By: David Kay
Either you’re in or you’re out. The 2010 NBA Draft class is set in stone. Saturday night was the deadline for underclassmen to withdraw their name and decide to return to school if they had not hired an agent. 25 of the 80 players who originally declared chose to pull their names out of the draft meaning 55 underclassmen are in for good. Translation: a lot of young men are going to be incredibly disappointed draft night and receiving some terrible career advice.
Solomon Alabi, C, Florida State, Soph.
Size is always attractive to NBA teams so you cannot blame Alabi for putting his name in the draft. However, his offensive game is still a massive work in progress and I think he is making a mistake. I would not be surprised if he slipped into the second round but had he returned to school and continued to work on his offensive game, he could have been a mid-first round pick next year..
Cole Aldrich, C, Kansas, Jr.
He figures to be a lottery pick and certainly will not fall out of the top twenty which makes his decision fairly easy especially since all he has accomplished at Kansas. He will be one of the top true centers taken in the draft.
Al-Farouq Aminu, SF, Wake Forest, Soph.
Aminu likely would have been a lottery pick last season and assured that high ranking by returning to Wake this season. I would have been shocked if he would have returned to school as he pretty much a top-ten lock.
James Anderson, SG, Oklahoma State, Jr.
It makes perfect sense for the Big 12 Player of the Year to declare for the draft. He is a surefire first round pick who could go as high as the mid-teens. Anderson is a great scoring guard who can make it rain from deep. His athleticism is not at the elite NBA level which could drop him into the twenties.
Click here for an in-depth profile on Anderson.
Luke Babbitt, SF, Nevada, Soph.
Babbitt is an extremely talented offensive player who can shoot the rock and is in the draft for good. He is likely a first round pick but in a fairly heavy class of small forwards who are projected to go in the twenties, but could fall into the second round.
Armon Bassett, G, Ohio, Jr.
The former Indiana transfer stepped back onto the national scene by helping lead the Bobcats to a first round upset of Georgetown. He likely would have returned for his senior season but was arrested for assault and really had no choice but to stay in the draft since he likely would have been dismissed from Ohio.
Eric Bledsoe, PG, Kentucky, Fr.
I would have liked to see Bledsoe return to Kentucky and have a year of being the alpha dog of the backcourt rather than being John Wall’s sidekick. You cannot blame him for turning pro as he should be a first round pick (his stock is reportedly all over the board but I wouldn’t be shocked if he landed in the mid-first round.) Experience will be the issue as he goes to the next level.
Dee Bost, PG, Mississippi State, Soph.
I was impressed by Bost the few times I saw him play this season. He is extremely quick but needs to be a better decision maker and shooter. He is in the draft for good which is probably a mistake since he may go undrafted.
Craig Brackins, PF, Iowa State, Jr.
Brackins is probably kicking himself. Had he of declared for the draft last summer, he could have been a late-lottery pick. However, after a less than stellar junior season, the Cyclone power forward is now in danger of falling into the second round. It is still very likely he ends up hearing his name called in the twenties, but this could be a great example of how returning to school can really hurt your stock.
Avery Bradley, G, Texas, Fr.
I think Bradley is making a mistake. He is a combo guard who has not shown the ability to run the point and is not a great outside shooter which seems to be what gets combo guards drafted. Yes, he is a tremendous athlete, lock down defender, and good shooter; but he’s 6-2. What NBA two-guards is he going to shut down? Still, he is worth a late first round pick, but I don’t think he will be off the board until the mid-late twenties, possibly even slipping into the second round.
Derrick Caracter, PF, UTEP, Jr.
Caracter used his one year at UTEP to re-emerge onto the national scene. He is reportedly set on entering the draft which might be a mistake as there is no real chance of him being a first round pick. He is a bruiser down low, but there are still questions about his character (pun intended) dating back to his freshman season at Louisville.
DeMarcus Cousins, C, Kentucky, Fr.
He was a man among boys down low in the college game and will be a top-five pick which makes it a no-brainer for him to turn pro. Talent is not the issue with Cousins, it’s whether or not his attitude improves or if he continues down the path of being a head case that will determine his success at the next level.
Jordan Crawford, SG, Xavier, Soph.
After blowing up in the NCAA Tournament, Crawford’s stock began to soar. His ability to score should secure a first round pick in my opinion, though other draft “experts” think he will be an early second round pick.
