10. Russell Robinson
Hey if Chris Duhon and Chris Quinn can stay in the league then Robinson and his smothering on-the-ball defense has a shot. Granted he’s limited offensively (so is Duhon) and probably won’t get drafted but he’s as good as Duhon.
9. Pat Calathes
The older brother of Florida freshman stud Nick Calathes has flown under the radar until his senior season at St. Joe’s where his ball skills are starting to shine. Pat stands 6’11 but is able to put the ball on the floor like a guard because of a growth spurt in high school and college that helped him grow a foot. Using these point guard skills and perimeter abilities has given Calathes the ability to be a sleeper in June’s draft.
8. Kentrell Gransberry
The South Florida big man is an absolute stud on the boards and his wide body is tough to stop in the post. His lack of athleticism rings an alarm for some GM’s, but money and the draft is the ultimate motivator to shed the baby fat and hit the treadmill (look at Deron Williams). Anybody who can rebound as well as Gransberry will get some looks.
7. DeVon Hardin
The Cal center is ridiculously athletic, but sometimes has a hard time staying focused. He’s played solid games against big name players like Michael Beasley, and also had a supposed first round guarantee from the Pistons last year but chose to come back for a senior year. He’s a perplexing prospect who could move into the first round, but the lack of production in college will hurt him.
6. Shan Foster
Although probably a one-dimensional pro, the Vanderbilt senior is an unbelievable shooter who can knock down contested shots from anywhere. He’s also young for a senior (turns 22 in August) and has been in a ton of big games where he had great performances. Probably not an ideal first round pick, but Foster should crack a rotation as a shooter somewhere.
5. Kyle Weaver
Weaver came from the offensively slow Washington State program, but his offensive capabilities and intelligence are top notch. Similar to Alando Tucker and Mardy Collins, Weaver doesn’t put up big numbers, but knows how to play the game and will grasp the concept of an NBA offense, and be able to defend from Day 1. The big problem with Weaver could be his shot and how he is able to put up points, but he is crafty enough to figure it out.
4. Jason Thompson
One of my favorite college players, Thompson comes from a small conference team (Rider) but has big time abilities. His skills are phenomenal for a 6’11 player, but Thompson has problems using his abilities to create mismatches. He would be Don Nelson’s wet dream if a team like Golden State were able to get him. Nellie would throw him inside, and outside and probably have him play point (just kidding, but with Don Nelson, do you ever really know?)
3. Courtney Lee
Lee might be the best NBA senior prospect behind Roy Hibbert, but the silky smooth wing can score from a variety of places. His outside shot, his mid-range game and his penetration are all NBA ready and Lee put up great numbers despite being unselfish almost to a fault. Although Stephon Curry got all the headlines for leading Davidson to the Elite Eight (and rightfully so) Lee’s performance helped Western Kentucky reach the Sweet 16.
2. J.J. Hickson
J.J. is the most talented player on this list, but he is still being projected late first round or early second round. He has the talent to be a lottery pick, but played for a dysfunctional North Carolina State program where he seemed to clash with his coaches. I got a chance to watch Hickson first hand last year in the Roundball Classic practices and Hickson was able to dominate NBA darlings Kevin Love and DeAndre Jordan on a regular basis. Don’t be surpised if Hickson crawls up the board after workouts.
1. Lester Hudson
Ah yes, the ULTIMATE sleeper. I first found out about Hudson after he recorded the first quadruple double in NCAA Division 1 history in just his THIRD COLLEGE GAME. Hudson is a junior at Tennessee-Martin, but took a long time to get there after spending time playing street ball in Memphis and finally enrolling at a local junior college when he turned 21. Now the 23 year old fairy tale could very well be a first round pick after being in the top 10 in the nation in scoring, steals, and three-pointers. The 6-3 combo can score on anybody, has an uncanny ability in passing lanes (although he probably gambles too much), and shoots well from deep. You will probably hear Hudson’s story all over ESPN come draft time (if he declares, which is likely), but don’t say I didn’t warn you.
1 comment:
For what it's worth, which one of these sleepers can help the sagging bulls. Maybe all of them, if only we can. What the team needs is a good scoring threat inside to help open the outside game. And a Kevin love could help. I feel that we were spoiled by the six championships when we had the dream team. Oh how I wish we could bring back time, and enjoy the days when gas was under a 1.50 and watching the bulls run the leauge. But hopefully all it would take is to find that sleeper, and let the team run and gun.
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