Popular opinion will tell you that if you are a college basketball player and are not playing Division 1, you will not be able to play in the NBA as your next step.  There have been a few notable exceptions through the years, but the talent pool for the NBA Draft every year is almost exclusively filled with D1 players.  Luckily, there are people out there in the NBA scouting community who realize that talent can be found almost anywhere, and with an opportunity, these players can be valuable contributors at the highest level.  I am not sure how many, but I am sure it is a small amount, of my readers have heard of Whitman College and know very little about Walla Walla, Washington, other than you can amuse yourself for hours saying it over and over.  If you did know about Whitman, you would know that they had a player who had not only one of the best seasons this past year in Division 3, but one of the best seasons of any college player.  David Michaels averaged 20 points and 6 rebounds per game, while shooting 55% from the field and a remarkable 46% from 3-point range.  At 6’7 and 215 pounds, Michaels showed the ability to score on the perimeter, mid-range and long-range, and in the post, where he has advanced post skills for his size.  Michaels received validation for his skills when he was invited to compete at the Portsmouth Invitational Tournament for the best seniors in the country.  I had the chance to talk to Michaels as he prepares to graduate and head home to Las Vegas to train at Impact Basketball for upcoming NBA team workouts.  Michaels discusses his game, competing as a Division 3 player, and more:

David on choosing to attend Whitman:

“The initial thing to me was its reputation as a great academic institution.  My coach there has gotten the job late in the recruiting process, but both he and the school were highly recommended by people I trust.  The important thing to me is that not only a great place to go for basketball, it was equally great outside of playing basketball.”

David on the development of his game at Whitman:

“Playing there really instilled in me the work ethic to play the game at a higher level.  As I developed over the years, my confidence grew with my game.  I was able to work with (Assistant Coach) Stephen Garnett during the summers, and that really helped me to have the year I just had.”

David on his strengths as a player: 

“My shot is probably my biggest weapon and strength.  I can play as a big guard and be a threat on the wings, and I can be effective using my post game as well.”

David on areas he wants to improve as a player: 

“I want to keep working on improving my ballhandling skills, being able to take defenders off the dribble and attack the rim.  Overall, I want to work on my strong and weak areas – work on developing a 1-dribble jumper, and improving my foot speed to be a better defender at the next level.”

David on his experience at Portsmouth:

“It was an amazing experience and an honor to be selected.  I had the opportunity to play against some of the best players at the Division 1 level, and it gave me the chance as Division 3 player to show that I could raise my game to play with them.  Once I showed I could do it, it helped me realize that I belonged there with everyone.”

David on how he envisions his immediate role at the next level:

“I think I can definitely bring offense from the perimeter, as well as producing in the post against smaller defenders.  I will be a great teammate, compete every night, and will continue to develop my leadership skills.  It will be a new role and a new culture, so I will adjust and work effectively to be the best teammate I can be.”

David on competing as a Division 3 player:

“There are a few similarities between all the NCAA divisions.  There are definitely guys at the Division 3 level who are great players and compete at the highest levels, but didn’t get as much exposure before and during college.  I have no doubt that there are Division3 players who could compete effectively anywhere.  Portsmouth showed me a lot more about what the Division 1 game does have.  There are a lot of talented and gifted players, but the athleticism seems to be the biggest difference.”

David on what he wants teams and fans to know about him:

“I believe I can be a guy who comes in and works hard to be the best player I can be for any team.  I am motivated, I love basketball, and I love to compete.  I can help a team in any way I can, and I will do whatever it takes.  If I am given the opportunity, I will bring the energy and dedication that teams are looking for, and I can’t wait to get this started.”

I want to thank David for his time and I wish him the best of luck as he looks to fulfill his dream of getting to the NBA.  I also want to thank Jordan Brewer at Pro One Sports Management for setting up this interview.  My message here is very simple; you cannot judge a player’s ability and potential until you actually see them play.  Watch David play and then try to tell me that he doesn’t have a legitimate shot at the NBA someday – I don’t think you will be able to.

Check back in the coming weeks for more great interviews and scouting reports as we head towards the 2012 NBA Draft.  Follow me on Twitter - @NBADraftBlog – for updates, leave your comments below, or feel free to email me at ed@nbadraftblog.com

A little lesson for the fans and media out there when it comes to draft coverage – Because you see a name on the list of players who declare for the NBA Draft that you haven’t heard of, it doesn’t make their decision a “mistake” or “head-scratcher.”  Unfortunately, a variety of things often prevent players from getting the exposure that many others do.  Teams on the West Coast will often discuss what is known as “East Coast bias” in media coverage.  But what if you are even further west than the West Coast?  If you haven’t had the opportunity to watch Hawaii’s Joston Thomas play, I recommend you find some film of his game immediately.  Thomas is athletic, has a NBA-body, and has shown a great ability to score and rebound, while mostly playing far from what would be his natural position.  When you take time to put all of this together, it becomes quite clear why Thomas would make the decision to enter the NBA Draft, no matter if you don’t know him or aren’t impressed by his numbers.  Thomas would have been as impressive, or possibly more, at a higher profile program.  For now though, that’s the past; Thomas is focused firmly on the future.  I had the opportunity to catch up with Joston while he is New York training for the NBA Draft Combine being held in New Jersey May 19-20 (Joston is in the 1^st session on the 19^th).  Joston talks about his game, where he thinks he can go from here, and more:

Joston on the development of his game in college:

“I was lucky to have good coaches at both schools (College of Southern Idaho and Hawaii).  At CSI, I was playing more of the 3 or 4 spots, and in Hawaii, it was more of the 4 or 5, so I had to learn and adjust my game.  In the end, it made me a better all-around player.”

