.

Offensively, Acy isn’t very skilled at all but he plays to his strengths. Moves exceptionally well off the ball and never really stops moving. Is a threat in the pick and roll and will dunk with authority when he gets a good feed. Dunk machine. 1^st 10 made field goals in his college career were dunks. Can have alley-oops and backdoors run for him behind the defense. Post game need to be refined. Does not have very many moves, but did develop a right hand jump hook that was hard to defend due to his explosiveness and length. His dropstep is crazy due to his explosiveness. Does not show very good touch around the rim, especially against a good contest and he shows little real skills from outside of 7 feet with his post game. Not ever gonna be the type to have plays run for him with his back to the rim. Finishes very well through contact around the rim, sometimes dunking through fouls. Never one to shy from contact and will get and-1’s. Developed an OK 15 ft. mid-range shot, but nothing to fear. Teams will give him that shot, and he doesn’t make them pay enough for it to be a strength. Likes to take slower bigs off 2 dribbles in straight lines, but he is very right-handed. Not likely to pass. Very good on the offensive glass. Runs the floor really well and should get more transition chances with better passing guards than he had at Baylor. Not bad at the foul line at all, especially compared to his lower skill level.

Defensively, Acy played a lot in Baylors zone, but as Baylor moved to more man-to-man his last 2 years Act struggled. His fundamentals are not very good at all. Shows stiff hips laterally, and his real upright in his stance. Also not very good at playing helpside D for the most part other than getting blocks sporadically by rotating. Has a lot to learn about properly seeing the ball and his man. Is often lazy on closeouts. Doesn’t bend at the knees down low and can be sealed and backed down too easily at times. Doesn’t play with the energy on D that he does on offense. Not an impressive defensive rebounder.

Acy’s athleticism, length and ability to play without the ball have always been his biggest strengths. He gets dunks really easily and plays with a high motor offensively. His lack of an offensive game, and the fact that he doesn’t rebound or defend very well at all hurt him. Role playing PF’s in the NBA need to be able to rebound and defend if they don’t score well, so until he finally does both he will have to fight to be an NBA player. Still, he’s intriguing because of his athleticism, energy and length.

[providencefriars1Participant]

I like it JNix keep it up

[RUDEBOY_Participant]

If Acy was at least 6’9,was a better rebounder and defender, i bet some teams would gamble on him in the early 2nd round….Becuz of his intensity,explosiveness & length….But his slender frame,low basketball IQ,average rebounding,he doesnt have a defined position and his average defensive skills will hurt his chances of getting drafted….Plus he doesnt seem to have much upside…But i can see him getting an invite to someone training camp……Guys like him,that plays with heart, always find a way to impress a coaching staff…..

[bigheavyParticipant]

Acy might still sneak into the 2nd round…a team like the celtics or spurs would take a chance on him late second round…

[carefulParticipant]

 Yess these are possibly my favorite posts on this site. Great work, keep it up.  I honestly don’t know how you get to watch all of these prospects play

[RUDEBOY_Participant]

I was just reading the great piece Seth Sommerfied just posted to this site ..He was talking about value picks and how guys like Chandler Parsons & Thomas turn out to be better than guys drafted in the lottery…

Odom-Johnson could turn out to be another value pick..He has a great built ,good shooter and isnt afraid to drive amongst the big men…Dee Bost is another guy that might be a value pick..

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