College basketball season is closing in on us and the Road to the 2013 NBA Draft has begun.  It’s time to continue my look at this year’s senior class and some brief notes on areas where they need to show improvement to maximize their value at the next level.

(You can read previous entries here:  Part I; Part II; Part III, Part IV, Part V, Part VI, Part VII, Part VIII)

Remember, these are not meant to replace scouting reports, which will come out during the season.  These are not all-inclusive and just meant as a brief primer for those who want to track draft prospects throughout the season.

Erick Green, Virginia Tech, Guard, 6’3, 185

15.6 ppg, 3.3 rpg, 2.8 apg, 1.3 spg, 43.8 FG%, 82.8 FT%, 37.5 3FG%, 1.9:1 A/TO

Green was one of the few highlights on a Hokies team which would ultimately be Seth Greenberg’s last.  Former assistant James Johnson takes over and he will need Green to do even more with a depleted roster.  Green handles the ball well, can get into the lane off the dribble and has good body control getting to the rim, where he can finish in a variety of ways.  When he gets his feet set, he has good range and consistency on his jumper.  Green is a solid defender, able to stay in front of the ball and doing a good job denying passing lanes and staying with his man off the ball.

What he needs to show this season: As the Hokies’ point guard, Green will need to become much more of a playmaker, especially helping get a young roster into some kind of offensive rhythm.  He needs to do a better job seeing the floor and while he comes off of screens well, he needs to work on making the right reads.  It’s a tough situation for Green, because the team also needs him to score as well, or more, than he did last season.  When he gets into the lane, he needs to go stronger to the basket and not shy away from contact, as he is a very good free throw shooter.  Defensively, Green needs to do a much better job getting through screens, especially getting over the top against good perimeter shooters.

Jordan Hulls, Indiana, Guard, 6’0, 182

11.7 ppg, 2.5 rpg, 3.3 apg, 1.1 spg, 50.4 FG%, 89.9 FT%, 49.3 3FG%, 1.6:1 A/TO

Hulls may not get the notoriety of his teammates on a team that many have picked as the pre-season #1 team, but he is an integral part of what makes the team so good.  He gets the Hoosiers into their offense quickly and keeps the ball moving.  He is a good ballhandler and has a good first step to get by his defender.  He understands court spacing well, and he is a knock-down three point shooter when set and given space.  Hulls moves the ball quickly up the court in transition and sees the whole floor well.  He is a fundamentally solid defender, positioning himself well and having good lateral movement.  He has strong defensive instincts and defends passing lanes well.

What he needs to show this season: As a 4^th or 5^th option in the Hoosiers offense, Hulls does exactly what the team needs him to, but there are still areas he will need to improve to play at the next level.  Shot selection isn’t normally an issue for a player who shoots 50% from the field, but when he gets by the first defender, he can be erratic going to the basket and take some wild shots.  Without good size, he ends up fading away from the basket when he may just be better off stopping and shooting a short jumper.  That leads to the next area, which is being able to shoot his jumper off the dribble.  Hulls uses screens well to create space for his shot, but he needs to work on getting set and not rushing the shot.  Defensively, Hulls needs to work on not getting stuck in screens, especially when he is run through the lane off the ball.

Cashmere Wright, Cincinnati, Guard, 6’0, 178

10.9 ppg, 3.8 rpg, 4.6 apg, 2.0 spg, 40.9 FG%, 66.7 FT%, 37.1 3FG%, 2.0:1 A/TO

Wright is a catalyst on both ends of the floor for a team looking to at least match last year’s Sweet 16 run.  Wright handles the ball well and doesn’t force many bad passes.  He sees the floor well and does a good job getting his teammates the ball where they can make a play.  He is a good spot-up shooter with a quick, fluid release and good range.  He pushes the ball well in transition and can finish or hit an open teammate on the wings effectively.  Wright is a strong defender, able to pressure the ball full court, and doing a good job helping trap ballhandlers.  He anticipates passes well and is quick to jump passing lanes.  He is active when the Bearcats settle into a zone and is a good help defender.

What he needs to show this season:  Wright uses screens well to create space for his own shot, but he needs to show the ability to make reads of perimeter screens, especially in pick-and-roll situations.  Part of this will depend on Cincinnati running their offense differently.  Last season, most of the perimeter screeners would stay out on the perimeter looking for jumpers.  Wright also needs to work on turning the corner quickly when using a screen to get into the lane.  He needs to show that he can use his dribble to create space for his jumper, as well as being able to hit the jumper off the dribble.

Ryan Kelly, Duke, Forward, 6’11, 230

11.8 ppg, 5.4 rpg, 44.4 FG%, 80.7 FT%, 40.8 3FG%

Kelly emerged as a solid offensive threat for the Blue Devils last season, using a combination of post and perimeter play to put up points.  Kelly has good range on his jumper and his size allows him to get good looks.  He is a good screener and has the ability to thrive as a pick-and-pop or pick-and-roll player.  He has good touch when he gets the ball around the basket and has improved as a post option on offense.   Kelly can defend either on the perimeter or in the post, and he has improved his lateral movement and footwork.

