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(Chad Ford)
(Chad Ford)
Who's hot
John Wall, PG, Freshman, Kentucky
Wall's biggest weakness? Shooting. So what does he do? Goes 6-for-10 from behind the arc in the tournament. And about those crazy turnovers: He's sporting a 2.5:1 assist-to-turnover ratio so far. What else do you want?
Wesley Johnson, F, Junior, Syracuse
Johnson battled injuries in January and February, but he's back to full health now. He just destroyed Gonzaga with 31 points and 14 rebounds in what may have been his best game of the year. If Johnson does this the whole tournament, he'll make a very strong run at the No. 3 pick in the draft.
Al-Farouq Aminu, F, Sophomore, Wake Forest
Aminu is known as a terrific athlete. But is he a basketball player? He answered the question in a big way against Texas, doing a little bit of everything to lead Wake Forest to a win. He was less impressive versus Kentucky, and there are still questions about his ability to shoot with any range. But the last impression of Aminu was, largely, a positive one.
Eric Bledsoe, PG, Freshman, Kentucky
GMs love Bledsoe's toughness and speed, but they've questioned his offensive abilities. Bledsoe has responded by shooting the lights out his last four games including nailing 8-of-9 3s in the first round. In a draft devoid of point guards, he's making a late charge for the lottery.
Quincy Pondexter, G/F, Senior, Washington
Pondexter has had a terrific senior season. However, scouts are always a bit skeptical of seniors having breakout years and are doubly skeptical given the weak competition he faced this season. But Pondexter is now strutting his stuff on the big stage -- proving to Marquette and New Mexico that he's no fluke. Given his NBA body and athleticism, I think his stock is on the rise.
Elias Harris, F, Freshman, Gonzaga
Harris wasn't spectacular, but he was solid against two very athletic teams in Florida State and Syracuse and looked as though he belonged. He still needs some work in the skill department, but NBA coaches kill for players with his motor. He probably will stay in school another year, but if he declares, I think he secured himself a first-round pick with this tournament performance.
Jordan Crawford, G, Sophomore, Xavier
Crawford's claim to fame was dunking on LeBron James at the Nike Skills Academy this summer. He's had a terrific season for Xavier but has struggled to boost his draft stock, thanks to a number of naysayers who see him as a pretty selfish player. That may be the case, but he's reminding NBA scouts at the tournament that he's also a very talented scorer who can put points on the board in a hurry. Crawford scored 28 against Minnesota and followed with 27 against Pittsburgh. Not only is he terrific attacking the basket, he's also showing off impressive range on his jumper. Of all the players who were stuck in second-round limbo, Crawford has done the most to make his case for a serious look in the first round.
Durrell Summers, G, Junior, Michigan State
Some GMs had Summers as a potential lottery pick this summer coming off a big NCAA tournament last year. Summers has been very inconsistent all year but is picking up his game at the right time. He scorched Maryland and got those GMs buzzing again. It's all upside with Summers, but it's a big upside.
Omar Samhan, C, Senior, St. Mary's
Samhan was considered a marginal prospect coming into the tournament. Now? How do you argue with a 6-foot-11 big man who dropped 29 points and 12 rebounds on Richmond and then followed it up with 34 and 7 against Villanova. Critics (and there are plenty) will point out that Samhan has no lift and that he's played against two teams that lacked size up front. But whenever you encounter a player with his size and touch in the paint, he's going to get a serious look. Samhan may not have guaranteed himself a draft pick, but he's just booked himself a bunch of NBA workouts. If he can slim down and show a little more explosiveness in workouts, he'll suddenly get very, very popular.
Jacob Pullen, G, Junior, Kansas State
Pullen has gotten light interest from scouts all year. He's a 6-1 shooting guard, and there just isn't a lot of interest in guys like that. But his play on both sides of the ball in the tournament has reminded scouts that Pullen might be an Aaron Brooks-type player in the pros. He can really shoot with range and has quick hands. I doubt he'll declare for the draft, but at least he's on the radar.
Ryan Wittman, F, Senior, Cornell
Wittman isn't a great athlete, but the guy can really shoot. From anywhere. He can launch it from deep and has a great midrange game. His quick release should allow him to get it off in the pros. Is he that much different from Jason Kapono?
A mixed bag
Evan Turner, G, Junior, Ohio State
Turner's shot hasn't been falling, and he continues to turn the ball over at an alarming rate, but his near triple-double against Georgia Tech reminds us again that he's the most complete player in college basketball.