Joston on his strengths as a player: 

“I think my body is my biggest strength.  It allows me to do so many things.  At 6’7, 230, I have the ability to play inside and out and defend different positions.  Other than that, I don’t look much at strengths and weaknesses because I am always working to improve all parts of my game every day.”

Joston on the decision to enter the NBA Draft this year:

“There wasn’t one specific thing that drove me to the decision.  It came down to that I felt I was ready for the next step in development, and for me to get better, I had to play against the best.  It’s always been a childhood dream of mine to play in the NBA, and after this past season, I think I showed a lot of what is needed to do that.  I love this sport and I want to be the best I can.”

Joston on what he hopes to show teams at the Draft Combine in New Jersey:

“Specifically, I want to go in and show how far my game has come along.  I want to work hard and have fun playing the game.  When I first got to college, I was over-anxious and wasn’t enjoying playing, but I am in a much better place now.  I want to go out there and show all of the teams how complete my all-around game is, and have fun while I am doing it.  I am in a great situation and I want to take advantage of it. ”

Joston on how he envisions his immediate role at the next level:

“Anywhere I go, I can bring hard work and a lot of intensity to the team.  Not a lot of people get this opportunity, so I will give it everything I have.  Whatever a team needs me to do, I am ready to do it.”

Joston on what he wants teams and fans to know about him:

“I have a hard-working, intense attitude.  As long as I keep doing this, I know that I will always get better and my team will always get better.  I look forward to being able to show everyone what I can bring to their team and enjoy playing the game I love.”

I want to thank Joston for his time and I wish him the best of luck as he looks to fulfill his dream of getting to the NBA.  I also want to thank Pinnacle Management Corp. for setting up this interview.  A lot of fans may be wondering who Joston is, but I know the teams know who he is and they are looking forward to seeing what he can bring, especially when put in a situation where he can bring out the best in his natural ability.

Check back in the coming weeks for more great interviews and scouting reports as we head towards the 2012 NBA Draft.  Follow me on Twitter - @NBADraftBlog – for updates, leave your comments below, or feel free to email me at ed@nbadraftblog.com

As we head towards the 2012 NBA Draft, it is time to give some looks at players who are not locks to be drafted, but may have the skills and intangibles which could translate to a NBA career.  The Case For….takes a look at these players and tries to give a brief outline of what skills they have, what they are missing, and what steps would eventually lead them to the to the NBA.  This edition looks at one of college basketball’s biggest enigmas – Mississippi State big man, Renardo Sidney.  With remarkable raw ability for his size, very few players over the last few years had the word “potential” attached to them as much as Sidney.  Yet, in a brief college career, the amount of times that Sidney seemed to be making strides was greatly outnumbered by the times he seemed to regress or flat out give up.  The talent is there though, and you have to wonder if there is some team that thinks they can be the one who finally gets him on track?  Let’s look at The Case For…Renardo Sidney:

Renardo Sidney, Mississippi State, Junior, 6’10, 290

14.8 ppg, 3.8 rpg, 4.1 apg, 40.2 FG%, 78.5 FT%, 36.9 3FG%

The Good – Sidney understands the fundamentals of being a post player and has very good footwork for his size.  He uses his body well to seal off defenders and gives a big target for entry passes.  He is efficient when he has his mind set to make a move and is good at minimizing the steps and dribbles he uses.  When he decides to back you down, there aren’t many who can stop him.  Sidney has nice touch on his shot around the basket, and he understands how to use the backboard well on tough angles.  He has the ability to face up and has a decent shot from 10-15 feet, and has shown improvement with his ability to hit out to the college 3-point line.  He sees the court well and can do a good job hitting cutters and weak side shooters.  Defensively, when he uses his body well, he is tough to maneuver around in the post, forcing players into short jumpers or facing up.  Sidney does a decent job showing on pick-and-rolls, and his width can have an effect on the ballhandler trying to turn the corner.

The Bad – Effort, consistency, conditioning, attitude – all areas which have plagued Sidney since his high school days.  There have been times, like the start of this past season, when it looked like he had settled into a role with the Bulldogs, only to see regression happen quickly.   Looking at those 4 things, you see directly where it affects his game.  On both ends, he can be slow to set up and is often a few steps behind the play.  His shot selection needs to improve and he needs to be a much better rebounder for his size.  On the defensive end, he needs to be much quicker to react, both to the movements of his man and as a help defender in the lane.  Slow reaction causes too many bad fouls on his part.  Because of his conditioning, he often has to come out of games, even when he is playing well, after only 5 or 6 minute stretches.  What seems like, or can actually be, disinterest can bring the energy level down for the whole team, and if you watched the Bulldogs this season, you understand what I am talking about.