What he needs to show this season: Kelly needs to be more aggressive on the offensive end.  He is a decent ballhandler for his size and with his perimeter skill, he can draw defenders out to him, but he will often settle for contested jumpers.  When he does choose to take the ball to the basket, he needs to go strong to the rim and not shy away from contact.  With Mason Plumlee as a primary post option, Kelly would work well as a high post player, which means he would need to work on his passing skills.  His footwork has improved as a post player, but he needs to work on adding a variety of moves, including a quick drop-step and a face-up move.  Defensively, Kelly needs to keep improving his footwork on the perimeter and the post, and he needs to improve his all-around defensive awareness, especially away from the ball.

Trevor Mbakwe, Minnesota, Forward, 6’8, 245

(2010-11) 13.9 ppg, 10.5 rpg, 1.5 bpg, 58.2 FG%, 62.9 FT%

Mbakwe was poised for a big year last season before a torn ACL in his right knee ended his year after 7 games.  He is a beast around the basket, going strong to the rim and finishing through contact.  He had done a good job improving getting position in the post and he showed that he has good hands and can finish with some touch.  Mbakwe is a relentless rebounder on both ends of the floor, using his body well to seal off his space and going strong after the miss.  He has a great ability to keep balls alive that he can’t get to the first time, and when he does grab a rebound, you aren’t going to get it away from him.  As a defender, Mbakwe uses his body well to hold his position and he can be aggressive going after offensive players driving towards the basket.

What he needs to show this season: If Mbakwe is back to a 100% entering this season, he should have no problem picking up where he left off.  The keys areas Mbakwe needs to work on are the finesse areas of his game – his footwork on both ends of the floor, and seeing the floor and hitting open teammates.  He should develop his mid-range game, both being able to knock down the 10-15 foot jumper, as well as getting the ball in the high or low post and facing up for a short jumper or drive.

Check back soon as I wrap up my look at the seniors, as well as continuing my look at the junior class.  Follow me on Twitter - @NBADraftBlog and leave your comments below or email me – This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

About 5 weeks until the first games of the college basketball season, and the road to the 2013 NBA Draft has begun.  It’s time to start my look at this year’s junior class and give some brief notes on areas where they need to show improvement to maximize their appeal to the NBA if they choose to leave school.

(You can read previous entries here: Juniors - Part I)

Remember, these are not meant to replace scouting reports, which will come out during the season.   Some of these players are already pro candidates, while others will clearly need a senior season.  These are not all-inclusive and just meant as a brief primer for those who want to track draft prospects throughout the season.

Shabazz Napier, Connecticut, Guard, 6’1, 171

13.0 ppg, 3.5 rpg, 5.8 apg, 1.6 spg, 38.9 FG%, 74.3 FT%, 35.5 3FG%, 2.1:1 A/TO

Napier, who helped UConn win a NCAA Championship as a freshman, faces his biggest challenge yet as the leader of a Huskies squad which has a new head coach in Kevin Ollie, lost their star in Jeremy Lamb, and is ineligible for the NCAA Tournament this year.  Napier is very quick and has great acceleration off the dribble and coming off of screens.  He is creative looking for shots around the basket and can finish in a variety of ways.  He has shown that he can hit his jumper from mid-to-long range, though inconsistently.  He sees the court well and can make some spectacular passes.  He is an above-average on-ball defender, moving his feet well and pressuring the ballhandler.  He is very good in the open court and can get the ball up court before the defense can react.

What he needs to show this season: Napier’s biggest issue is control.  His speed can often get away from him and he finds himself stuck before he can read and see his options.  This can lead to some very poor shots in the lane as well as some late passes.  As mentioned, he needs to become more consistent with his jumper, especially making sure he gets good looks and keeps his form consistent.  On the defensive end, Napier is a below-average off-ball defender, often losing his man, not reacting quickly or just having his focus too much on the ball.  Also, he needs to work on getting over screens and getting out on shooters.

Cleveland Melvin, DePaul, Forward, 6’8, 208

17.5 ppg, 7.4 rpg, 1.1 bpg, 44.8 FG%, 63.5 FT%, 22.9 3FG%

Melvin, a former Big East Rookie of the Year, started to show a more complete game as a sophomore and should continue to develop heading into his junior year.  Melvin is long and athletic, able to leap quickly and having strong body control.  He has a great reach for his size and is able to get up and corral rebounds before taller players can get to them.  He has good touch around the basket, a few solid post moves with improved footwork, and he can also extend and finish strong.  He runs the floor well in transition and can get out and finish on the break.  He is developing as a decent high post option, seeing the court well and being able to knock down the 15 foot jumper.  On the defensive end, he handles himself well for having to play out of position.  He plays physical when defending in the post and he uses his reach to try and deny passing lanes.  He improved as a perimeter defender last season, moving his feet better and avoiding reaching if he gets beat.

