By: David Kay
Here is a look at which college basketball players have helped or hurt their draft stock in the past couple weeks.
Click here for David’s 2010 mock draft. Click here for prospect scouting reports.
BUY:
Greivis Vasquez, G, Maryland, Sr.
The Terps are very quietly one game back of Duke in the ACC standings with a monster showdown in Maryland scheduled for Wednesday. Vasquez has been the driving force behind that. He dropped 41 points in a double-overtime win against Virginia Tech (granted he took 33 shots) and added six boards and seven assists. Vasquez is a combo guard with a great feel for the game and at 6-6 has good size for the next level. Most mock drafts, including mine, have him as a second round pick but if he puts up a good showing in the ACC and NCAA Tournaments he could work his way into the late first round.
James Anderson, SG, Oklahoma State, Jr.
31 points, 12 boards in a win against Baylor. 27 points, 8 rebounds in the Cowboys upset victory against top-ranked Kansas. If that doesn’t get scout’s attention I am not sure what will. He is an NBA level scorer with his ability to stroke it from the outside and improvement off the bounce. Anderson has great size at 6-6 and should be climbing in the first round. At this point, I would not be surprised if he gets taken in the lottery.
Kemba Walker, PG, UConn, Soph.
Walker has been sensational in the Huskies’ late push for an NCAA Tournament bid. Turnovers were a major Achilles’ heel for him earlier in the season, but he has done a much better job of playing under control as of late. He scored 29 in a win at Villanova and 28 in Sunday’s loss to Louisville. Walker’s pull-up jump shot is the key to his success on offense and his quickness and ability to drive to the basket helps set it up. In a draft class very thin on point guard prospects, Walker could be a top-20 pick if he declares. I think he will return to UConn for his junior season, but he will have a decent amount to think about before making that decision.
Andy Rautins, SG, Syracuse, Sr.
If you haven’t noticed this season, Rautins has much game than just a spot-up three point assassin. His defense has improved dramatically in the past year and he has outstanding court vision as a passer. Rautins doesn’t have the ideal size, strength, or quickness for the next level, but he is such an intelligent player and the NBA is always in need of sharp-shooters. Don’t be surprised if he finds his way into the second round of my next mock draft. Even if he doesn’t get drafted, expect him to get several summer league shots. If that doesn’t work, he will be a terrific pro overseas.
SELL:
Robbie Hummel, SF, Purdue, Jr.
Not that there was any real risk of him going pro this summer, but after suffering a season-ending ACL injury, it is now a certainty Hummel will return to Purdue for his senior season. It will be a long journey back for him and depending how rehab goes, he could miss the start of next season which will hinder his stock. (Click here to read more on Hummel’s injury and how it effects the Boilermakes NCAA Tournament expectations.)
Solomon Alabi, C, Florida State, Soph.
Alabi just has not progressed this season like I thought he would. In his last four games, the 7-1 center is averaging just 6.5 points and 2.8 boards a game. He is getting taken out of my next 2010 mock draft and the choice should be pretty obvious for him to return to FSU and improve his all-around game. If Alabi does declare, he is still likely a first round pick because of his size and potential but will probably get the Hasheem Thabeet-treatement and ride pine until he is sent to the D-League.