Friday, July 13, 2012

Nike Global Challenge Preview - Mideast

PG Wes Clark (#100) - When you read the words "scrappy", "coach on the floor", "dependable", and "rock solid" in a scouting report, you are pleased if you are a coach, but as a future NBA player, Wes Clark doesn't offer elite skills or physical ability. Instead, he has the makings of a 4 yr point guard who may get a shot at the league after he's done college. Clark needs to deal with pressure and elite athletes better as he commits too many turnovers in those situations. Before he gets to the league, he needs to learn to play against those types of guys. He's mainly considering mid-major schools at this point.

PG Billy Garrett Jr (#61) - Garrett is another pure point guard on the Midwest roster. The son of a DePaul assistant coach, where he has committed, Garrett is a floor general who rarely makes mistakes. He has good size at 6'4'', but isnt strong or explosive at the rim. He also needs to work on his shot. Garrett is another guy who should spend awhile in college before getting looks from NBA scouts.

SF Rondae Jefferson (#23) - Jefferson is an elite prospect whose only downfall is the lack of a jumper and poor FT shooting. He is a great athlete, can handle the ball in the opencourt, has good footwork, and has good strength for his age which makes him a great finisher. He also does what it takes to win. He is equally good at creating for others as he is for himself and he also plays great defense. He's a powerful rebounder. If he adds a shot, he could be a lottery guy next year. Even without the shot, he is a great offensive player as he is so creative with the ball - a great ball handler. He could follow into his brother's footsteps at Temple, or he might go to Rutgers or St. John's.

SG JaJuan Johnson (#53) - Johnson is the cousin of Lou Williams and has great size for a SG. He has the makings of a great scorer, although right now he needs to get stronger and add a mid-range game. He is more crafty than he is a terrific athlete. Johnson is a Kentucky favorite, but that doesn't mean he will be a one and done. JaJuan could be in college for a few years.

SF Nick King (#15) - King is a good sized SF and does a good job of drawing contact and getting to the line. He hits his foul shots at a 80% rate, so its an effective way to earn a living for King. Hes a very smart player, which helps him draw contact. His unselfishness can get mistaken for a lack of toughness and he does need to get more aggressive. He has good touch on his jumper, but his bread and butter is inside the arc. Memphis, Tennessee, Texas, and Vanderbilt are his top 4 as he looks to stay local. At #15, I don't think he is as good of a NBA prospect as you would assume, so his college team can expect him to stay for a few years.

C Moses Kingsley (#55) - Kingsley is a hard guy not to like. He has a good motor and does work on both ends of the court on the glass. He also has good length and leaping ability which allows him to be a force blocking shots. Hes heading to Huntington Prep next year to play with Andrew Wiggins, which is a great fit for him since he's a great complimentary player. He doesn't have much of an offensive game and needs to get bigger, but Kingsley will be a good get for a college and could become a NBA player down the road if he improves on his weaknesses. Louisville is the favorite right now, and he could follow in the lines of Samardo Samuels and Giorgi Dieng. Expect him to be a similar level NBA prospect as them as well.

SF Marc Loving (#39) - Loving is a combo forward who has both a post game and a great shooting touch from 20 feet in. He would be considered a tweener right now in NBA circles. He is only an average rebounder and doesn't project to being able to cover NBA SFs or PFs too well. He has a promising career at Ohio State coming up. I expect him to be there for at least a few years. Especially with DeShaun Thomas being the main forward this coming season. Then again, if he did declare, he could probably go somewhere in the first round ala Tobias Harris.

PF Bobby Portis (#12) - Portis is coming off of a strong showing at the LeBron James Camp as his stock is at an all time high. He has already committed to Arkansas and they have a huge steal on their hands. Portis has a nice face up jumper and has no problem taking them. He has the mindset offensively as a scorer. His body is good for his age and should allow him to be a legit post player at the next level. Portis has also really started to prove himself as a plus rebounder, turning up his motor. An underrated part of Portis' game is his passing ability. Overall, he has the potential to become a one and done if everything goes right. Its debatable as to how long he will want to stay at Arkansas.He is definitely a first round talent and could go higher if he puts his mind to it.

PG Duane Wilson (#58) - Duane Wilson really impressed at the LeBron James Camp as he came in with a chip on his shoulder, looking to show up every point guard ranked ahead of him. His competitiveness can help him, but it also drags him down when he gets frustrated. He has all the key tools - great size, athleticism, mid-range game, transition play, can hit the 3, and is a good finisher. He needs to become more of a complete PG, right now he is just a drive and dish guy. As a Marquette commit, Id fully expect him to solidify his game under Buzz Williams and become a great NBA prospect. Hes the best point guard prospect the Midwest has.

SG James Young (#5) - James Young is a prototypical SG with great size, good athleticism, and deadly outside shot. He has excellent range and makes it look effortless. Young is always ready to shoot the jumper if he catches the defense napping. He's a big time scorer, one of the best in the country, and will surely be talked about next year by NBA scouts as he competes in college. He has to prove he can score off the dribble consistently, but it looks like he has all the tools. He has a good feel for the game and plays smart. He could be Kentucky's next one and done lottery pick.

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