What he needs to show this season: It’s an odd situation for Melvin; he takes a large number of shots for the Blue Demons, but he is isn’t as aggressive as he should be.  With his athletic ability, he needs to improve his ballhandling enough that he can look to drive more from the perimeter.  Often he has a good matchup on the perimeter, but he hesitates to take advantage of it.  Also, DePaul’s offense often lacks cohesion, and Melvin is left getting bad looks at the basket by the time he gets the ball.  Melvin projects to be a 3 at the next level, so he will need to continue to hone his perimeter skills, from his jumper to ballhandling to being able to guard other 3’s on the perimeter.  His lateral movement has improved, but he needs to anticipate movements better work to force his man into the help defense.

Deonte Burton, Nevada, Guard, 6’1, 185

14.8 ppg, 2.6 rpg, 4.2 apg, 1.1 spg, 40.2 FG%, 79.7 FT%, 37.2 3FG%, 2.1:1 A/TO

Burton, the WAC Player of the Year as a sophomore, is looking to expand his profile on the national stage this season.  He is a solid ballhandler, handles pressure well, and gets Nevada into their offense quickly.  He uses screens and a variety of dribbles to get into the lane and can finish with either hand around the basket.  He has decent range on his jumper and can spot-up and hit the three.  He sees the floor well and gets his teammates the ball where they can make plays.  Burton is a strong on-ball defender, moving his feet well, keeping his arms out and positioning himself well.

What he needs to show this season: Consistency on the offensive end is one of Burton’s biggest weaknesses.  He needs to work on finishing around the basket and adding a short jumper or floater when he can’t get all the way to the rim.  He is a good free throw shooter, but he needs to work at trying to draw fouls more often.  A good passer, Burton needs to work on being more of a playmaker, looking to draw the defense and hitting the open man, including working in pick-and-roll situations.

Gorgui Dieng, Louisville, Center, 6’11, 245

9.1 ppg, 9.1 rpg, 1.2 spg, 3.2 bpg, 52.5 FG%, 67.6 FT%

Dieng made great strides last season in his overall development, but he still has a ways to go before he becomes more than a defensive presence.  His shot blocking has improved as he has developed better timing and looking to get full extension.   As an anchor in the middle of the Louisville zone defense, he is an intimidating presence for anyone looking to get to the basket.  Dieng goes hard after rebounds and looks to establish position before making a play.  He has improved as a defender in pick and roll situations, but still needs to improve his footwork and awareness.  On the offensive side, Dieng is a solid screener, and he seems to understand how to play in the pick-and-role, opening up to the ball well after his screen.  He can finish around the basket and has worked on developing reliable post moves.

What he needs to show this season: While lack of strength is one of Dieng’s biggest concerns, he can overcome it with more skill development.  He needs to learn to use his lower body better when establishing position on both ends of the floor.  Because of the nature of the Louisville offense and the unpredictability of Peyton Siva, it is difficult for Dieng to find a clear role on the offensive end.  He spends a lot of time roaming the baseline looking for dumpoffs, and when he does look to establish position in the post, it ends up mainly be used as a seal off for a driving guard.  He needs to start getting more touches on the offensive end if he has any chance of improving soon.

Patric Young, Florida, Forward, 6’9, 249

10.2 ppg, 6.4 rpg, 61.8 FG%, 59.3 FT%

After what many viewed as a disappointing freshman season, Young bounced back well with a promising sophomore year.  Strong, athletic and quick, Young came to college already sporting an NBA-ready body, but his game is still catching up.  Young uses his body well in the offensive post, getting low with a solid base and sealing off the defender.  He is efficient around the basket and has developed the ability to hit the short hook shot with either hand off of both blocks.  Young is a strong screener on the perimeter and frees his guards up well.  He is a strong rebounder on both ends of the floor, getting position well and going strong after the ball.  On the defensive end, he keeps his position well in the post and he has improved as a perimeter defender.

What he needs to show this season: Young’s development as an offensive player depends on Florida making him a priority in their offense, which has been very perimeter-oriented the past 2 years.  With Bradley Beal and Erving Walker gone, Young has an opportunity to make himself the Gators’ go-to offensive player, though I am not sure that will happen.  He has to continue to work on his footwork and ballhandling in the post, and he should start to develop a better face-up game.  With his body, Young should work on going stronger to the basket with his post moves, and not settling for being forced away from the basket.  Defensively, he may be the best perimeter defender for his size and his lateral movement and positioning should continue to improve this year.

