Patric Young vs. Joshua Smith
Patric Young has disappointed on the offensive end this season, (though not much was expected of him in that area yet) but his defense and rebounding has been awesome this season. He's a natural rebounder with great motor, aggressiveness, strength, length, and athleticism. Joshua Smith is a massive man (6-9, 300) and has about a 60 pound weight advantage over Young. It's going to be a matchup between Smith's size and Young's athleticism. If Young can shut down Smith it will go a long way to show scouts he can defend bigger players, while Smith will look to show he can play against long, athletic players.
Jimmer Fredette vs. Steven Gray, Demetri Goodson, and Marquise Carter
I'm still waiting for Jimmer Fredette to actually try to defend. He didn't do it against Wofford and he'll be going up against one of the deepest backcourts in the country. Against St. Johns they combined for 46 points, 16 rebounds and 15 assists. Fredette will be matched up against all of them at different points throughout the game and it would be nice to see him at least try on defense. I'm not sure why his clear lack of effort isn't a big red flag for people, but I guess they think that he carries such a big load on offense he doesn't have the energy to play defense, though Kemba Walker does it, so why can't Fredette?
Friday, March 18, 2011
Round of 32 matchups to watch (East)
Kevin Jones and John Flowers vs. Terrence Jones
All three of these players have similar games, they're small fowards who play in the paint but can also stretch defenses with their shooting. Kevin Jones and Flowers are fringe NBA prospects, but Terrence Jones is a top ten pick. Jones has spent a lot of time as a small ball 4, using his shooting and ball handling skills to beat slower paint players. However, the two West Virginia forwards have the quickness to guard him on the perimeter as well as the strength to bang with him down low. It's a matchup worth watching to see if Jones can still excel with a less favorable matchup. The matchup of Kentucky's freshman guards (Brandon Knight and Doron Lamb) vs. West Virginia's tough peremiter defenders (Joe Mazzulla and Daryl Bryant) should also be a good matchup.
Harrison Barnes vs. Justin Holiday
Harrison Barnes has had an up and down season but is starting to put together more consistent production. He tends to shy away from contact settles for jumpshots too often. He'll be tested against Justin Holiday, one of the best wing defenders in the country. Holiday will be physical with Barnes and try to force him into shooting jumpers. Barnes is a good jump shooter, but if he wants to lead his team, he'll have to put the ball on the deck to open up offense for his team. It'll be big for Barnes to show what he can do against an NBA level defender.
All three of these players have similar games, they're small fowards who play in the paint but can also stretch defenses with their shooting. Kevin Jones and Flowers are fringe NBA prospects, but Terrence Jones is a top ten pick. Jones has spent a lot of time as a small ball 4, using his shooting and ball handling skills to beat slower paint players. However, the two West Virginia forwards have the quickness to guard him on the perimeter as well as the strength to bang with him down low. It's a matchup worth watching to see if Jones can still excel with a less favorable matchup. The matchup of Kentucky's freshman guards (Brandon Knight and Doron Lamb) vs. West Virginia's tough peremiter defenders (Joe Mazzulla and Daryl Bryant) should also be a good matchup.
Harrison Barnes vs. Justin Holiday
Harrison Barnes has had an up and down season but is starting to put together more consistent production. He tends to shy away from contact settles for jumpshots too often. He'll be tested against Justin Holiday, one of the best wing defenders in the country. Holiday will be physical with Barnes and try to force him into shooting jumpers. Barnes is a good jump shooter, but if he wants to lead his team, he'll have to put the ball on the deck to open up offense for his team. It'll be big for Barnes to show what he can do against an NBA level defender.
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Round of 64 matchups to watch (Southeast)
Jimmer Fredette vs. Cameron Rundles and Jamar Diggs
We all know Jimmer Fredette can score like crazy, but one of the big concerns teams have about him is his lack of defensive chops. Two of Wofford's top three scorers are guards in Cameron Rundles and Jamar Diggs that Fredette will likely be matched up with both of them at points. Obviously, Rundles and Diggs aren't anywhere near the level of players Fredette will have to guard in the NBA, but he needs to show the effort at least, which hasn't always been there for him.
Elias Harris vs. Dwight Hardy
Elias Harris went from a potential first round pick last year to a boarderline draftable prospect in scout's eyes. A lot of weaknesses in his game were exposed and his number have been down around the board. A big game against a solid defensive team and a well respected player in Dwight Hardy could be a step in the right direction, which followed by a big Junior season could get Harris back into the first round mix in the 2011 draft.