Derrick Favors, PF, Freshman, Georgia Tech
Do us all a favor and get out of Georgia Tech. The way his guards have ignored him all year is criminal. After a solid first game, Favors didn't score until the second half against Ohio State. Is he raw? Sure. But if he had a point guard who could get him the ball, he would dominate.
Greg Monroe, F/C, Sophomore, Georgetown
Monroe's numbers were solid against Ohio (19 points, 13 boards, six assists), but those who question Monroe's heartbeat just got more ammunition. He's too content to blend when he needs to carry. Monroe said after the game he's staying at Georgetown for another year. We'll see. His draft stock is as high as it's going to get.
Darington Hobson, G/F, Junior, New Mexico
A wrist injury kept Hobson from having the breakout performance he was hoping for. He was solid, but he didn't really make the big impact on either end of the floor that scouts were looking for.
Jordan Hamilton, F, Freshman, Texas
What was the difference between Hamilton in the first round and his play over the rest of the season? He hit more of his wild shots than he made. If this were your first time watching him, you'd fall in love. But watch the game film all year. He's every NBA coach's worst nightmare -- a talented player who thinks he's way better than he actually is right now.
Jimmer Fredette, PG, Junior, BYU
Fredette's huge game against Florida (37 points) got everyone buzzing. Not only is Fredette a dead-eye shooter, he's a relentless prober who can wiggle his way through the thinnest of seams to get to the basket. His first game had shades of Stephen Curry at Davidson two years ago. But Kansas State slowed him down considerably in the second round. More damning was Fredette's defense, or lack thereof. Some NBA scouts see him as a late first-round pick. I think late second round is more realistic.
Iman Shumpert, PG, Sophomore, Georgia Tech
Shumpert has been offensively challenged all year. He's struggled to find his range just about anywhere on the floor. But his defense? Wow. He did a remarkable job on James Anderson and Evan Turner. If he can get it going offensively as a junior, he's got the chance to be a lottery pick in 2011.
Keith Benson, C, Junior, Oakland
Benson has been putting up big numbers all year, and the tournament was no exception. He had 28 points and nine rebounds against Pittsburgh and showed off his huge upside. But don't be too fooled. He's a terrible defender and needs to add a lot of strength. Will he get some second-round love? Sure. But if he wants to crack the first round, he needs to head back to school.
Who hurt themselves
James Anderson, SG, Junior, Oklahoma State
After doing so much this season to convince skeptical GMs that he's an NBA player, he was destroyed by Iman Shumpert in the first round. Anderson looked as though he lacked the explosiveness and the ballhandling skills to excel in the league. But don't overreact yet. Anderson has been great against some very athletic backcourts (see Kansas) and this was just one game. James Harden stank up the tournament last year and still went No. 3.
Sherron Collins, PG, Senior, Kansas
Collins was terrible when Kansas needed him most. After bailing out the Jayhawks in numerous late-game situations during the season, Collins just couldn't get it done against Northern Iowa. He was pressing, taking bad shots and turning the ball over way too much. Collins almost redeemed himself in the closing seconds of the game, but Kansas fell short, and it's going to hurt him. I was joking when I said via Twitter that I'd drop him 50 spots on the Big Board. But, I think it's safe to say that any dreams Collins had of cracking the first round may have just shattered.
Damion James, F, Senior, Texas
James had a great senior season but went out with a whimper in the tournament. Why does one bad game hurt a guy who's been consistently good all season? Because scouts have wanted to see him matched up against a long, athletic forward like Al-Farouq Aminu. That's the type of guy he'll be playing against every night in the NBA. The result? Aminu looked like a lottery pick. James? Not so much.
Scottie Reynolds, PG, Senior, Villanova
Reynolds spent much of his senior year trying to prove to NBA scouts that, despite his lack of athleticism, he could be a good pro. That dream came apart in the tournament after Reynolds shot a horrific 4-for-26 from the field against Robert Morris and Saint Mary's. He forced everything and looked nothing like the player who led Villanova deep last year. These two performances could be the final nail in the coffin for Reynolds' draft stock.
Luke Harangody, PF, Senior, Notre Dame
For a guy who has been a consistent beast on the offensive end of the floor, watching Harangody score just four points against Old Dominion in the first round was a bit of a shock. He came into the season hopeful that he could convince NBA scouts that he's a first-round pick. He ends the season praying he gets drafted, period.
