Andrew Wiggins, SF, (6-8, 200)
Foul trouble forced Wiggins to the bench for much of the first half, he only scored six points in brief minutes. In the second half however, he took over, scoring 16 points of his 22, including back-to-back baskets that sealed the win down the stretch. Wiggins was his typical explosive self, rising over everyone else for dunks and rebounds, while also showing of his elite second jump and first step on several drives to the basket. Most impressive was a clutch step-back jumper over Amile Jefferson, which will be the next evolution to his game, consistently in the jump-shot. Most impressive was Wiggins defense, he was the only Jayhawk to slow-down Jabari Parker and showed the kind of defensive acumen that lead many to believe he might be the best perimeter defender in the country. Wiggins did nothing to dissuade the notion that he is the favorite to be the top pick in the draft.
As soon as he steps on the court, Embiid looks incredibly impressive. A huge physical specimen with very long arms (he measured with a 7-5 wingspan earlier this year) and an NBA body, Embiid looks like a lottery pick. He isn't a stiff either, he moves very well, is coordinated, and an explosive athlete. Basically, if you were drawing up an ideal NBA center, he would look like Embiid. Against Duke he showed why he is so highly regarded as well as how much work needs to be done. He is already a difference maker defensively and on the glass. He also showed nice patience and passing ability when trapped and double-teamed by Duke. The skills are there offensively as well a nice jumper, soft hands, and good touch but refinement is needed. Despite having only played for a few years, Embiid's game against Duke showed his huge upside, and a top 5-10 pick is not out of the question if he continues to progress.
Wayne Selden, G/F (6-5, 230)
Despite playing in the shadow of Wiggins hype, Selden created a lot of positive buzz over the summer and performed well in practices and scrimmages. Against Duke, he had a good game, showing both the potential and the areas of concern in his game. First the good, Selden is a physical specimen, extremely strong and well built for a guard, with long arms and above-average athleticism. He is always in attack mode, can overpower smaller opponents and draw fouls in bunches. The physical tools he has should make him a very good defender and rebounder. The concern with Selden that showed up in the Champions Classic was the fact that he can get out of control, take bad shots, and miss badly as well. He tends two force the action too much, but as a Freshman in his first game, over-aggressiveness is understandable. Seldon has some improvements to make, the jumper also needs work, but a top 10 pick isn't out of the question for Selden.
Perry Ellis, PF (6-8, 225)
After a disappointing Freshman season, Perry Ellis is off to a hot start and was down right unstoppable against Duke, scoring 24 points on 9/13 shooting, hitting his only 3 pointer, and going 5/6 from the line while also grabbing 9 boards. Ellis is a typical undersized college post player who is very skilled, but lacks the size, length, and athleticism to play power forward in the NBA. Because of that, Ellis will have to demonstrate and ability to play on the wing in the NBA. Hitting the 3 helps, but it was just the 4 attempt of his career. Ellis may not have much of a future in the NBA, but he could end up being one of the best players in the country, while being very fun to watch at this level.
Tarik Black, F/C (6-9, 260)
After three under-achieving seasons at Memphis, Tarik Black transferred to Kansas and is their starting center, over Joel Embiid. When he is on the court, the strong, long, athletic, Black has always been a good rebounder and defensive player, but foul trouble has plagued him his whole career and that issue reared his ugly head against Duke, where he only played 6 minutes and committed 3 fouls. Unfortunately, the bell may be tolling for Black if his play doesn't improve and Embiid starts to live up to his massive potential.
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