We all know Jimmer Fredette can score like crazy, but one of the big concerns teams have about him is his lack of defensive chops. Two of Wofford's top three scorers are guards in Cameron Rundles and Jamar Diggs that Fredette will likely be matched up with both of them at points. Obviously, Rundles and Diggs aren't anywhere near the level of players Fredette will have to guard in the NBA, but he needs to show the effort at least, which hasn't always been there for him.
Elias Harris vs. Dwight Hardy
Elias Harris went from a potential first round pick last year to a boarderline draftable prospect in scout's eyes. A lot of weaknesses in his game were exposed and his number have been down around the board. A big game against a solid defensive team and a well respected player in Dwight Hardy could be a step in the right direction, which followed by a big Junior season could get Harris back into the first round mix in the 2011 draft.
Round of 64 matchups to watch (Southwest)
Kenneth Faried vs. Louisville's frontcourt
Kenneth Faried is the best rebounder in the country and it's not really close, he's averaging 14.5 per game, including a ridicules 5.7 on the offensive end. He's produced against top competition before this year (including 20 and 18 against Florida and 15/12 against Ohio State) but another good performance against a big frontline like Louisville and NBA Caliber athletes like Terrence Jennings would help him boost his stock from mid first to late lottery.
Khris Middleton vs. Chris Singleton
Khris Middleton is probably a year away from being a very relevant NBA prospect, but a big performance against Chris Singleton, who's the best defender in the league, would really put him on scout's radars. Middleton has an NBA game with, shooting, slashing, and passing abilities in a prototypical wing players frame (6-7, 215). Singleton is huge for a wing player (6-9, 220) with really long arms, great athleticism and quickness. This should be a tremendous matchup of future NBA players pitting one strength against another.
Kenneth Faried is the best rebounder in the country and it's not really close, he's averaging 14.5 per game, including a ridicules 5.7 on the offensive end. He's produced against top competition before this year (including 20 and 18 against Florida and 15/12 against Ohio State) but another good performance against a big frontline like Louisville and NBA Caliber athletes like Terrence Jennings would help him boost his stock from mid first to late lottery.
Khris Middleton vs. Chris Singleton
Khris Middleton is probably a year away from being a very relevant NBA prospect, but a big performance against Chris Singleton, who's the best defender in the league, would really put him on scout's radars. Middleton has an NBA game with, shooting, slashing, and passing abilities in a prototypical wing players frame (6-7, 215). Singleton is huge for a wing player (6-9, 220) with really long arms, great athleticism and quickness. This should be a tremendous matchup of future NBA players pitting one strength against another.
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
Round of 64 matchups to watch (West)
Scotty Hobson vs. Tim Hardaway Jr.
This is sort of a Now vs. Later matchup, with Hobson a likely late first/early second round pick if he declares while Hardaway Jr. at least one, if not two years away from being a top NBA prospect. Hobson is a known commodity while Hardaway Jr. is a player on the rise. Both guys are versatile scorers with NBA three point range and quickness to drive it to the basket along with the athleticism to finish above the rim. Hardaway is still learning to play the game at this level, but he's got pedigree and potential, a good showing against Hobson and Tennessee could help him on his way to Scouts radars.
Keith Benson vs. Tristan Thompson
The matchup between Keith Benson and Tristan Thompson mirrors the matchup between their teams, Oakland and Texas. Thompson is the established prospect, likely to go in the late lottery, while Benson is a fringe guy looking to show he can compete with the big boys. Benson's problem isn't on offense, or even rebounding. In games against West Virginia, Purdue, Illinois, Michigan State, Michigan, Tennessee, Ohio State (all on the road) he averaged 15.9 ppg and 11.2 rebounds but Texas' defense and length, which is highlighted by Thompson, provides a very difficult matchup for Benson. However, the big problem Benson has is he struggles to play post defense (don't be deceived by the shot blocking numbers, he's not a great defender) and matching up with Thompson and holding his own will go a long way to improve his stock, because we know he can score and rebound against elite competition.
This is sort of a Now vs. Later matchup, with Hobson a likely late first/early second round pick if he declares while Hardaway Jr. at least one, if not two years away from being a top NBA prospect. Hobson is a known commodity while Hardaway Jr. is a player on the rise. Both guys are versatile scorers with NBA three point range and quickness to drive it to the basket along with the athleticism to finish above the rim. Hardaway is still learning to play the game at this level, but he's got pedigree and potential, a good showing against Hobson and Tennessee could help him on his way to Scouts radars.