John Wall, PG, Freshman, Kentucky
Wall's biggest weakness? Shooting. So what does he do? Goes 6-for-10 from behind the arc in the tournament. And about those crazy turnovers: He's sporting a 2.5:1 assist-to-turnover ratio so far. What else do you want?
Wesley Johnson, F, Junior, Syracuse
Johnson battled injuries in January and February, but he's back to full health now. He just destroyed Gonzaga with 31 points and 14 rebounds in what may have been his best game of the year. If Johnson does this the whole tournament, he'll make a very strong run at the No. 3 pick in the draft.
Al-Farouq Aminu, F, Sophomore, Wake Forest
Aminu is known as a terrific athlete. But is he a basketball player? He answered the question in a big way against Texas, doing a little bit of everything to lead Wake Forest to a win. He was less impressive versus Kentucky, and there are still questions about his ability to shoot with any range. But the last impression of Aminu was, largely, a positive one.
Eric Bledsoe, PG, Freshman, Kentucky
GMs love Bledsoe's toughness and speed, but they've questioned his offensive abilities. Bledsoe has responded by shooting the lights out his last four games including nailing 8-of-9 3s in the first round. In a draft devoid of point guards, he's making a late charge for the lottery.
Quincy Pondexter, G/F, Senior, Washington
Pondexter has had a terrific senior season. However, scouts are always a bit skeptical of seniors having breakout years and are doubly skeptical given the weak competition he faced this season. But Pondexter is now strutting his stuff on the big stage -- proving to Marquette and New Mexico that he's no fluke. Given his NBA body and athleticism, I think his stock is on the rise.
Elias Harris, F, Freshman, Gonzaga
Harris wasn't spectacular, but he was solid against two very athletic teams in Florida State and Syracuse and looked as though he belonged. He still needs some work in the skill department, but NBA coaches kill for players with his motor. He probably will stay in school another year, but if he declares, I think he secured himself a first-round pick with this tournament performance.
Jordan Crawford, G, Sophomore, Xavier
Crawford's claim to fame was dunking on LeBron James at the Nike Skills Academy this summer. He's had a terrific season for Xavier but has struggled to boost his draft stock, thanks to a number of naysayers who see him as a pretty selfish player. That may be the case, but he's reminding NBA scouts at the tournament that he's also a very talented scorer who can put points on the board in a hurry. Crawford scored 28 against Minnesota and followed with 27 against Pittsburgh. Not only is he terrific attacking the basket, he's also showing off impressive range on his jumper. Of all the players who were stuck in second-round limbo, Crawford has done the most to make his case for a serious look in the first round.
Durrell Summers, G, Junior, Michigan State
Some GMs had Summers as a potential lottery pick this summer coming off a big NCAA tournament last year. Summers has been very inconsistent all year but is picking up his game at the right time. He scorched Maryland and got those GMs buzzing again. It's all upside with Summers, but it's a big upside.
Omar Samhan, C, Senior, St. Mary's
Samhan was considered a marginal prospect coming into the tournament. Now? How do you argue with a 6-foot-11 big man who dropped 29 points and 12 rebounds on Richmond and then followed it up with 34 and 7 against Villanova. Critics (and there are plenty) will point out that Samhan has no lift and that he's played against two teams that lacked size up front. But whenever you encounter a player with his size and touch in the paint, he's going to get a serious look. Samhan may not have guaranteed himself a draft pick, but he's just booked himself a bunch of NBA workouts. If he can slim down and show a little more explosiveness in workouts, he'll suddenly get very, very popular.
Jacob Pullen, G, Junior, Kansas State
Pullen has gotten light interest from scouts all year. He's a 6-1 shooting guard, and there just isn't a lot of interest in guys like that. But his play on both sides of the ball in the tournament has reminded scouts that Pullen might be an Aaron Brooks-type player in the pros. He can really shoot with range and has quick hands. I doubt he'll declare for the draft, but at least he's on the radar.
Ryan Wittman, F, Senior, Cornell
Wittman isn't a great athlete, but the guy can really shoot. From anywhere. He can launch it from deep and has a great midrange game. His quick release should allow him to get it off in the pros. Is he that much different from Jason Kapono?
A mixed bag
Evan Turner, G, Junior, Ohio State
Turner's shot hasn't been falling, and he continues to turn the ball over at an alarming rate, but his near triple-double against Georgia Tech reminds us again that he's the most complete player in college basketball.
