Post by eric on Jun 24, 2023 15:29:35 GMT -5
Bernard King
SF
6'7"
208
22
Tennessee
All offense wonderboy. Incredibly fast for a wing with a love for getting down low to finish inside, already strong enough to finish through contact with a promising frame for future growth. Jump shot needs work, especially from three point range, can get hung up in the midrange and forces a pass that just isn't there. Just doesn't have the instincts on the defensive end - doesn't make rotations, doesn't clean the backboard, doesn't stay in front of his man. Very hard worker, will repay a GM patient enough for him to fill out his game.
Jack Sikma
C
6'11"
233
22
Illinois Wesleyan
Exceptionally smooth jumper for a big man. He'll knock down free throws with regularity and can even be relied on to hit corner 3s. Surprisingly, he doesn't have much touch inside, relies on bully balling other collegians and won't be able to replicate that in the pros. Limited vertical burst also hampers his shot blocking, but nimble and tenacious enough to more than hold his own in the post while keeping in good rebounding position.
Rickey Green
PG
6'0
170
23
Michigan
Despite being one of the oldest players in the class, Green oozes potential. Elite quickness plus phenomenal instincts already makes Green a plus defender, although limited size will keep him from tallying elite shot blocks against pros, and the same skills make it very difficult to separate him from the ball on offense. First in the gym and last to leave, which will be needed because Green has a long way to go in offensive production - frequently looks off open teammates in favor of poor jumpers and even lower percentage looks among the trees at the rim. Remains to be seen if the considerable amount Green brings to the table will outweigh what he takes away.
Norm Nixon
PG
6'2"
171
22
Duquesne
A consummate pro, Nixon is a point guard's point guard. He's thin, so rebounding regularly will be his downfall, and he struggles defending the post... but he's pretty good at most everything else. Scouts don't see much potential in such a refined player.
Otis Birdsong
SG
6'3"
195
22
Houston
A scoring guard with crazy hops, and stronger than he looks, Birdsong is unafraid of big men in the paint or wings bodying him up on the perimeter. That said... while he attacks the rim relentlessly... he does so out of necessity, as his jumpshot is inconsistent at best and he doesn't have three point range. Would benefit from being able to slot down to point guard, but doesn't quite have the passing chops for it. Has frustrated coaches in the past by not putting in the work to diversify his game.
Walter Davis
SF
6'6"
193
23
UNC
An older player, Davis could make immediate impact as a rookie. He profiles as a scoring guard from everywhere inside the 3pt arc. Has never really shown range or a proclivity for shooting from outside, preferring to get to his spot at the elbow to rise and shoot feathery jumpers. Draws defenders in with the shot and blows by easily for high percentage rim looks, and if teams load up too much help he picks them apart with the pass.
Marques Johnson
SF
6'7"
219
21
UCLA
A long, athletic wing... Johnson brings a variety of skills to the TMBSL. Scores efficiently inside off a variety of slashing moves and high-arcing floaters, all moving toward the rim. That movement allows him to be a beast on the offensive glass, as he is constantly in position for a 2nd jump to get tip-backs, and nets him easy assists after collapsing the defense. He alters shots regularly on the wing and can close out on jump shooters with exceptionally long arms. Solid but unspectacular jumper, hasn't shown any interest in three pointers.
Kent Benson
C
6'10"
303
23
Indiana
A massive man on the block, Benson is a solid defender. He isn't moved off his spot and holds his own against a variety of post players, focusing more on swipes than shot blocks. Focuses so heavily on defense that he has real trouble securing the defensive rebound, but his production is adequate on the other backboard.
Eddie Johnson
SG
6'2"
188
22
Auburn
"Fast Eddie" is quick off the bounce and can transition into a smooth jumper off of a variety of water-bug stepback moves, but won't step behind the three point line as effectively. Unselfish with the ball, gets past the first defender and sets up teammates regularly. His slight frame keeps him off the glass. Undersized for his position, won't block a lot of shots or come up with a lot of steals, but does an excellent job staying in front of his man. Scouts don't expect significant future growth.
Tree Rollins
C
7'1"
235
22
Clemson
Money doesn't grow on trees, but a big strong oak like Mr. Rollins will surely pay dividends in blocks and from the dunker's spot on lobs. Not great at finding open teammates when doubled in the post, and the rare pass he does make tends to be risky. His enthusiasm for blocks will lead to a high number of them... and while it tends to take him out of position for rebounds, and he tends to miss out on some defensive rebounding opportunities, he's very strong getting to tip ins and put backs, and his reliable jumper translates well to the free throw line, albeit not much further.