NBA Draft? Its Never Too Early To Speculate

As football season reaches its apex, hoops junkies, like me, get their fix as the college basketball season gets under way.   

Although the season just tipped off, it is never too early to start looking forward to the 2008 NBA Draft.  So, without any further ado, I present to you, in reverse order, my top five collegiate prospects for said draft. 

Roy Hibbert, Georgetown 

7’2”-280-C-Sr. 

Hibbert declared for the 2007 NBA Draft but never hired an agent, leaving the door open for him to withdraw his name and return to Georgetown for his senior season.  While he likely would have been a lottery selection in last year’s draft, Hibbert was wise to return to school and try to carry his late season success into his senior season.   

While Hibbert is not a particularly explosive athlete, he seems to have a high basketball IQ and is a willing and capable passer out of the post.  Due to his length and basketball savvy, Hibbert is a solid shot blocker in spite of his average athleticism.  He also has great hands which allow him to catch just about everything thrown his way and is terrific free throw shooter for a big man.   

Having played four years in the college ranks, Hibbert will enter the NBA ready to contribute from day one, whereas many other draft applicants will take time to develop their game and adjust to the speed and athleticism of the Association. 

The big fella has improved by leaps and bounds since his freshman year and if he improves as much in the next year as he did in the last, Hibbert could be the top pick in the 2008 draft.  

Chase Budinger, Arizona 

6’7”-190-SG-So. 

Budinger is a freakish athlete with unlimited range on his jump shot. A former volleyball player, Budinger possesses a combination of unbelievable leaping ability and impeccable timing. 

At his best in the open court, Budinger must improve his handle in order to become a consistent threat in the half court set.  Chase has terrific body control which allows his to rise up over defenders and get his shot off as well as finish on the break as well as anyone in the country.   

Still developing in terms of his half court game and mid-range jumper, Chase is also not as aggressive on the defensive end as he will need to be in order to play crunch-time minutes in the NBA. 

Budinger’s shooting ability and superb athleticism make him worthy of a top five selection despite a few holes in his game. 

O.J. Mayo, Southern California 

6’5”-195-PG-Fr. 

Mayo is an elite athlete who possesses an amazing first step which allows him to torture defenses by getting into the lane and displaying his above average ability to finish and remarkable passing skills.   

Mayo is a fierce competitor who loves to take it right at the defense.  He will need to earn his stripes on the defensive end, but should have no problem stepping his game up to the collegiate level.  His NBA ready body and ball-handling skills, as well as good size for a point make him a sure fire top five pick.   

After garnering some negative publicity, Mayo has done everything right in the short time he has been in Los Angeles.  If he can continue to show discipline and work to polish his less than spectacular midrange game, Mayo will be a top three pick. 
 

Michael Beasley, Kansas State 

6’9”-235-PF-Fr. 

Beasley might be the best athlete in the nation to go along with seemingly limitless range.  I saw Beasley play live in the FIBA U18 Tournament of the Americas in 2006 and he demonstrated the ability to take control of the paint as well as being a force from the perimeter.  Beasley led the team, which included 2007 lottery selection, Spencer Hawes, in both scoring and rebounding.   

Beasley has a great deal of versatility and can impact the game in a variety of ways.  He averaged 28 points, 16 rebounds, 4 assists, 4.5 blocks and 2 steals in his senior season of high school, but will have to maintain a higher intensity level in order to be productive in the NBA on a consistent basis and his post defense is a question mark.  His game reminds me of Antawn Jamison.     
 

Derrick Rose, Memphis 

6’4”-195-PG-Fr. 

Rose nearly averaged a triple double as a prep in Chicago and arrives at Memphis with tremendous expectations.  Rose runs the point as well as anyone in recent memory and has an upside without limitation.   

Rose’s worst quality seems to be his jumper, although he shot 59% from the floor and 45% from the three point line as a high school senior.  Rose is not a great pure shooter but, unlike many of his peers, he doesn’t take many bad shots and is therefore an efficient shooter. 

Rose possesses cat-like quickness and has the ability to get to the paint with a great deal of ease and either finish or find the open man with his outstanding vision and passing ability.   

A terrific defender and outstanding floor general, Rose is reminiscent of a young Jason Kidd.  Barring injury or a lapse in concentration, this young man has Hall of Fame potential.