Post by NBL President on Dec 22, 2007 23:22:47 GMT -5
Associated Press
A now possible deep PF class has become a reality as three of the nations' best power forwards will forgo their senior season and enter the 2010 NBL Draft.
PF J.J. Hickson, North Carolina State - Hickson came onto the collegiate scene with great upside, but his offensive game was woeful. Although he has polished it up in three years, he is still not a great inside threat. With that said, he is a beast on the boards and blocking shots, and he is also extremely athletic. He will be able to guard either the SF or PF position in the NBA, something many guys can't do. His outside game is weak as well, but he can occasionally hit short jump shots.
Stats: 22 years old, 6'9, 245 lbs
NBL Comparison: Hakim Warrick
Draft Projection: 1st round
PF Patrick Patterson, Kentucky - Patterson is similar to Hickson in build, but at this point he is a better scorer from the interior and with the jump shot. Although he isn't as athletic, he is very strong on the boards and active on defense. He also passes very well from the post, and underrated facet in NBL these days. I'd say Patterson is one of the more polished PF's to enter the draft in a while, he should be a starter from day one.
Stats: 22 years old, 6'9, 240 lbs
NBL Comparison: Carlos Boozer
Draft Projection: Top 10
PF Blake Griffin, Oklahoma - It's hard to top Patterson, but it's not out of the realm of imagination that Blake Griffin might do so. Out of the three, Griffin may be the most athletic and strongest, which is saying a ton. He has the best jump shot and excels handling and passing the ball. He is a bit inconsistent scoring inside, but he makes up with it by dominating the glass. He isn't long enough to alter a ton of shots, but he won't be out-muscled at any time.
Stats: 22 years old, 6'9, 245 lbs
NBL Comparison: Elton Brand
Draft Projection: Top 10
A now possible deep PF class has become a reality as three of the nations' best power forwards will forgo their senior season and enter the 2010 NBL Draft.
PF J.J. Hickson, North Carolina State - Hickson came onto the collegiate scene with great upside, but his offensive game was woeful. Although he has polished it up in three years, he is still not a great inside threat. With that said, he is a beast on the boards and blocking shots, and he is also extremely athletic. He will be able to guard either the SF or PF position in the NBA, something many guys can't do. His outside game is weak as well, but he can occasionally hit short jump shots.Stats: 22 years old, 6'9, 245 lbs
NBL Comparison: Hakim Warrick
Draft Projection: 1st round
PF Patrick Patterson, Kentucky - Patterson is similar to Hickson in build, but at this point he is a better scorer from the interior and with the jump shot. Although he isn't as athletic, he is very strong on the boards and active on defense. He also passes very well from the post, and underrated facet in NBL these days. I'd say Patterson is one of the more polished PF's to enter the draft in a while, he should be a starter from day one.Stats: 22 years old, 6'9, 240 lbs
NBL Comparison: Carlos Boozer
Draft Projection: Top 10
PF Blake Griffin, Oklahoma - It's hard to top Patterson, but it's not out of the realm of imagination that Blake Griffin might do so. Out of the three, Griffin may be the most athletic and strongest, which is saying a ton. He has the best jump shot and excels handling and passing the ball. He is a bit inconsistent scoring inside, but he makes up with it by dominating the glass. He isn't long enough to alter a ton of shots, but he won't be out-muscled at any time.Stats: 22 years old, 6'9, 245 lbs
NBL Comparison: Elton Brand
Draft Projection: Top 10
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