I'm interested in seeing how Rodney Stuckey does. I've seen him play a few times and the guy has some serious skills. He's a good kid, too so I hope he can have a successful career.
Completely forgot about Stuckey. I don't know about him being a "good kid" though, he seems real up himself. Maybe it's just me though.
I thought I should put some thought into it this time.
1. Kevin Durant - I seriously wasn't suprised with his freshman season, been watching this guy for a long time and he has shown some serious skill for a while now. I will definately be watching alot more Sonics games next season. Please Kevin, eat something and get in the weight room though.
2. Thad Young - If he can get his right hand under control and polish his handle, I think alot of people will be suprised with him. I can't believe some mock drafts had him in the mid 20's. Way to much of a talent to go that low, but can he put it together? By the way, this guy went from a center in high school to a wing at G Tech, so it's not like he's been working on his handle for ages with no results.
3. Jeff Green - Is there anything he can't do? Only G Town players I'm interested in is he and DaJuan Summers, who should be in the draft next year. Green can rebound, defend, score, pass, etc. He's a bit like Lamar Odom. If he lands on a team where he can contribute right away he could have one hell of a rookie statline.
4. Javaris Crittenton - He's either gonna make every team that passed on him look stupid, or he's gonna make the team that drafted him look stupid. No middle ground. I don't see Javaris just being 'solid', I think he's either gonna be really good or really bad. Has all the skills you want in a point guard, just needs to work on his perimeter shot and make smarter decisions.
5. Al Thornton - I talked with Michael Joiner (ex FSU player) at a Rams game (local team) about Al and I was amazed by some of the stuff he was saying. I think Michael was a senior when Al was a freshman, but I'm not sure. Anyway, sounds like Al is as athletic as they come. Possibly the second coming of Shawn Marion.
6. Nick Young - Seems like a great guy despite all he's been through. Always smiling and laughing, the team that gets him will have one hell of a teammate and player. It's hard not to like a guy that's been through so much and is still smiling and living his dream. Could have a Josh Howard like impact, though I think Nick is an even better scorer.
7. Demetris Nichols - I'm 99% sure his stock will rise considerably after he works out with some NBA teams and plays at the pre draft camp. Fantastic shooter, he's got length and size for the SF, good rebounder, good defender, he can do alot of stuff. Could eventually become another Rashard Lewis type, in my opinion a steal waiting to happen.
8. Ron Lewis - A cool guy that I really hope makes it in the league. Not exceptionally great at anything but should be a solid role player if he finds the right team. I'm worried his size may hurt him, but I really hope he finds his way onto an NBA roster.
9. Daequan Cook - Should go alot higher than many mock drafts have him, probably mid first round. Can do so many things on the floor, but I think his career will be alot like Javaris Crittenton's, he will either be very good or very bad. I haven't seen enough of him to really say, but could he eventually become a poor mans Dwyane Wade type? Seems like he has all the tools to do so.
10. Yi Jianlian - I was skeptical when I first heard about Yi, but I am really starting to like the guy. He's a 7 foot small forward, he's got a great handle (especially for his size), he's explosive, quick, etc. He will cause big matchup problems in the league. If he lives up to his potential he could be one hell of a player, like a more mobile, more athletic Dirk Nowitzki, just not as much of a shooter.
11. Rodney Stuckey - Seriously, on the right team he could lead rookies in scoring. If he gets decent playing time he will have a real nice statline and make one of the All Rookie teams. Just does everything stat-wise you want in a guard, he'll get you rebounds, assists, steals, points. Size could be a big factor though, his main thing is scoring and he could find it very tough playing against top level competition and being undersized.
Others: Gabe Pruitt, Sean Williams, Avis Wyatt, Marcus Williams, Alando Tucker.
I'm really looking forward to the upcoming NCAA season though, next years draft is also gonna be really good. Just remember - Donte Greene.