Click here for an in-depth profile of Crawford.
Ed Davis, PF, North Carolina, Soph.
A season-ending injury derailed Davis’ season late in the year but he is still declaring for the draft. He did not have the breakout season that most scouts were expecting but will still be a lottery pick.
Paul Davis, PF, Winston-Salem State, Jr.
He’s 6-9, 185 pounds. The NBA doesn’t need a lot of power forwards like that.
Devin Ebanks, SF, West Virginia, Soph.
He is all over draft boards as I could see him going as high as the late-lottery but would not be surprised if he fell to the late-twenties. His athleticism and defense are his strong traits, but his inconsistent outside shooting is what will hurt his stock.
Click here to see why Ebanks is a draft wild card.
Derrick Favors, PF, Georgia Tech, Fr.
The Yellow Jacket big man had a solid, but not spectacular freshman season. However, his potential is as great as any player in this draft. He is an intimidating physical presence who should only get better and better as he matures. Favors will not fall out of the top five.
Click here to see why Favors is the top big man in the draft.
Courtney Fortson, PG, Arkansas, Soph.
My confused face when I saw Fortson declared said it all. At first, it was expected that he was not going to hire an agent, but he has done so eliminating any possibility of returning to school. He turns 22 in May so he is probably getting antsy about making some money. Unfortunately for Fortson, he will likely go undrafted and end up in the D-League or in Europe.
Keith “Tiny” Gallon, F/C, Oklahoma, Fr.
With an ongoing investigation into Gallon possibly accepting $3,000 from a Florida financial investor, Gallon has apparently decided to flee Norman rather than deal with the possible consequences. He was extremely inconsistent in his only season at Oklahoma and has battled weight issues in his young career. I hope he is okay with playing in the NBDL or overseas.
Charles Garcia, F, Seattle U, Jr.
Garcia burst onto the scene after landing at Seattle via junior college. Despite coming back to earth during the second half of the season, Garcia threw his name into the draft for good. He is versatile talent, but the fact that he only played one year of Division One college basketball at a smaller school and recent questions about his attitude likely means he will fall into the second round unless a team decides to take a chance on him late in the first.
Paul George, SF, Fresno State, Soph.
More proof that social media is taking over the world; George made his intentions known that he was going to enter the draft via twitter and has since signed with an agent meaning his days at Fresno State are over. There is no questioning George’s athleticism, but he still raw in terms of his overall game. Yet his potential could earn him a spot in the late-first round but he could just as easily fall into the second.
Manny Harris, G, Michigan, Jr.
I can’t really blame Harris for declaring. His game has not evolved that much during his three years at Michigan and the Wolverines don’t show any signs of improving next season. Shooting the ball is not his forte, but Harris can get to the rim and excels in transition. He is more than likely a second round pick, but could possibly receive a wake-up call and go undrafted.
Click here to see if Harris made the right decision by going pro.
Gordon Hayward, SF, Butler, Soph.
After the Bulldogs run to the NCAA Championship Game this year, Hayward’s stock blew up. He is pretty much a guaranteed first round pick who could go as high as the late lottery. I am not that sold on him though.
Xavier Henry, SG, Kansas, Fr.
“X” as Brent Musberger called him this season, will likely be a late lottery pick. He had an up-and-down freshman season but showed enough to warrant being the first one-and-done player in Jayhawk history.
Darington Hobson, G/F, New Mexico, Jr.
I really like Hobson’s game and thinks it translates well to the next level due to his versatility. Still, he is a borderline first round pick which makes his decision to stay in the draft a risky one.
Armon Johnson, PG, Nevada, Jr.
Johnson has signed an agent and is in for good. In a weak class of point guards, it is not a bad idea. He could be a late first-round pick but more than likely slips into the second round.
Wesley Johnson, SF, Syracuse, Jr.
Johnson made the absolute most of his lone season at Syracuse, proving he was one of the most versatile players in college basketball. His decision to turn pro was expected as he figures to go anywhere from 3rd to 8th in the draft.
Dominique Jones, G, South Florida, Jr.
Jones is gifted scorer and a great creator, but due to his lack of outstanding athleticism and status as a combo guard, there is no guarantee of him being a first round pick.
Mac Koshwal, PF, DePaul, Jr.