The Verdict – Saying this surprises me as much as anyone, but I really believe that a NBA team needs to take a legitimate chance on Sidney.  The raw talent is still there, and you can see flashes in almost every game, but there is some kind of disconnect which is preventing him from putting the mental and physical aspects of the game together.  But, if a team was going to make a legitimate commitment to trying to salvage what is left of his potential, I think they are going to have to go and find a way to bring him into their system immediately.  Now, this certainly doesn’t mean using a draft pick on him, though if I am a team with few needs and a late 2^nd round pick. The risk/reward potential with Sidney could be worth it.  Remember, he wasn’t exactly surrounded with quality coaching in Starkville either.  It is certainly worth more than stashing another international player who will never come over, or if they do, leave quickly because they can’t adjust. So, as of now, I don’t think Sidney will be drafted, but I know that if he at least handles his team workouts with maturity, there will be a team that sees what I do, and may even use that end of the 2^nd round pick on him.  Even if it doesn’t pan out, it is certainly a better pick than that Majok pick was last year.

Leave your comments below, email me any comments or suggestions at ed@nbadraftblog.com, and remember to follow me on Twitter - @NBADraftBlog.

Those who have been following the interviews here the last few weeks may have noticed a running theme through many of them – at the end of the day, when it comes to players ability to play the game, don’t force things like players’ heights, or wingspan, or what their college stats were.  Almost 100% of the time, they not only give you very little to determine a player’s pro ability, they often cause people to make conclusions that they shouldn’t.  No player in this year’s draft class exemplifies this more than Clemson’s Andre Young.  Mention Young to many and the first thing they will mention is that he is 5’9.  You won’t hear about his ability to hit his jumper from long range, or how he can get into the lane and finish or find open teammates, or that he is a menace on the defensive end, but that’s what you need to know about him.  This past season, Young was named to the ACC All-Defensive Team as well as being named Honorable Mention All-ACC.  Look at the names that surround him in either of those groups, and how people talk about their NBA potential, and you will start to realize why you can’t discount what Young can do.  I had the chance to talk to Young recently, as he prepares for team workouts, about his game, his doubters and much more:

Andre on how his game developed at Clemson:

“I think I became a little more aggressive as the years went on.  As a freshman, I was just looking to fit in and not step on any toes.  As my role increased, I became more assertive, and because of my increased role, my game needed to evolve.  I needed to go from a point guard worrying about running the team and getting the ball to guys, to a scorer as well.”

Andre on his strengths as a player: 

“I think my strengths are shooting the ball, being able to shoot the 3 well.  I am a smart player, a valuable asset as a point guard, and I don’t make many mistakes with the ball.  Defensively, I do a good job denying the passing lanes and getting steals.”

Andre on what parts of his game he still wants to improve:

“I always want to keep improving my ballhandling skills, continue getting better on defense and looking for more steals.  I like to be a student of the game and you can’t ever learn too much.  I spend a lot of time watching film of the elite guards, like Steve Nash and Chris Paul, looking to see what I can take from them.  I also look to see what guys who have my height have done to do well in the league, guys like Earl Boykins.  The game is always changing, so you need to be able to adapt.”

Andre on questions surrounding his height:

“At every level there will be doubters, and people who underrate me because of my height.  I don’t care what those people think.  I have proven what I can do in the ACC, one of the top college conferences.  I have heart, competitiveness, smarts, and I love to play the game.  All I can do is take what they say and use it as ammunition.”

Andre on the challenges of the ACC:

“Playing the ACC made me really develop toughness to my game and made me a smarter player.  The games are very physical, but I learned to enjoy the contact – the bumping and pushing was just part of the game.  Every night you had to bring your top game because, from top to bottom, you were always going to be challenged.”

Andre on how he envisions his immediate role at the next level:

“I can bring competitiveness and hard work every day, in games and in practices.  Whatever is required, I will do it.  I can run the team, knock down open shots, get to the basket and defend.  I know I am fully capable of bringing that to any team.”

Andre on what he wants teams and fans to know about him:

“I will bring passion to whatever team I play for.  I am willing to learn what I need and the fact that I am a competitor and hard worker won’t ever be doubted.  Also, I consider myself to be a people-person; can gel with any team and any group of teammates.  They just need to know that I will work my butt off for the team.”

I want to thank Andre for his time and I wish him the best of luck as he looks to fulfill his dream of getting to the NBA.  I also want to thank his agents, Ben and Adam Pensack of Pensack Sports Management Group, for setting up this interview.  Having the chance to see Andre play at Clemson was always fun and I think anyone who doubts his ability to play will be in for a major surprise.