Derrick Favors, PF, Freshman, Georgia Tech
Do us all a favor and get out of Georgia Tech. The way his guards have ignored him all year is criminal. After a solid first game, Favors didn't score until the second half against Ohio State. Is he raw? Sure. But if he had a point guard who could get him the ball, he would dominate.
Greg Monroe, F/C, Sophomore, Georgetown
Monroe's numbers were solid against Ohio (19 points, 13 boards, six assists), but those who question Monroe's heartbeat just got more ammunition. He's too content to blend when he needs to carry. Monroe said after the game he's staying at Georgetown for another year. We'll see. His draft stock is as high as it's going to get.
Darington Hobson, G/F, Junior, New Mexico
A wrist injury kept Hobson from having the breakout performance he was hoping for. He was solid, but he didn't really make the big impact on either end of the floor that scouts were looking for.
Jordan Hamilton, F, Freshman, Texas
What was the difference between Hamilton in the first round and his play over the rest of the season? He hit more of his wild shots than he made. If this were your first time watching him, you'd fall in love. But watch the game film all year. He's every NBA coach's worst nightmare -- a talented player who thinks he's way better than he actually is right now.
Jimmer Fredette, PG, Junior, BYU
Fredette's huge game against Florida (37 points) got everyone buzzing. Not only is Fredette a dead-eye shooter, he's a relentless prober who can wiggle his way through the thinnest of seams to get to the basket. His first game had shades of Stephen Curry at Davidson two years ago. But Kansas State slowed him down considerably in the second round. More damning was Fredette's defense, or lack thereof. Some NBA scouts see him as a late first-round pick. I think late second round is more realistic.
Iman Shumpert, PG, Sophomore, Georgia Tech
Shumpert has been offensively challenged all year. He's struggled to find his range just about anywhere on the floor. But his defense? Wow. He did a remarkable job on James Anderson and Evan Turner. If he can get it going offensively as a junior, he's got the chance to be a lottery pick in 2011.
Keith Benson, C, Junior, Oakland
Benson has been putting up big numbers all year, and the tournament was no exception. He had 28 points and nine rebounds against Pittsburgh and showed off his huge upside. But don't be too fooled. He's a terrible defender and needs to add a lot of strength. Will he get some second-round love? Sure. But if he wants to crack the first round, he needs to head back to school.
Who hurt themselves
James Anderson, SG, Junior, Oklahoma State
After doing so much this season to convince skeptical GMs that he's an NBA player, he was destroyed by Iman Shumpert in the first round. Anderson looked as though he lacked the explosiveness and the ballhandling skills to excel in the league. But don't overreact yet. Anderson has been great against some very athletic backcourts (see Kansas) and this was just one game. James Harden stank up the tournament last year and still went No. 3.
Sherron Collins, PG, Senior, Kansas
Collins was terrible when Kansas needed him most. After bailing out the Jayhawks in numerous late-game situations during the season, Collins just couldn't get it done against Northern Iowa. He was pressing, taking bad shots and turning the ball over way too much. Collins almost redeemed himself in the closing seconds of the game, but Kansas fell short, and it's going to hurt him. I was joking when I said via Twitter that I'd drop him 50 spots on the Big Board. But, I think it's safe to say that any dreams Collins had of cracking the first round may have just shattered.
Damion James, F, Senior, Texas
James had a great senior season but went out with a whimper in the tournament. Why does one bad game hurt a guy who's been consistently good all season? Because scouts have wanted to see him matched up against a long, athletic forward like Al-Farouq Aminu. That's the type of guy he'll be playing against every night in the NBA. The result? Aminu looked like a lottery pick. James? Not so much.
Scottie Reynolds, PG, Senior, Villanova
Reynolds spent much of his senior year trying to prove to NBA scouts that, despite his lack of athleticism, he could be a good pro. That dream came apart in the tournament after Reynolds shot a horrific 4-for-26 from the field against Robert Morris and Saint Mary's. He forced everything and looked nothing like the player who led Villanova deep last year. These two performances could be the final nail in the coffin for Reynolds' draft stock.
Luke Harangody, PF, Senior, Notre Dame
For a guy who has been a consistent beast on the offensive end of the floor, watching Harangody score just four points against Old Dominion in the first round was a bit of a shock. He came into the season hopeful that he could convince NBA scouts that he's a first-round pick. He ends the season praying he gets drafted, period.
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