Ray McCallum, Detroit, Guard, 6’3, 190

15.4 ppg, 4.5 rpg, 4.0 apg, 1.6 spg, 45.8 FG%, 76.6 FT%, 24.0 3FG%, 1.8:1 A/TO

Many questioned McCallum’s decision to play for his father at Detroit when he had the opportunity to play for much higher profile schools, but McCallum has flourished as expected.  He has a great understanding of the game, from getting the offense set to recognizing court spacing.  Not flashy, but McCallum is a solid ballhandler and uses his dribble efficiently to get into the lane and to the basket.  He is athletic, has good body control and can finish with either hand around the basket.  McCallum is an underrated defender, both on and off the ball.  He denies passing lanes well, has very good lateral movement and has good court awareness.  He doesn’t mind crashing the boards on both ends and will battle with much bigger players.

What he needs to show this season: McCallum does a good job getting the Titans into their offense, but he is more of a facilitator than a playmaker.  He needs to show an ability to create for others outside of the standard offense.  Because of his value as a scorer, he often gets moved off the ball and he spends his time looking to get open off of screens, which he does well.  McCallum also needs to become more consistent with his mid-range and long-range jumper.  His form is solid, but he has a hard time getting set before he takes his shot.  On the defensive end, McCallum’s only major weakness is his ability to get through screens.  He needs to learn to get over them against shooters, and not rely on switches too often, which end up creating mismatches.

Check back soon as I wrap up my look at the seniors, as well as some more from the junior class.  Follow me on Twitter - @NBADraftBlog and leave your comments below or email me – This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

College basketball season is closing in on us and the Road to the 2013 NBA Draft has begun.  It’s time to continue my look at this year’s senior class and some brief notes on areas where they need to show improvement to maximize their value at the next level.

(You can read previous entries here:  Part I; Part II; Part III, Part IV, Part V, Part VI, Part VII)

Remember, these are not meant to replace scouting reports, which will come out during the season.  These are not all-inclusive and just meant as a brief primer for those who want to track draft prospects throughout the season.

O.D. Anosike, Siena, Forward, 6’8, 241

15.0 ppg, 12.5 rpg, 1.1 spg, 1.0 bpg, 52.4 FG%, 56.4 FT%

Anosike, the NCAA’s leading rebounder last season, has slowly developed into a very good all-around player.  He is an active defender, able to cover a lot of ground between the perimeter and the post.  Even in Siena’s zone, Anosike covers a large area.  His rebounding instincts are fantastic, anticipating where misses where go, getting to the spot quickly and going strong after the ball.  On offense, he plays well between the high and low posts, and has shown good footwork once he gets the ball.  He doesn’t force many bad shots and sees the floor well, especially after facing up to the basket.  Anosike runs the floor well and is capable of finishing in transition.

What he needs to show this season: Anosike makes many plays off of instinct, but his skill development still needs to continue.  He needs to learn to use his body better to establish position on both ends of the floor.  His shooting touch around the basket needs to improve, as well as his overall shot.  Whether shooting a short hook, a short jumper, or a free throw, Anosike doesn’t get enough arc on his shot and it comes out more like a line drive right at the rim.  Defensively, Anosike also needs to react better as a help defender and look to step in and challenge more when a player gets into the lane.

Ed Daniel, Murray State, Forward, 6’7, 215

6.8 ppg, 5.5 rpg, 1.5 bpg, 57.8 FG%, 59.5 FT%

The statistics may not say it, but Daniel was a hugely important part of Murray State’s big season last year.  It starts with his strong screening on the perimeter, often being the man who gives Isaiah Canaan enough space to get his jumper off.  When he catches the ball around the rim, he is efficient and has the ability to finish strong.  Daniel does a good job crashing the offensive glass, and in general, he is always looking to make plays when he can.  He is a strong defender who can handle guarding bigger players.   Daniel is also a good help defender and does a strong job challenging shots around the basket.

What he needs to show this season: Daniel will need to become more involved on the offensive end this year, especially with the loss of Ivan Aska.  Daniel needs to look to set position early and use his body to seal the defender.  His footwork and ballhandling around the basket needs to be more polished and he needs to improve his touch.  He has improved his mid-range jumper, he will just need to become consistent.  Decision making will also need to improve on the offensive end, including anticipating help defenders and getting rid of the ball quickly.  On the defensive end, he needs to show that he can guard on the perimeter, positioning himself well and improving his lateral movement.

Kevin Dillard, Dayton, Guard, 6’0, 182

13.3 ppg, 2.7 rpg, 6.0 apg, 1.4 spg, 41.2 FG%, 82.7 FT%, 32.5 3FG%, 2.1:1 A/TO

Dillard had a very strong first season with the Dayton program.  He is very quick and pushes the ball well, but shows good patience when running the Flyers’ offense.  He is a strong ballhandler and has very good court vision.  Dillard is an excellent passer out of pick-and-roll situations, picking up the rotation quickly and finding an open man.  He uses his dribble well to create space for his jumper or to break down the defender and get into the lane.  On the defensive end, Dillard has quick hands and can time his steal attempts well.  He also does a good job getting over screens on the perimeter.