Check back in the coming weeks for more great interviews and scouting reports as we head towards the 2012 NBA Draft.  Follow me on Twitter - @NBADraftBlog – for updates, leave your comments below, or feel free to email me at ed@nbadraftblog.com

At this time last season, BYU had become one of the epicenters of NBA Draft coverage.  People wanted to know more about Jimmer Fredette and how his scoring would work at the NBA level.  What went inexplicably unnoticed was how the play of Fredette’s teammates contributed to how he was able to shine.  Fast forward to this season, and basketball fans got to see the breakout season for one of those teammates.  Noah Hartsock displayed many new facets to his game when he was given the opportunity.  Hartsock nearly doubled his career high in scoring, averaging a little over 17 points a game on 56% shooting, to go with 5 rebounds.  With the ability to play around the basket or on the perimeter, Hartsock provides a coach with some unique match-up options, and the ability to fill multiple roles.  I had the chance to talk to Hartsock recently as he prepares to show NBA teams what he has to offer.  Here Hartsock discusses his game, becoming a scorer, and more:

Noah on the development of his game at BYU:

“I think the thing that developed was my competitive spirit.  Seeing Coach Rose and how competitive he was definitely made all of us want to compete for him.  That mindset definitely rubbed off on my game as well.  On the court, I was going compete as hard as I could and do what we need to win.”

Noah on his strengths as a player: 

“I am a strong knockdown shooter, being able to catch and shoot quickly from anywhere.  During my time at BYU, my role was always changing, so I have become very versatile and have learned to adapt to whatever is needed from me.”

Noah on what parts of his game he still wants to improve:

“There are always things I want to keep improving.  My overall strength – I will need to get stronger to compete and hold my own against pro players.  On the defensive end, I need to improve my footwork, being able to move my feet quicker and get out on guys faster.”

Noah on BYU’s move to the West Coast Conference last season:

“It was different, but it was really a good move for us.  It exposed to the team to a lot more different styles of play, and in learning to adjust, we all became better players.”

Noah on how his game changed in the post-Jimmer era:

“I really had to change my game a lot. Not having a guy who can go out and score 30 all the time was an adjustment.  I worked on picking up a bigger share of the scoring load, being a team leader, and focusing on finding ways for us to win games.  It wasn’t just me, everyone on the team had to take on different roles.”

Noah on how taking his LDS Mission before entering BYU affected his game:

“It made a big difference.  After not playing for 2 years and stepping into D1 basketball was tough, and I needed to get into shape quickly.  It was a positive thing though.  It definitely made me more mature, physically and mentally, entering college, and that made the adjustment somewhat easier.”

Noah on how he envisions his immediate role at the next level:

“I can come right in and be a player that can do whatever the coach needs me to do.  If they need someone to set picks and knock down shots, I can handle it.  If I went overseas, I can be a playmaker and scorer for a team.  No matter where I play, I will work with the coaches and do what’s best for the team.”

Noah on what he wants teams and fans to know about him:

“I am a guy who brings it every game, night in and night out.  I played for top level teams in high school and college, so I know what needs to be done to be a good teammate and to be successful.  I will do whatever I can to help make the team better.”

I want to thank Noah for his time and I wish him the best of luck as he looks to fulfill his dream of getting to the NBA.  I also want to thank his agents, Ben and Adam Pensack of Pensack Sports Management Group, for setting up this interview.  While many may have been surprised by the skills that Noah displayed this season, if you had paid attention, you could see the development of his game from year to year.  I am sure his development will continue and fans will get to enjoy watching him play for many years to come.

Check back in the coming weeks for more great interviews and scouting reports as we head towards the 2012 NBA Draft.  Follow me on Twitter - @NBADraftBlog – for updates, leave your comments below, or feel free to email me at ed@nbadraftblog.com

The NBA Draft Blog Scouting Report heads back to Lexington to look at another Kentucky freshman (see Anthony Davis report here) who thinks that they are ready for the next level after their NCAA Championship run.  Michael Kidd-Gilchrist was a heralded arrival out of New Jersey and he brought a unique game to the Wildcats.  Strong, tough, a good defender and a great finisher at the rim, Kidd-Gilchrist was the epitome of the “whatever the team needs” player.  There are some flaws to his game, big and small, but he has a bright career ahead of him.  However, is he really a Top 2 pick as many choose to believe?  Let’s break down Michael Kidd-Gilchrist:

Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, Kentucky – Freshman

Forward -  6'7, 232

11.9 ppg, 7.4 rpg, 1.9 apg, 49.1% FG, 74.5% FT, 25.5% 3FG

Offense

Perimeter Offense- If there is a major weakness in Kidd-Gilchrist’s game; you are immediately drawn to his perimeter shooting.  It isn’t a matter of just getting shots to fall; his form leaves him little chance of ever being a good shooter without a major change.  He does a good job getting square to the basket and he has a high release.  However, the motion from catch to release is not smooth at all.  As he takes his jumper, his legs end up too far apart, causing his upper body to try and compensate, especially when he is 15 + feet out.  His release also has a hitch, forcing a slight delay in his follow-through, which does not give him great arc or rotation and gives him little chance of hitting unless he is right on target.  If he can correct his form, Kidd-Gilchrist can be a legitimate threat from the perimeter.  He uses his dribble well to create space and knows how to use screens well to get good looks.