I have had Koshwal in my 2010 Mock Draft since the beginning of the year so this move comes as no surprise to me. He tested the waters last summer which means he is in for good. Playing on a crappy team with crappy players, it is hard to get a solid read on his game, but he is physical and skilled down low and could be a second round sleeper.
Click here for an in-depth profile of Koshwal.
Sylven Landesberg, SG, Virginia, Soph.
After being suspended near the end of the season due to academic reasons, Landesberg decided to leave Virginia and pursue a professional career. He is not ready to contribute in the NBA, but still has plenty of potential. A team will likely take a second round flier on Landesberg and let him develop in the D-League or overseas for a year or two.
Gani Lawal, PF, Georgia Tech, Jr.
Since Lawal testing the waters last year and pulled his name out, he is in for good. He should be taken in the late-first round possibly sneaking into the late-teens. Lawal will bring his physicality to the next level but probably figures to be more of an energy guy off the bench at the next level.
Click here to see why Lawal benefited from testing the waters last year.
Tommy Mason-Griffin, PG, Oklahoma, Fr.
Our first “what the hell is he thinking” decision of the draft. Mason-Griffin was not happy at Oklahoma and chose to leave school and turn pro rather than try to transfer. Down the line, there would be a chance of him being able to play at the next level. Right now, he is not near ready. It is highly unlikely that he gets drafted and will probably end up overseas or in the NBDL.
Elijah Millsap, SG, UAB, Jr.
Paul’s younger brother had an outstanding first season after transferring to UAB, but is not a first round prospect at this point. Yet he still decided to stick in the draft because he is receiving his degree this season and turns 23 in August.
Greg Monroe, PF, Georgetown, Soph.
Monroe was one of the last major players to declare for the draft which comes as no surprise since he should be a top ten lock. His versatility for a big is very attractive to NBA teams and he should be able to come in right away and be a solid contributor on whichever team takes him.
Arnett Moultrie, PF, UTEP, Soph.
At first, Moultrie declared for the draft to test the waters. However, new UTEP coach Tim Floyd pretty much told the Miner sophomore that he was not welcomed back for his junior season. Rather than returning to college, having to sit out a season, and transfer, Moultrie is staying in the draft. He is loaded with athleticism and potential but still has a way to go in developing. He is a likely second round pick.
A.J. Ogilvy, C, Vanderbilt, Jr.
The big Aussie is in for good as he will hire an agent. Mistake. Ogilvy has been a bit of a disappointment since a great freshman year and will certainly not be a first round pick, and possibly could not be drafted at all. Dumb move on his part.
Daniel Orton, C, Kentucky, Fr.
Of the five Kentucky players declaring, this is the one I disagree with. Despite having an NBA-ready body, Orton is a still a raw talent on the offensive end and will likely ride the pine for a year or two. Due to his potential though, he will still be a first round pick possibly going as high as the late lottery. I think he should have returned to the ‘Cats and become more of a threat on the offensive end guaranteeing himself a likely top ten pick in 2011.
Patrick Patterson, PF, Kentucky, Jr.
Patterson is getting his degree from Kentucky this spring so there is no real reason for him to return for his senior season. He should be a mid-late lottery pick depending on which power forwards declare and is ready to contribute on whichever team drafts him right away.
Eniel Polynice, SG, Mississippi, Jr.
Polynice has one year of eligibility remaining on the court but graduates this semester so you cannot blame him for putting his name in the draft. He doesn’t have much buzz around him and will most likely go undrafted.
Samardo Samuels, PF, Louisville, Soph.
Here is what I originally wrote about Samuels declaring for the draft, but not hiring an agent; “He is nowhere near a first round lock and should get comfortable with the idea that he will be returning to Louisville or heading overseas.” Instead, he is in for good. It’s a mistake in that he will likely go undrafted, but he could make some nice money overseas to help his family in Jamaica which seems to be the purpose of him leaving school.
Larry Sanders, F/C, VCU, Jr.
The VCU junior has been on the NBA radar since last season and is pretty much a first round lock due to his tremendous rebounding and shot blocking abilities.
Lance Stephenson, SG, Cincinnati, Fr.
You cannot blame a young man for choosing to turn pro because he needs to support his family. Stephenson’s stock seems to be all over the board with some people thinking he will fall into the second round. I really like Stephenson’s potential and think his ability translates better to the NBA game (aka why his nickname is “Born Ready.”)
Lazar Trifunovic, F, Radford, Jr.