What he needs to show this season:  On the defensive side, Dillard has to work on improving his lateral movement and keeping his man in front of him.  Often, he is content to try and swipe at the ball looking for the steal instead of working to keep his man out of the lane.    Offensively, Dillard does a good job getting into the lane but he has trouble finishing his move to the basket.  He will often bail out and look to pass before the defense has even fully rotated to help.  He needs to be more aggressive and look to draw contact and get to the free throw line.  Dillard also needs to work on getting his jumper off quicker and using screens more effectively to get his shot off.

Gregory Echinique, Creighton, Center, 6’9, 270

9.7 ppg, 7.3 rpg, 1.6 bpg, 60.7 FG%, 66.9 FT%

Echinique has been a steady post player for Creighton over the past 2 seasons.  He uses his wide body well to establish position in the post on both ends of the floor.  Echinique has good hands and is efficient when he gets the ball deep in the post.  He is a solid screener on the perimeter and he opens up well to the ball as he rolls to the basket.  He uses his lower body strength to back players down as he makes his move to the basket.  Echinique is active on the defensive end, moving easily between the post and the perimeter.  He moves his feet well for his size and has improved his ability to use his feet to cut off quicker post players.

What he needs to show this season: It will be tough for Echinique to show much more than he has done already.  With a scorer such as Doug McDermott, Echinique just needs to make sure that he makes himself available when he is needed, screens well on the perimeter, and hits the offensive glass hard.  Defensively, he needs to do a better job hedging and then recovering in pick-and-roll situations.  Also, he needs to do a better job establishing position and using his body to secure rebounds.

Richard Howell, North Carolina State, Forward, 6’8, 257

10.8 ppg, 9.2 rpg, 48.9 FG%, 63.6 FT%

While not flashy, Howell has been a big part of the Wolfpack’s resurgence on the national basketball scene.  He is strong and likes to play physical.  On the defensive side, he holds his position well and works hard to force his man away from the basket.  He anticipates missed shots well and uses his body to get position for the rebound, on both ends of the floor.  He sets solid position in the post on offense and uses his body well to make a strong to move to the rim.  He is a solid screener on the perimeter and can be an option in pick-and-roll situations.

What he needs to show this season: On offense, Howell has the right idea looking to face up against bigger defenders, but he needs to improve his short jumper and his ballhandling skills to be able to make it pay off.  His athleticism is limited, so he needs to be more creative in looking to get good shots off against bigger post players.  On the defensive side, he needs to work on his foot speed and reacting as a help defender.  He is often late to react and a step or two behind, often leading him to getting unnecessary fouls.  Also, he will need to show that he is capable of guarding effectively on the perimeter.

Kerron Johnson, Belmont, Guard, 6’1, 175

13.8 ppg, 3.1 rpg, 5.2 apg, 1.4 spg, 52.0 FG%, 76.6 FT%, 31.2 3FG%, 2.2:1 A/TO

Johnson has done a very good job leading Belmont to back-to-back NCAA Tournament appearances.  Now with a move to the Ohio Valley Conference, Johnson will be playing against a much more talented group of conference opponents.  Johnson is a good ballhandler, sees the floor well, and is patient as the Belmont offense runs through its motions.  He is a good passer in pick-and-roll situations, and he also has the ability to come off of screens quickly and get into the lane.  Johnson doesn’t shy away from contact and is a decent free-throw shooter.  On the defensive end, Johnson moves his feet well and has quick hands.  He is very good at guarding out in space, and he has the ability to time his steal attempts perfectly.  He pushes the ball well in transition and does a good job drawing the defense before finding an open teammate.

What he needs to show this season: The Belmont offense does not allow for all that much individual offense, such as letting Johnson clear it out and take his man to the basket.  He has a good first step, but doesn’t get much of a chance to show it.  He needs to work on developing a consistent mid-range and long-range jumper.  Along with that, he needs to also work on using his dribble to clear space for his shot.  On the defensive side, Johnson needs to do a much better job working through screens, especially getting over them on the perimeter and not getting caught in them when guarding off the ball.

Check back soon as I wrap up my look at the seniors, as well as continuing my look at the junior class.  Follow me on Twitter - @NBADraftBlog and leave your comments below or email me – This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

About 6 weeks until the first games of the college basketball season, and the road to the 2013 NBA Draft has begun.  It’s time to start my look at this year’s junior class and give some brief notes on areas where they need to show improvement to maximize their appeal to the NBA if they choose to leave school.

Remember, these are not meant to replace scouting reports, which will come out during the season.   Some of these players are already pro candidates, while others will clearly need a senior season.  These are not all-inclusive and just meant as a brief primer for those who want to track draft prospects throughout the season.