Ballhandling/Hands/Penetration- Kidd-Gilchrist is an above-average ballhandler for his size, doing a good job with both hands and keeping the ball close to his body and low to the ground.  He has a good hesitation move off the dribble and showed a decent crossover and spin move a few times during the season.  Most impressive is that he appears to be comfortable going to the basket using either hand, though he seems to try and go to his strong right most of the time.  He does a decent job against pressure defense, though he needs to recognize double teams/traps quicker.  He has very good hands, handles difficult passes easily, and gets a firm handle on the ball.  The key to Kidd-Gilchrist’s offensive game is his ability to get into the lane.  He is agile for his size, but uses his strength to force his way to the basket, and he doesn’t shy away from contact.  One he gets past the first defender, it is very difficult to stop him from getting to the rim, where he has the potential to be one of the strongest finishers in the game.  I was impressed with his ability to use his left to finish when the defense dictated it, and he not only finishes strong, but he knows how to use the backboard well to get good shots at an angle.  He prefers to try and take his man one-on-one in space, and he does need to work on coming off of screens tighter and turning the corner quicker.  He also needs to improve his ability to stop in the lane and put up a short jumper against good help defenders.  Right now, he is prone to unnecessary offensive fouls because he always looks to finish at the rim.  NBA players will do a better job getting to the spot, so he needs to counter that.

Rebounding/Passing- Kidd-Gilchrist is a fantastic offensive rebounder, combining strength with an ability to know where missed shots will go and get to the spot.  Fundamentally, he does most of the things you like to see from the top rebounders – he uses his body well to create space, goes strong after the ball with his arms extended, and he keeps it high until the area is clear.  He also has a great ability to go up strong and get a shot off before the defense can react, and he is athletic enough to make a play on an offensive board coming in from the perimeter.  As a passer, Kidd-Gilchrist is average.  His court vision isn’t great, and unless he makes a quick pass after he gets the ball, his focus shifts solely to trying to get to the basket.   He needs to improve his ability to look over the top from the wings and see cutters or weak-side open shooters.

Free Throw Shooting - Surprisingly, Kidd-Gilchrist is an average free throw shooter, given his difficulties outside of the basket area.  One major difference is that he is not using his legs as much, which as I noted above is the beginning of where his jumper goes wrong.  If he can raise his percentage to the 83-85% range, combined with his ability to draw contact, he can have some big scoring nights.

Defense

Perimeter Defense- Kidd-Gilchrist is a strong perimeter defender, with the ability to guard multiple positions.  He positions himself very well, stays low in front of the ball, and has very good lateral movement for his size.  His foot speed is good for the college level, but will need to be a bit quicker to guard NBA forwards.  When he is on the ball, he stays active, sees the court around him and recognizes his man’s strengths and weaknesses.  Off the ball, his positioning is good and he does a good job denying the passing lanes.  His main weakness is his recognition of screens, and making the correct choice to go over them on shooters.  Too often, he tries to use his strength to go right through a screen, but he will have difficulty doing that much in the NBA.   His reaction to closing on shooters also needs to improve a bit.

Rebounding/Blocking- As noted in the offensive rebounding section, Kidd-Gilchrist is a fantastic rebounder and should continue to be one at the next level.  Fundamentally he is sound, and his instincts are top-notch.  The one thing he will need to work on is making sure to put a body on someone and block out before he goes to get the ball.  He does it occasionally, but he should do it regularly.  Kidd-Gilchrist is also a decent shot-blocker for his size.  He picks his moments well and does a good job avoiding body contact, getting straight up and down.

Transition

Kidd-Gilchrist can be dangerous in the open floor, having some ability to push the ball up-court, though he may have more difficulty against the quicker guards in the NBA, and great instincts running the wigs and making great cuts to finish strong.  Another reason he needs to work on his jumper is to avoid transition defenders from sagging on him on the break.  The opportunities he had at Kentucky will not be the same in the NBA.

Post Play

While not expected to be a major part of his game at the next level, Kidd-Gilchrist is an efficient post player on offense, using his body well to shield the defender and having the strength to back down players who guard him.  He has decent touch around the rim, but looks often to finish strong.  Defensively, he has shown that he understands how to guard the post, and if needed, he could hold his own against many 4’s in the NBA.

Summary & Intangibles

Athleticism – Very High

BB IQ – High

Gauging Kidd-Gilchrist’s draft range has been one of the more difficult jobs I have had this season.  Popular perception has him in the Top 3, but in most cases I disagree with it.  Teams picking in the Top 4 or 5, if that is where there record dictates, usually need more than a 3^rd option offensively on their team, and in my view, that is what Kidd-Gilchrist will be in the NBA, a great 2^nd or 3^rd guy, but not a team’s top guy or the guy you build your future team around.  I think Kidd-Gilchrist will have a very good to great NBA career.  He does a lot of things very well, but without at least a decent perimeter shot, it makes the defensive game plan easier than it should be.  Again, popular opinion seems to be “he will learn to fix his shot”, but that is far from a guarantee, and a big risk to take.  However, if a team that record-wise should be near the end of the lottery jumps into the 2 or 3 spot, Kidd-Gilchrist may be exactly what the team needs to make the small jump from lottery to playoffs, and I would understand the pick.  Whoever does get him will get a hard-working team player who will bring great defense and rebounding, along with some scoring.  While he will probably go in the 2-4 range of the 1^st round, smart teams will determine his value to reflect more the 6-10 range.