Keith Benson vs. Tristan Thompson
The matchup between Keith Benson and Tristan Thompson mirrors the matchup between their teams, Oakland and Texas. Thompson is the established prospect, likely to go in the late lottery, while Benson is a fringe guy looking to show he can compete with the big boys. Benson's problem isn't on offense, or even rebounding. In games against West Virginia, Purdue, Illinois, Michigan State, Michigan, Tennessee, Ohio State (all on the road) he averaged 15.9 ppg and 11.2 rebounds but Texas' defense and length, which is highlighted by Thompson, provides a very difficult matchup for Benson. However, the big problem Benson has is he struggles to play post defense (don't be deceived by the shot blocking numbers, he's not a great defender) and matching up with Thompson and holding his own will go a long way to improve his stock, because we know he can score and rebound against elite competition.
Round of 64 matchups to watch (East)
Tu Holloway vs. Marquette's defense
Tu Holloway of Xavier is undersized (6-0, 180) but has tremendous penetrating ability and NBA range on his jumpshot. However, Holloway isn't just a 2 guard in a small point guards body, he's unselfish and has the floor vision to play point guard at least part of the time at the next level. Marquette has a number of tough, long, defenders to throw at Holloway like Junior Cadougan (6-1), Darius Johnson-Odom (6-2), Vander Blue (6-4) and even Jimmy Butler (6-7) in an attempt to slow him down. It will be a good test to see if Holloway, a second round prospect right now, can still be effective. If he has a big game, he could see his stock on the rise.
Matthew Bryan-Amaning and Isaiah Thomas vs. Trey Thompkins and Travis Leslie
One of the most interesting first round matchups is Georgia and Washington. They're a contrast in styles, Washington is 3rd in country in scoring (83.5 ppg) while Georiga is 173rd (68.8), on the other hand Georgia ranks 19th in the country in field goal percentage defense while Washington is 86th. The matchup between Washington's Isaiah Thomas and Matthew Bryan-Amaning with Georgia's Trey Thompkins and Travis Leslie. Leslie (6-4, 205) and Thompkins (6-9, 245) have the size and strength advantage over Thomas (5-8, 185) and Bryan-Amaning (6-9, 235) but Thomas is quicker than Leslie and Bryan-Amaning is more athletic than Thompkins. Thompkins can struggle against long, athletic players who he'll face on a nightly basis in the NBA, so Bryan-Amaning will be a good test while Thomas will look to show he can compete with the big, athletic players he'll have to go against in the NBA. Another thing to watch for is if Washington is able to pick up the pace the way they like, whether or not Thompkins, who's struggled with conditioning, can keep up.
Tu Holloway of Xavier is undersized (6-0, 180) but has tremendous penetrating ability and NBA range on his jumpshot. However, Holloway isn't just a 2 guard in a small point guards body, he's unselfish and has the floor vision to play point guard at least part of the time at the next level. Marquette has a number of tough, long, defenders to throw at Holloway like Junior Cadougan (6-1), Darius Johnson-Odom (6-2), Vander Blue (6-4) and even Jimmy Butler (6-7) in an attempt to slow him down. It will be a good test to see if Holloway, a second round prospect right now, can still be effective. If he has a big game, he could see his stock on the rise.
Matthew Bryan-Amaning and Isaiah Thomas vs. Trey Thompkins and Travis Leslie
One of the most interesting first round matchups is Georgia and Washington. They're a contrast in styles, Washington is 3rd in country in scoring (83.5 ppg) while Georiga is 173rd (68.8), on the other hand Georgia ranks 19th in the country in field goal percentage defense while Washington is 86th. The matchup between Washington's Isaiah Thomas and Matthew Bryan-Amaning with Georgia's Trey Thompkins and Travis Leslie. Leslie (6-4, 205) and Thompkins (6-9, 245) have the size and strength advantage over Thomas (5-8, 185) and Bryan-Amaning (6-9, 235) but Thomas is quicker than Leslie and Bryan-Amaning is more athletic than Thompkins. Thompkins can struggle against long, athletic players who he'll face on a nightly basis in the NBA, so Bryan-Amaning will be a good test while Thomas will look to show he can compete with the big, athletic players he'll have to go against in the NBA. Another thing to watch for is if Washington is able to pick up the pace the way they like, whether or not Thompkins, who's struggled with conditioning, can keep up.
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
Five seniors that should be drafted
This week is Senior week for almost all college teams. Here's five Seniors that should be drafted and can contribute to an NBA team.
JaJuan Johnson, PF Purdue (6-10, 225)
The knock on JaJuan Johnson is that he lacks the ideal bulk for an NBA frontman, yet when Taj Gibson was drafted out of USC he weighed only 214 pounds, yet in his rookie season he contributed as defender and rebounder as well as picking his spots on the offensive end. Like Gibson, Johnson is long and athletic with a smooth midrange jumpshot and the kind of college post game that will allow him to score against most second unit power forwards. He's also got a great motor, can rebound, block shots, and run the floor, pretty much exactly what you look for in a backup power forward.