There is another Lazar in college basketball besides Marquette’s Hayward?
Evan Turner, G/F, Ohio State, Jr.
Duh. Although why is he not hiring an agent yet? He will be a top-three pick.
Click here for numerous profiles/interviews/articles on Turner.
Ekpe Udoh, PF, Baylor, Jr.
Udoh made a huge impact in his first year at Baylor after sitting out a year transferring from Michigan. He is already 23 years old and likely a late lottery pick so it makes complete sense for him to enter the draft.
John Wall, PG, Kentucky, Fr.
Duh, Part 2. Despite what people may write in the time leading up to the draft, Wall will be the first overall pick. Debate it all you want, but there is no question in my mind.
Willie Warren, G, Oklahoma, Soph.
The Sooner sophomore had an injury-plagued, disappointing season but is declaring for the draft and hiring an agent. Heading into the season, Warren had the potential of being a top-five pick, but now he figures to be taken anywhere from the late first round to second round. He could be one of the wild cards of the draft.
Quinton Watkins, G, San Diego State, Fr.
Originally a Illinois recruit, Watkins never qualified academically and ended up at San Diego State. Only thing is he never played a game for the Aztecs as he left the program for family reasons. So as far as I can tell, Watkins, who was a high school grad in 2007 has not played a single college game. Hmmm…
C.J. Webster, PF, San Jose State, Jr.
Webster’s decision to stay in the draft stems from his fiancée giving birth in February. However, Webster didn’t even start at San Jose State and really has no chance of being drafted..
Terrico White, SG, Ole Miss, Soph.
Scouts were expecting a breakout season from White, who at one point early in the season was a mid-lottery pick in my 2010 mock draft. However, the Rebel sophomore failed to blossom as hoped. Still, he has the skill set to be taken in the first round, but that is not a guarantee. He may have been better off returning for his junior season and showing more consistency, thus vaulting him into the lottery in 2011.
Hassan Whiteside, C, Marshall, Fr.
Whiteside came from out of nowhere to be a dominant big man in Conference USA and in the process, pretty much guaranteeing himself a spot in this summer’s lottery. He is a great shot blocker and has shown the ability to step away from the basket, but there are some concerns about his drive. I am not sure that he is a major contributor right away, but he is loaded with upside.
Elliot Williams, G, Memphis, Soph.
Williams is in for good as he decided to sign an agent. He was the model of consistency for the Tigers this season and should be a first round pick. My real question is whether or not he is a two-guard in the NBA or will have to learn to play the point.
Stevy Worah-Ozimo, PF, Slippery Rock, Jr.
Next…
Jahmar Young, SG, New Mexico State, Jr.
After being arrested in mid-April, Young has decided to hire an agent and stay in the draft for good (probably because he was not wanted back by the Aggies after his incident.) He will likely go undrafted and have to play in the NBDL or overseas.
WITHDRAWN FROM THE DRAFT:
Lavoy Allen, PF, Temple, Jr.
Kevin Anderson, PG, Richmond, Jr.
Talor Battle, PG, Penn State, Jr.
Keith Benson, C, Oakland, Jr.
Anatoly Bose, SF, Nicholls State, Jr.
Carlon Brown, SG, Utah, Jr. (transferring to Colorado)
Mike Davis, PF, Illinois, Jr.
Malcolm Delaney, PG, Virginia Tech, Jr.
Kenneth Faried, PF, Morehead State, Jr.
Jimmer Fredette, G, BYU, Jr.
Anthony Gurley, SG, UMass, Jr.
Jeremy Hazell, SG, Seton Hall, Jr.
Adnan Hodzic, F/C, Lipscomb, Jr.
JaJuan Johnson, PF, Purdue, Jr.
Ravern Johnson, SF, Mississippi State, Jr.
Cameron Jones, G, Northern Arizona, Jr.
Kenny Lawson, PF, Creighton, Jr.
Demetri McCamey, PG, Illinois, Jr.
E’Twaun Moore, SG, Purdue, Jr.
Rico Pickett, SG, Manhattan, Jr.
Herb Pope, PF, Seton Hall, Soph.
Jeff Robinson, SF, Seton Hall, Jr.
John Sloan, PG, Huntingdon (Al), Jr.
Tracy Smith, PF, N.C. State, Jr.
Alex Tyus, F, Florida, Jr.
Chris Wright, SF, Dayton, Jr.