Remember to leave any comments below, follow me on Twitter - @NBADraftBlog, or feel free to email me at ed@nbadraftblog.com

There is no word that is more inaccurate and misleading in basketball than the word “tweener.”  For those who don’t know it, basically it is a player who for various reasons, physically, skill wise, etc., is considered to not fit the prototypical definition of their “position.”  Rather they are considered “in between” positions.  It’s pure nonsense.  Why am I bringing this up?  All year, the #1 “negative” I heard from people talking about the draft is that someone is a “tweener”; nobody more so than Marquette’s Jae Crowder.  Crowder is not a “tweener”; he is a player who has the ability to play inside and out, can defend multiple positions, and plays with an energy which can lift any team.  So, you can’t label him a shooting guard, small forward, or anything else.  That’s not a bad thing, and any good coach out there will find multiple ways to use him on the court.  Coming off a season where he was named the Big East’s Player of the Year, he led Marquette to their second consecutive Sweet 16.  Jae is in Miami now preparing for NBA workouts, including the NBA combine being hosted by the Nets this weekend, and I had the chance to talk to him about playing at Marquette, Buzz Williams’ influence, and more:

Jae on how his game developed at Marquette:

“My game developed to another level.  Coming in from Junior College, I just wanted to be a great teammate and do whatever task I was asked to handle.  It was a new situation for me, going from the main guy to adapting to a role.  I had to learn a whole new group of skills.  Defensively, I had to really work.  The whole Marquette game focuses around playing tough defense and I needed to do my part.”

Jae on the influence of Coach Buzz Williams:

“Coach Williams helped me to mature as a man, on and off the court.  He took me in, and I will tell you, I didn’t trust him as a coach that first year.  I trusted him as a person, but I was hesitant on the court.  When we made the Sweet 16 that season, it hit me, we did everything he told us we would do, and the trust kicked in.  Going into this past season, with that trust in place, I was going to believe everything he told us.  He stuck to his word from when he recruited me, and he became a father away from home for me.”

Jae on his strengths as a player: 

“I can bring it defensively.  That’s what we are all about coming out of Marquette.  I think that being versatile on both ends of the floor is a big strength of mine also.  I can play inside-out, that’s a big key to the game.”

Jae on what parts of his game he still wants to improve:

“I want to keep improving on my perimeter skills, especially handling the ball outside.  I want to let the ball take me wherever it wants to take me, meaning allowing my dribble to create opportunities for me to score or make plays.  I am also working on becoming comfortable as a 2-guard again, which is what I was before I got to Marquette.  Hopefully I can combine that part of my game with everything I learned after that.”

Jae on how the Big East shaped how he developed as a player:

“It was not what I thought it was going to be, it was much, much tougher.  Getting thrown into the fire, you need to really appreciate the teams and players in the Big East.  It made me a believer that it is the best conference in college basketball.  I had to escalate my game higher than it has ever been.  It kept me hungry knowing that I had to face the best every night.”

Jae on his role at the next level:

“I am a mature young adult and I feel that I can bring a sense of leadership wherever I go while learning at the same time.  If a team needs me to just key in on one specific thing, I can do that.  I can play a role like my first season at Marquette and I feel my game can adapt to any system.  Whatever is asked of me, whether taking a greater or lesser role, I know I can handle it.”

Jae on what he wants teams and fans to know about him:

“I am far more than your typical player.  I have a passion for this game.  I eat, sleep and breathe this game.  I grew up in this game. My dad played for the great Jerry Sloan.  But I am still learning. I am far from the player I will eventually be.  God has blessed me with my talent, and I am ready to give it to any team that gives me the opportunity.  If a team needs help, I would be a great fit for them.”

I want to thank Jae for his time and I wish him the best of luck as he looks to fulfill his dream of getting to the NBA.  I admit that even going into this past season, I was skeptical about how good Crowder was as a player.  Then I had the chance to see him play in person a handful of times this year, and you can’t help but come away appreciating how he plays the game.  He always plays hard, he is tough, but his game is a skilled game.  Each team he played, he would find a different way to help beat them.  I have no doubt that NBA teams and fans alike are hoping that he is coming to play for them.