Doug McDermott, Creighton, Forward, 6’8, 225

22.9 ppg, 8.2 rpg, 60.1 FG%, 79.6 FT%, 48.6 3FG%

McDermott, one of the best scorers in the nation, is also one of the most versatile offensive threats.  He is a good perimeter shooter, can post up other small forwards, or can face up and drive to the basket.  He uses his body well in the post to create space in the post, and while not quick, he is aggressive going to the basket, and can finish with either hand around the basket.  He understands the value of court spacing and looks to identify mismatches and gaps in the defense.  He is a good rebounder, blocking out well, and going strong after the ball.

What he needs to show this season: Defensively, McDermott needs to work on his foot speed and lateral movement.  He also needs to react better to the offensive players’ movements.   He has difficulty getting caught out of position in pick-and-roll situations.  On the offensive side, McDermott needs to work on his explosiveness going to the basket.  He uses his ball fakes and his dribble well, but defenders in the NBA will react much quicker, so he needs to be quicker with his movements.  Also, he does a great job drawing defenders, but he needs to work on becoming a better passer when he gets caught in the help defense.

Deshaun Thomas, Ohio State, Forward, 6’7, 225

15.9 ppg, 5.4 rpg, 52.1 FG%, 75.5 FT%, 34.5 3FG%

Thomas emerged as a crucial scoring threat for the Buckeyes last season and should be able to build on that further with the loss of William Buford and Jared Sullinger.  He has a strong mid-range jumper and can be tough out of the high post.  Thomas is a bull on the offensive glass, using a combination of his quick jumping ability and strong body to get to the ball quickly and to get good shots off these rebounds.  Thomas is also able to hit the spot up jumper from deep.  He is versatile on the defensive side, able to guard both the 3 and 4 positions.

What he needs to show this season: Thomas needs to show that he can be a more versatile scorer, especially if he is going to be the Buckeyes’ main threat.  He has to improve his ballhandling skills and be able to take the ball from the perimeter to the basket.  Also, he needs to be more consistent with his long-range jumper, as well as being able to his jumper off the dribble.  He will need to become a better defender, especially on the perimeter, moving his feet and working on his positioning.  In the post, he needs to use his lower body to force players away from the basket.

Reggie Bullock, North Carolina, Guard, 6’7, 205

8.8 ppg, 5.1 rpg, 1.4 apg, 42.8 FG%, 72.7 FT%, 38.2 3FG%

Bullock came back strong last season after missing the end of his freshman year due to knee surgery.  Bullock has great size at the shooting guard position and is able to easily shoot over most defenders.  He is a good spot-up shooter and can also hit his jumper off the dribble.  As with most Carolina players, he runs the floor very well, and he does a great job spotting up on the wings in transition.  He is a smart defender and positions himself well.

What he needs to show this season:  With the loss of Barnes, Marshall, Zeller and Henson, Bullock will need to step up into a much bigger role this season.  Acting as mainly a spot-up shooter will no longer be an option.  Bullock will need to diversify his offensive game, using his size to get to the basket as well as hitting the mid-range jumper off the dribble.  Along with this, Bullock should become more aggressive, realizing he is now one of the main options.  On the defensive end, Bullock should have even more of his quickness and reaction speed back after a full 18 months removed from his surgery.

Joe Jackson, Memphis, Guard, 6’1, 171

11.0 ppg, 2.2 rpg, 3.8 apg, 1.2 spg, 41.9 FG%, 83.7 FT%, 30.2 3FG%, 1.6:1 A/TO

Jackson’s college career has yet to live up to the hype when he chose to stay home in Memphis to play for the Tigers.  Jackson is very quick and can get past defenders off the dribble fairly easily.  He sees the court well, has a very good handle and uses both hands very well.  He is very good in the open floor and looks to get to the rim at almost every opportunity.  His defense is fundamentally sound – he stays low, moves his feet well, and positions himself well on and off the ball.

What he needs to show this season: Control and decision-making are Jackson’s biggest issues.  Often, he gets into the defense so quickly, that he doesn’t anticipate where the help is coming from and where his options will be.  He often forces bad shots in traffic, though he doesn’t shy away from contact.  He spent too much time playing off the ball last season, and he needs to show that he can be the point guard that runs the offense efficiently.  He also needs to improve his jumper, especially working on his release point.  At his size, he is going to have a tough time getting good shots off with such a low release on his jumper.

Devon Saddler, Delaware, Guard, 6’2, 205

18.8 ppg, 4.1 rpg, 1.8 apg, 39.1 FG%, 80.2 FT%, 31.1 3FG%

Saddler is coming a very good sophomore season when he emerged as one of the top scorers in the country.  He is solidly built and uses his body well when attacking the basket.  He can finish in a variety of ways and can handle contact while still getting his shot off.  He uses screens well to get open, especially getting his jumper off quick coming off of screens.  When he gets his body square, Saddler can hit his jumper well beyond the 3-point line.  He is a good on-ball defender, moving his feet well and forcing his man away from the lane.  He rebounds well for his size, especially doing a good job boxing out once a shot goes up.

