Our first NBA Draft Stock Report of the 2010-2011 college basketball season checks in on which players have made a name for themselves early in the season; either helping or hurting their future draft position. Click here for The Sports Bank’s 2011 NBA Mock Draft.
By: David Kay
BUY:
Jordan Hamilton, SF/SG, Texas, Soph.
As a freshman coming off the bench last season, Hamilton showed flashes of his potential. Now in a more prominent role for the Longhorns, Hamilton has elevated his game early in the season going for 26 points and 10 boards against Navy and 19 and 4 versus Louisiana Tech. He is a pure scorer in every sense of the phrase and if he can show a prowess in other area of his games as the season progresses, he could very easily be a lottery pick in the 2011 Draft.
Terrence Jones, F, Kentucky, Fr.
The NCAA’s decision to not allow Enes Kanter to play this season puts even more weight on Jones’ shoulders this season. The freshman answered the bell in his collegiate debut with 25 points and 12 rebounds (he should have scored more but missed seven of his ten free throw attempts.) His versatility of playing inside or out on the perimeter makes his very attractive for the next level. And as long as Kanter remains ineligible, Jones will see plenty of minutes for the Wildcats.
Jordan Williams, PF/C, Maryland, Soph.
First and foremost, Williams looks like he has slimmed down and done some serious work in toning up his body this off-season. He scored 63 points and grabbed 41 points through two games. Williams has an Omar Samhan-like game in that he has a tremendous feel for scoring the ball around the basket. But like Samhan, a lack of athleticism and explosiveness could hold him back in reaching the NBA. Plus, he is probably closer to 6-8 than his listed 6-10. Only a sophomore though, Williams has time to fine tune his game and is somebody to keep an eye out for this season.
Chris Singleton, F, Florida State, Jr.
A 22 point, 11 rebound, 10 steal, six assist, four block performance in the ‘Noles opener might be the most impressive stat line of the early college basketball season. Singleton is not the most polished offensive player, but is one of the best defenders in the country. If the offense comes this season, that is a huge bonus that would most likely solidify his status as a first round pick.
SELL:
Fab Melo, C, Syracuse, Fr.
In his first two college games, Melo has played 31 minutes but only has six points, seven rebounds, zero blocks, and TEN FOULS! If you are a seven-footer playing in the middle of a 2-3 zone and you foul out of your first two games, I have one word for you; PROJECT. Barring miraculous growth and development throughout the season, no chance he is one-and-done.
Denzel Bowles, F/C, James Madison, Sr.
I was intrigued to see this big man play against high level competition when the Dukes visited Kansas State. Bowles just did not show up though. He was not at assertive on the offensive end and looked like he was simply going through the motions. I know he is a better player than what he showed against K-State, but any scout watching Bowles for the first time Friday night would come away extremely unimpressed.
David Kay is a senior feature NBA Draft, NBA, and college basketball writer for the Sports Bank. He also heads up the NBA and college basketball material at Walter Football.com and The Washington Times Communities. You can follow him on Twitter at DavidKay_TSB.