Check back in the coming weeks for more great interviews and scouting reports as we head towards the 2012 NBA Draft.  Follow me on Twitter - @NBADraftBlog – for updates, leave your comments below, or feel free to email me at ed@nbadraftblog.com

Draft fans and pundits everywhere always love the story of the small school guy who gets his dream and is chosen in the NBA Draft.  However, Damian Lillard, out of Weber State, is not your typical small school player.  Lillard was under-recruited coming out of high school, so Weber State ended up being his destination.  It didn’t take long for Lillard to make an impact, and by the middle of his sophomore year, he was on the NBA’s radar, and high school recruiting “experts” were trying to figure out what went wrong.  A natural scorer, Lillard showed that he could do much more – distribute, rebound, play tough defense, and make people talk about Weber State again.  Bouncing back from an injury last year, Lillard picked up right where he left off and he became a must-see player for basketball fans all over the country.  Proving all he could in college, Lillard decided to bypass his senior season and enter the NBA Draft.  I had the opportunity to talk to Lillard, while he is in his hometown of Oakland preparing for NBA workouts, about his game, leaving school and more:

Damian on his decision to enter the NBA Draft:

“The decision was pretty simple to me, not that I didn’t think a lot about it, but in the end I knew.  I had been in Utah for 4 years, was comfortable there and had a great relationship with everyone at Weber State, and leaving meant pursuing a new life with no clue what was really in front of me.  In the end though, it was the right time for me.  I had worked hard for this, worked to get results and I don’t think my draft stock will ever get higher.”

Damian on his view of pre-Draft talk:

“I don’t pay much attention to things like mock drafts or other media talk.  What matters to me is what the NBA organizations think about my game.  They told me everything I needed to know about what I did well and what I needed to improve.”

Damian on his strengths as a player: 

“My strengths definitely include my ability to score, being able to be consistent with my shot.  I think what’s as important is my feel for the game.  I have the mindset to be a great player.  If I get tired or things aren’t going great, I push through and never quit.”

Damian on what parts of his game he still wants to improve:

“I want to keep being great with the strong parts of my game.  To play in the NBA, I will need to work on things like a pull-up jumper and floater to go against bigger guys in the lane.  I want to improve my reads, being able to see court well.  Defensively, I want to work on staying low and in front of my guy.”

Damian on how last year’s injury affected his game:

“When I got hurt, I really had never been injured like that before.  But not being able to play, it gave me time to find ways I could get better once I was back.  The thing is, people who doubted me before, were doubting me even more once I got hurt, so I was determined to come back better than I was.  I spent time with my coaches; I watched film, lifted weights, swimming, determined to come back strong.  In the end, the injury ended up making me a better player.”

Damian on his role at the next level:

“I can come in and be a great teammate, and work my way into the team’s plans and system.  I will be there to support the team, work hard and become a valuable member on and off the court.  I’m going to compete in practice and when they need me I will be there.  I can be a knockdown shooter, get other players involved, and be a high energy guy.”

Damian on the development of his mindset:

“I wasn’t recruited much out of high school and it definitely gave me a chip on my shoulder. There were guys who were considered better than me who didn’t improve in college, and I was going to make sure that wasn’t me.  It made me who I am now.  I am going to keep getting better and making strides wherever I go. ”

Damian on what he wants teams and fans to know about him:

“I am a team-first guy.  If there is anything the team needs, I am going to do it and do it well.  You can hang your hat on the fact that I will always be in the gym working hard and getting better.  I know I can play at the top level and I will compete with the best players out there.”

I want to thank Damian for his time and I wish him the best of luck as he looks to fulfill his dream of getting to the NBA.  I also want to thank Goodwin Sports Management for setting up this interview.  If you have had the chance to watch Damian, you know right away that his numbers and recognition had nothing to do with playing in a small conference.  The Big East or the Big Sky, Damian was going to be a future NBA point guard, it was just a matter of how he got there.  So before you question how the guy from Weber State went so high in the NBA Draft, make sure to get your hands on some of his game.  I promise, you won’t question it again.

Check back in the coming weeks for more great interviews and scouting reports as we head towards the 2012 NBA Draft.  Follow me on Twitter - @NBADraftBlog – for updates, leave your comments below, or feel free to email me at ed@nbadraftblog.com

Photo Credit: Brian Nicholson/Deseret News

One of the more interesting aspects to covering the NBA Draft is seeing players get to show a different side to their game, especially players who come out of very structured systems.  In my view, the prototypical example of this in the current draft is Georgetown’s Hollis Thompson.  Thompson certainly had a very good 3 years with the Hoyas, but if you watched them often, you always had a feeling that Thompson was just on the verge of breaking out.  A fantastic shooter with a knack for delivering in clutch situations, Georgetown’s offense didn’t afford him as much opportunity to show the other aspects to his game – the ability to create in space, a dangerous first step, and to finish strong at the rim.  This isn’t to say that Georgetown held him back.  During his college years, his defensive ability jumped multiple levels and playing in a system based on spacing the floor makes you very versatile.  Thompson has the opportunity now to show NBA teams parts of his game which were put away for a few years as he did what the Hoyas needed him to do.  Thompson is out at Impact in Las Vegas preparing for NBA workouts and I had the chance to speak to him recently about the development of his game, playing in the Big East, and more:

Hollis on his development at Georgetown:

“It’s the Big East; you are playing against the best, so you need to keep working on your game.  I think college really helped develop my defensive game the most.  I was guarding the perimeter and the post, multiple positions, defending some of the best players around.”

Hollis on how playing in the Big East helped him:

“There is no doubt that it made me ready to play.  There was never a let up.  Every night was going to be a battle, and you had to be at your best or you were going to get beat.  Playing against the best is only going to help you get to be the best too.”