What he needs to show this season: Saddler didn’t adjust well being the focus of opposing defenses.  His shot selection was poor, especially from long-range.  He was in such a hurry to get his jumper off that many times he never came close to getting square.  Also, being much stronger than many who guarded him, he would just try and force his way to the basket.  He has to do a better job recognizing the help defenders and either pulling up for a short jumper or kicking the ball out to an open teammate.  On the defensive side, Saddler needs to do a better job as a help defender, rotating quickly, especially in pick-and-roll situations, and positioning himself better to provide some help in the lane.

Andre Roberson, Colorado, Guard/Forward, 6’7, 210

11.6 ppg, 11.1 rpg, 1.3 spg, 1.9 bpg, 51.0 FG%, 61.4 FT%, 38.0 3FG%

Roberson is long and athletic, and uses both to his advantage, especially on the defensive end and rebounding.  He has good footwork and is able to guard multiple positions.  He uses his long reach to deny passing lanes well and is developing into a good shot-blocker.  Roberson is a unique offensive player, using mismatches to his advantage in the post and using his athleticism to make plays above the rim.  He works hard on the offensive glass, and does a great job keeping balls alive until he can get a handle on them.  He runs the floor well and does a good job getting to the rim and finishing.

What he needs to show this season: As unique as Roberson is on the offensive end, he is still very raw skill wise.  His jumper is inconsistent and his shot selection can be poor.  He needs to improve his ballhandling skills so he can take the ball from the perimeter or facing up in the post to the basket.  He draws contact well, but he needs to be able to convert his free throws at a higher rate.  Defensively, Roberson will need to continue to improve as a perimeter defender, especially working on moving his feet and anticipating the offensive player’s moves.

Check back soon for the next group of seniors, as well as some more from the junior class.  Follow me on Twitter - @NBADraftBlog and leave your comments below or email me – This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

About 6 weeks until the first games of the college basketball season, and the road to the 2013 NBA Draft has begun.  It’s time to continue my look at this year’s senior class and some brief notes on areas where they need to show improvement to maximize their value at the next level.

(You can read previous entries here:  Part I; Part II; Part III, Part IV, Part V, Part VI)

Remember, these are not meant to replace scouting reports, which will come out during the season.  These are not all-inclusive and just meant as a brief primer for those who want to track draft prospects throughout the season.

Jack Cooley, Notre Dame, Forward, 6’9, 244

12.4 ppg, 8.9 rpg, 1.6 bpg, 62.4 FG%, 67.4 FT%

Cooley, who originally made his name as a Luke Harangody look-alike in South Bend, emerged last season as a legitimate inside presence for the Irish.  He is a physical player, uses his body well on both ends of the floor, and understands his role in the Notre Dame offense.  He is a solid screener on the perimeter and is a good option on the pick-and-roll.  He has a good touch around the basket and is able to finish with both hands.  He rebounds well, using his body to establish position and going strong after the ball.

What he needs to show this season: Cooley is ready to take the next step and become a legitimate go-to scoring option for Notre Dame.  While he was the Irish’s leading scorer, his points usually came off of defensive breakdowns or when the defense focused on stopping the perimeter shooters.  Now, Cooley needs to step up and be the man the offense revolves around.  His athleticism isn’t great, and he really needs to improve his foot speed and the speed of his post moves.  Also, improved foot speed will help him on the defensive end, both in stopping quicker post players and in helping him guard on the perimeter and in pick-and-roll situations.

D.J. Cooper, Ohio, Guard, 5’11, 176

14.7 ppg, 3.7 rpg, 5.7 apg, 2.3 spg, 34.8 FG%, 74.5 FT%, 30.7 3FG%, 2:1 A/TO

Cooper has made a name for himself at the national level with his play in the 2010 and 2012 NCAA Tournaments.  The lefty scorer has shown that he thrives in big moments and wants the ball in his hands with the game on the line.  He has good speed and he uses it well to get into the lane.  He uses screens well to create separation, either coming off them quickly to go to the rim or to give him space for his jumper.  He has good range on his shot, and is able to hit from mid and long-range.  Once in the lane, he does a good job avoiding the defense and hitting the short jumper or floater.  On the defensive end, he has good instincts and jumps passing lanes well.  He has quick hands and can make plays as a help defender.

What he needs to show this season: Cooper sees the court well and runs the Ohio offense well, but when he has the ball, he is looking to score first and then pass if he is stopped, especially in pick-and-roll situations.  He draws the defense well, but he needs to be quicker making decisions and finding open teammates.  Along with this, making better decisions should extend to his shot selection, especially not forcing bad shots in the lane.  On the defensive end, Cooper needs to improve his lateral movement when on the ball, as well as doing a better job getting over screens.

