[djegyantParticipant]

I do not intend to make this post as an Illinois-centric person but having looked at both the 2011 and 2012 mocks i see nowhere is Meyers Leonard, a 7-0 freshman Center on Illinois. He is extremely athletic, talented, and a legit seven footer and I have a strong belief will prove himself to be a great NBA post prospect within the next two years. Don’t say that I didn’t warn you, although i have not looked in the forums for any other related posts, I want some credit for forseeing this, as the focus shifts from McCamey to Leonard and Richmond as the year goes by for Illinois. Also note that I believe Jereme Richmond will prove himself to be another fantastic pro prospect this year for Illinois and he is also omitted from the mocks 2011 and 2012. Just something to keep up with! Thanks, djegyant!

[ChewyParticipant]

I think it is because he has so many veteran bigs playing in front of him at Illinois. Tisdale, Davis, Griffey. Illinois could also go small and play Cole or Richmond at the 4. He will get some playing time, but not significant minutes in his first year.

He also needs to fill out his 7 foot frame. It takes time for big men to put on muscle. He is an amazing prospect, but he needs time both on the court and off of the court.

[djegyantParticipant]

I see now that he is listed at number 8 for 2011 big men yet he still isn’t put in either 2011 or 2012 even though many of the big men listed after him are still in these mocks. I’ve seen him play, his size is comparable to Tisdale but his athleticism and aggression are leaps ahead of Tisdale, pardon the pun. I see him landing first round 2012 once all the experienced bigs graduate. Not unlisted, but you do make fair points.

[OhCanada-Participant]

Reminds me of BJ Mullens. Not just because he is white…but it does help.

[ChewyParticipant]

Leonard is a much better prospect than Tisdale, but Tisdale already has a few years of Big Ten battles under his belt and toughness is a necessary quality to succeed in the Big Ten. Right now Tisdale is the better offensive threat that can and does draw double teams which leads to open 3’s for the Illini. I also think Tisdale’s outside shot is better which opens up the motion offense of the Illini and allows Davis to take advantage down low if the matchup allows him to.

(I am NOT trying to bash Leonard here)

[djegyantParticipant]

I think Leonard is one Pre-draft Camp workout away from a 1st rd. pick no matter what, but yes, Tisdale has a better shot, but I think for now thats his only advantage, other than maybe 1 inch of height but he hunches all the time so it doesn’t really matter, lol.

[ChewyParticipant]

7’2 but really 6’10 w/ scoliosis haha

[JNixonParticipant]

Leonard will be a 3 or 4 year player. He’s got talent and good athleticism for a 6’11/7 footer, but he’s not polished or strong. He reminds me of the Plumlee brothers. He’s the same level prospect IMO

[djegyantParticipant]

 Yeah, i don’t know if the Plumlee comparison is fair, but we shall see as time goes by.  I think his aggression and heart and athleticism will make him stand out more but who knows.  Thanks for responding anyway, this is my first forum post ever.

[djegyantParticipant]

Ok now he is a top 10 2012 Mock Draft Pick, I was right!  I want a cookie!

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