Hollis on his strengths as a player: 

“My scoring is one of my biggest strengths.  I can score from the perimeter, coming off screens, off the dribble, and I have the size to score in the post as well.  I can also guard multiple positions, be a good weak-side defender and rebound.”

Hollis on what parts of his game he still wants to improve:

“I need to keep getting stronger.  At the next level, you are going up against some big men, so strength is necessary.  I want to get better with the ball, handling it on the perimeter and taking it to the basket.  Defensively, I want to keep improving as well.  Really, I want to just keep improving everything, my strengths and my weaknesses.”

Hollis on choosing to declare after his junior year:

“I had declared last year, and found out what I needed to work on to be in the NBA.  I think I did that, and I feel I am ready for that next step and to play at the highest level.”

Hollis on his role at the next level:

“I can come in right away and space the floor, be a knockdown shooter from the perimeter.  If they need me to score, I can do that and if they need defense, I can do that for them also.”

Hollis on what he wants teams and fans to know about him:

“I know I want this more than anyone else.  I have been working for this since Day 1.  I am going to do whatever a team needs me to do, on and off the court.  I will bring everything I have every day to make myself and my team better.”

I want to thank Hollis for his time and I wish him the best of luck as he looks to fulfill his dream of getting to the NBA.  I also want to thank his agent, Seth Cohen of Original Creative Representation, for setting up this interview.  Hollis will be one of the more interesting players to track over the next 6 weeks as he gets to show his full ability to NBA teams.  I have a feeling that people who focus on things such as “mock drafts” will be scrambling to keep creating space for Hollis as he makes NBA teams want to see more.

Check back in the coming weeks for more great interviews and scouting reports as we head towards the 2012 NBA Draft.  Follow me on Twitter - @NBADraftBlog – for updates, leave your comments below, or feel free to email me at ed@nbadraftblog.com

To say that the last 2 months for Kyle O’Quinn have been amazing may be a huge understatement.  Named the MEAC’s Defensive Player of the Year for the second consecutive year, he followed that up with winning the conference’s Player of the Year award.  Shortly after that, O’Quinn captured the attention of a national audience, leading his 15^th ranked Norfolk State Spartans to a huge win over Missouri by scoring 26 points and grabbing 14 rebounds.  A few weeks later, O’Quinn took home the MVP award from the Portsmouth Invitational Tournament, which contained most of the best seniors in the country.  In draft circles, it is hard to not hear O’Quinn’s name being mentioned constantly now.  An extremely athletic big man, O’Quinn plays with an energy that makes you want to keep watching more.  I had a chance to talk to O’Quinn recently while he is training out at Impact out in Las Vegas.  Here he discusses the last few months, working on his game, and more:

Kyle on the what the last few months have been like:

“It’s been a whirlwind, everything just building up.  I haven’t even had to time to celebrate any of it.  I don’t want to mess up the next step, so I can let everyone else celebrate for me.  The only thing I can say is that it has been a real blessing.”

Kyle on his strengths as a player: 

“My game is still a work in progress, so there is still a lot more to my game than has been seen yet.  Right now, my strengths are in my defense, being able to block shots and rebound.  I still haven’t reached my potential yet.  In school they taught me what they needed me to do, and it was a great start point for my game, but I will be bringing much more at the next level.”

Kyle on what parts of his game he still wants to improve:

“I still need to work on all of the things that go with being a pro post player – moves in the post, footwork, working on the blocks.  I am just going to keep working on all parts of my game.”

Kyle on the experience at Portsmouth:

“Not only was it a great experience, it was a great honor to be included in that group of players.  Playing with high level guards and high level big men, I learned a lot about what I still need to learn.  It was great for me to be able to prove myself by playing and competing with many of the best players in the country.”

Kyle on his role at the next level:

“I can go in and be a very energetic player wherever I go.  I look at what Kenneth Faried has done this season, and I think I can bring the same thing - run the floor and hit the boards.  So, being like Faried would be a great way to start, though I would love to play like Tim Duncan later on in my career.”

Kyle on what he wants teams and fans to know about him:

“I am a good kid; I have the personality to gel with anybody and any team.   I am extremely coachable; you can teach me to do anything that the team needs me to do.  If you put the work in with me, I will more than put that work in.  It’s the mentality I have, I want to keep getting better and be the best player I can possibly be.”

I want to thank Kyle for his time and I wish him the best of luck as he looks to fulfill his dream of getting to the NBA.  I also want to thank his agent, Alberto Ebanks of Ebanks & Sattler, for setting up this interview.  When you watch Kyle play, you sense that there could be a very special player there, and after you spend some time talking to him, you can’t help but want to see him achieve everything that he wants to do.  Humble, personable, and with a great love of the game, Kyle is everything that want you in your favorite players, and I have no doubt that once he gets to the NBA, he will become a lot of fans’ favorite player.

Check back in the coming weeks for more great interviews and scouting reports as we head towards the 2012 NBA Draft.  Follow me on Twitter - @NBADraftBlog – for updates, leave your comments below, or feel free to email me at ed@nbadraftblog.com