Abdul Gaddy, Washington, Guard, 6’3, 195

8.1 ppg, 2.6 rpg, 5.2 apg, 39.8 FG%, 69.1 FT%, 33 FG%, 2.4:1 A/TO

One year removed from an ACL injury, Gaddy came back and had a strong season, adding an element of control to a Washington backcourt that featured Tony Wroten and Terrence Ross.  Gaddy is a very strong defender, both on and off the ball.  He positions himself well and has good lateral movement.  He has strong instincts and can force his man into poor decisions.  On offense, he is a patient point guard, letting plays develop before he makes a decision.  He makes good decisions, sees the floor well, and gets teammates the ball where they can make a play.

What he needs to show this season:  The loss of Ross and Wroten to the NBA will affect Gaddy in a few ways.  Most important, he will need to become more of a playmaker instead of just waiting for one of those two to get open.  Gaddy will need to force the defense to play him and create openings for a team that has few experienced scorers.  As part of this, Gaddy will need to become more of a scoring threat himself.  Though he doesn’t have great explosiveness, he can break defenders down off the dribble and get to the basket, where he uses his body well to get his shot off.  Also, Gaddy needs to develop a more consistent jumper from both mid and long-range.

CJ Harris, Wake Forest, Guard, 6’3, 190

16.7 ppg, 3.1 rpg, 2.5 apg, 1.1 spg, 47.7 FG%, 84.4 FT%, 42.2 3FG%, 1:1 A/TO

Harris has been one of the few bright spots for the Demon Deacons over the past few seasons.  A versatile scorer, Harris is comfortable driving to the rim or hitting the long-range jumper.  He is aggressive with the ball and is good at creating space for his shots.  Playing mostly off-guard, Harris does a very good job without the ball looking to get open, using screens and cutting effectively.  He chooses his spots wisely and doesn’t take many bad shots.  On the defensive end, Harris plays well off the ball, denying passing lanes and keeping good position.  He moves his feet well and works hard to get through screens.

What he needs to show this season: With Tony Chennault gone, Harris will be relied upon more to work at the point than he did last season.  He is capable, but his mentality is a scorers’.  He should look to hit the open man when he draws help in the lane instead of trying to get shots off in traffic.  He also could improve his consistency with his jumper off the dribble, as he tends to float once he goes up for his shot.  Defensively, he plays good defense, but usually enough to not get beat.  I would like to see him step it up and pressure the ball more this season.

Christian Watford, Indiana, Forward, 6’9, 232

12.6 ppg, 5.8 rpg, 41.6 FG%, 81.5 FT%, 43.7 3FG%

Watford made himself a fan-favorite throughout the country with his last-second three-pointer to beat Kentucky in December.  While the rest of his season had some up’s and down’s, he had a very good March as Indiana got back to the NCAA Tournament.  With the emergence of Cody Zeller on the interior, Watford spent more time playing on the perimeter, but he handled himself well.  He can knock down the open jumper from long range and is capable of beating some players off the dribble.  He is still at his best when setting up in the high or low post and facing up to the basket.  He handles contact well and is a good free throw shooter.  He works hard on the defensive end and goes strong after missed shots.

What he needs to show this season: Watford has a strong body, but he needs to be more physical, especially when defending in the post.  Also, while his footwork looks good on the offensive end, he doesn’t have the same fluid movements defensively.  On the perimeter, he needs to be more aware of who he is guarding and making sure to get out on shooters.  Watford should also look to crash the boards more, especially on the defensive end.

D.J. Seeley, Cal State – Fullerton, Guard, 6’4, 195

17.3 ppg, 5.5 rpg, 1.8 apg, 1.5 spg, 43.9 FG%, 73.1 FT%, 43.4 3FG%

Seeley made the most of his first year at CSF after sitting out a year (transfer from California).  He thrives in a fast paced game, but has shown the ability to attack the basket in halfcourt offenses.  He has a very good first step and gets into the lane quickly, with the ability to finish with either hand.  Seeley is also a good spot-up shooter from long-range, having a quick, fluid stroke.  He is active on the boards for his size, and is quick to get to missed shots.  He is a good on-ball defender, moving his feet well and forcing his man away from the basket area.    He can either push the ball or run the wings in transition, and is quick to the basket.

What he needs to show this season: Seeley is quick and moves well, but I want to see him do a better job moving without the ball, looking to hit open spots and create separation from his man.  Also, I want to see him improve his ballhandling enough to where he can use his dribble to create space for his jumper, as well as create shots for his teammates.  He needs to start to add a mid-range jumper to his offensive arsenal, as he will not get into the lane as easily at the next level.  On the defensive end, Seeley has to be more conscious of his positioning off the ball.  He has a tendency to roam and get turned around against motion offenses.

Check back soon for the next group of seniors, as well as the start of a look at the junior class.  Follow me on Twitter - @NBADraftBlog and leave your comments below or email me – This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.