Justin Holiday, G/F Washington (6-6, 180)
For Justin Holiday, it's all about the little things. With long arms, quick feet and great athletic ability he's got the potential to be a lockdown defensive player but he's also got a very good basketball IQ, rebounds well, and is a very good passer. Holiday did all those things his first three years, but in his senior year he's developed a three point shot (40% on 4.1 3's per game), which is crucial to his draft stock. If he can be that high IQ, defender/shooter, he'll have a great chance of contributing in the NBA.
Chandler Parsons, SF Florida (6-9, 220)
Chandler Parson has never been a big time scorer, though he can slash and shoot, instead he's settled into a role as the jack-of-all-trades glue guy. With a very high basketball IQ, a nice handle and passing ability he's played point forward for Florida the last two years and has a versatile offensive skillset to match. Parsons is also is a pretty good athlete, though he lacks the lateral quickness to be an elite defender. Parsons won't ever be a star, or even likely a starter, but his diverse skillset will fit nicely in as second unit forward.
Norris Cole, PG Cleveland State (6-2, 175)
Norris Cole doesn't do anything great, but he does everything well and fits the profile of the backup point guard perfectly. Cleveland State doesn't play the best competition, but he's been dominant at his level, averaging 21.6 ppg, 6 rpg, and 5.5 apg (including a 40 point, 20 rebound, 9 assist game) and has led his team to 25 wins and a tie for the lead in the Horizon league. He can shoot, slash, pass, rebound, defend, and will give any team that takes him quality playing winning basketball.
Justin Harper, PF Richmond (6-10, 225)
In the NBA, the ability to stretch the defense in diverse ways from different positions opens up whole new worlds of offense. One of the most effective ways that teams can stretch defenses is will big men that can shoot, and Justin Harper can really singe the net (49% from 3 this season), he's also a good athlete that is a real weapon running the floor in transition. He needs to rebound and defend better, but his shooting is enough of a weapon for him to find playing time in the NBA.
JaJuan Johnson, PF Purdue (6-10, 225)
The knock on JaJuan Johnson is that he lacks the ideal bulk for an NBA frontman, yet when Taj Gibson was drafted out of USC he weighed only 214 pounds, yet in his rookie season he contributed as defender and rebounder as well as picking his spots on the offensive end. Like Gibson, Johnson is long and athletic with a smooth midrange jumpshot and the kind of college post game that will allow him to score against most second unit power forwards. He's also got a great motor, can rebound, block shots, and run the floor, pretty much exactly what you look for in a backup power forward.
Justin Holiday, G/F Washington (6-6, 180)
For Justin Holiday, it's all about the little things. With long arms, quick feet and great athletic ability he's got the potential to be a lockdown defensive player but he's also got a very good basketball IQ, rebounds well, and is a very good passer. Holiday did all those things his first three years, but in his senior year he's developed a three point shot (40% on 4.1 3's per game), which is crucial to his draft stock. If he can be that high IQ, defender/shooter, he'll have a great chance of contributing in the NBA.
Chandler Parsons, SF Florida (6-9, 220)
Chandler Parson has never been a big time scorer, though he can slash and shoot, instead he's settled into a role as the jack-of-all-trades glue guy. With a very high basketball IQ, a nice handle and passing ability he's played point forward for Florida the last two years and has a versatile offensive skillset to match. Parsons is also is a pretty good athlete, though he lacks the lateral quickness to be an elite defender. Parsons won't ever be a star, or even likely a starter, but his diverse skillset will fit nicely in as second unit forward.
Norris Cole, PG Cleveland State (6-2, 175)
Norris Cole doesn't do anything great, but he does everything well and fits the profile of the backup point guard perfectly. Cleveland State doesn't play the best competition, but he's been dominant at his level, averaging 21.6 ppg, 6 rpg, and 5.5 apg (including a 40 point, 20 rebound, 9 assist game) and has led his team to 25 wins and a tie for the lead in the Horizon league. He can shoot, slash, pass, rebound, defend, and will give any team that takes him quality playing winning basketball.
Justin Harper, PF Richmond (6-10, 225)
In the NBA, the ability to stretch the defense in diverse ways from different positions opens up whole new worlds of offense. One of the most effective ways that teams can stretch defenses is will big men that can shoot, and Justin Harper can really singe the net (49% from 3 this season), he's also a good athlete that is a real weapon running the floor in transition. He needs to rebound and defend better, but his shooting is enough of a weapon for him to find playing time in the NBA.
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