Laker Draft Prospects Break Down

[H00PDREAMS]

Greivis Vasquez
Maryland Senior


http://sports.espn.go.com/ncb/player/profile?playerId=32018


Point guard, combo guard

Height 6 ft 6 in (1.98 m)

Weight 200 lb (91 kg)

STRENGTHS: - Go-to scoring mentality - Transition play - Ability to create own shot - Competitiveness - Confidence - Mental toughness - High-level productivity - Level of competition - Ability to create for others - Court vision - Excellent wingspan - Size for position - Average rebounder - 3-point range - Free throw shooting

WEAKNESSES: - Efficiency - Not a true point guard - Out of control at times - Shot-selection - Ability to defend position at next level? - Ability to fight through screens - Commitment to playing defense - Lateral quickness - Physical Toughness - Ability to finish through contact - Average athleticism - Inconsistent shooter - Low shooting percentages


NBA Comparison: Dimitris Diamantidis (offensively), Zoran Planinic, Marko Jaric,

From DraftExpress.com http://www.draftexpress.com/profile/Greivis-Vasquez-1133/#ixzz0rgbWyzmc

Lakers Draft Outlook: Vazquez 's stock is quickly exiting his initial draft stock range of 50's and has jumped up to at least a 28th pick range. Amazing for a player who is listed as being a middle of the road, can do everything well, but not one thing perfect. Coach Jackson likes size Vazquez has got it. He plays grtitty and with flare which could prove appealing to Kobe. He speaks spanish which could apeal to Pau and Kobe making great chemistry. He is cocky and a bit of a tough guy on the court. Defense is suspect but in workouts has shown some improvement there. A knock down shooter with good range. Excellent passer. Every workout he has blown the press and scouts away. Some have said in his workout he has over achieved in every aspect. The secret is out and some are saying they wouldn't be suprised if his name is called in the teens. However, there is a consensus among the press that Vasquez will be coveted by the Lakers and Mitch is set to take him if he his still around.

Notes: Kobe Bryant asked to take the Vasquez assignment as a personal challenge at the 2006 FIBA Americas tournament.
'You're 20 years old. You're young, but if you keep working hard you have a pretty good chance to play in the NBA soon. I like your intensity.' He was a nice guy and it meant a lot coming from him. Vasquez on speaking with Kobe after the game.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/co ... 01179.html

If any of you watched this guy play break him down for us.If any of you watched this guy play break him down for us.

[Danny Darko]

cool thanks for posting that. Interesting prospect. I still wish some ball hawking speedy defender/sniper ala Sedale is available to us, but he sounds intriguing.

[Teen Girl Squad]

Odds are we are going to draft a combo/point guard like Vasquez/Torrance and a big body like Zoubek with our two picks unless someone falls to us (unlikely).

[Magicontinues]

He'll be long gone by 43.

[DubaLakers]

The good thing about all these stud PG's coming out year after year, there are only 30 teams, 30 spots, we are bound to get one somehow. NOH are considering trading CP3, it's already begun. Bring me a stud PG

OT: D Will may be the best in the league, but you can see the guy doesn't clank the iron, that's why D Fish was able to d up on him, if that guy hit the weights he'd be unstoppable.

[laduane1]

Where the Lakers are drafting. Whoever they select will be just a camp filler and a summer league guy. They will not make much impression on the Lakers. Lakers need to buy a first rounder. Heat are saying they want to sell the #18 pick. I pay 3 million for that one.

[Frantik]

questionable "ability to fight through screens", "inconsistent shooter". ...That does it for me. Neeext!

[barrettcg]

he was the acc player of the year and has a lot of upside. He wouldn't cost hardly anything to keep on the roster and if worst comes to worst then whoever is coaching plays him as much as Morrison played this past year. (Just guessing but it had to be somewhere around one minute a game). Also with the lakers trying to save money they are not going to buy a higher draft pick that would 1. cost them to buy and 2. cost more to sign the player that they would get. It just isn't fiscally sound. I hope that they can get a big man, so that when they don't resign Mbenga we can have another big body to play in desperation times in case bynum gets hurt which he tends to do a lot. (Even though he is my second favorite laker) I've seen the name Brian Z. being thrown around and I wouldn't hate that pick.

[That Nicka]

Darington Hobson

[H00PDREAMS]

ERIC BLEDSOE
KENTUCKY - FRESHMAN

http://sports.espn.go.com/ncb/player/pr ... erId=45881
Guard
Height 6 ft 1 in (1.85 m)
Weight 195 lb (88 kg)

Strengths: Great range as a shooter. A terrific athlete who plays bigger than 6-1. Has a 78-inch wingspan and 40-inch vertical leap according to his school’s website. Possesses a mature frame. Played off the ball at Kentucky and is a better distributor than his assist numbers would indicate.
His superb lateral quickness, foot speed and freakish wingspan make him a potential lock down defender. CLUTCH.
Ability to play well in pressure situations. Very strong for his size. Powerful Slasher. Solid shooting percentage.

Weaknesses: Turnovers have been a problem at 3 per game. Attitude.

Extremely limited elevation on his jumper, shooting more of a set shot.
Has mid range game but rarely shows it. Checks out when having a bad game. Mental lapses. High risk.
http://www.draftexpress.com/profile/Eric-Bledsoe-5786/


NBA Comparison: Keyon Dooling, Marcus Banks, Vinnie Johnson (best case)

Lakers Draft Outlook: Living in Kentucky I have been able to watch this kid play a lot. I must say that he is solid. So if Mitch is looking for a high reward type draftee this is your guy. Bledsoe could easily develop in to an All Star someday. Not afraid to drive it to the basket and doesn't back down from contact. I think Phil will love Bledsoe's game but pass because of his size. He plays well under pressure and loves taking the big time shot. Kid is clutch as they come at the college level. Bledsoe could possibly be called a Derek Fisher part 2 if it wasn't for the tude problem.

Notes: Stock could fall because of attitude problems. But not very likely. He is currently under investigation for suspect academic eligibility while at UK.
http://sports.espn.go.com/ncb/news/story?id=5231161
http://www.nbadraft.net/players/eric-bledsoe

[One Love]

Vasquez is a no brainer but he has sky rocketed and the Knicks like hium now... If he is available grab him but we may want to consider Scheyer (6'6") combo guard from Duke or Jerome Randle who is a little speedster from Cal... There is some late first round talent in this draft... Vasquez will pay ten years in the NBA...

[H00PDREAMS]

Brian Zoubek
DUKE - Senior

http://sports.espn.go.com/ncb/player/profile?playerId=31711

Center
Height 7 ft 1 in (2.16 m)
Weight 260 lb (118 kg)

Strengths: Combines size and strength with a high motor. Excels as a rebounder, especially on the offensive end. A battler on the interior. Does a great job setting screens. Monster in the post. Warrior in the paint. Defense.

Weakness: No solid offensive game. Not very athletic. No existing go to move.

NBA Comparison: Nazr Mohammed, Arron Gray, Chris Andersen
http://www.draftexpress.com/profile/Brian-Zoubek-1136/

Lakers Draft Outlook: With a pick this deep in the draft Lakers could find no better pick. With Bynum on the mend soon and Powell or Banga gone. Look for Lakers to add size. At 7'1 (and growing) nearly 300lbs this kid could hold down the paint defensively. Just don't look for him to score. Mitch is looking for quality on the cheap if anyone makes the roster it would be this guy and a backup PG. Zoubek is a winner and a NCAA Champion and was considered the most import player for the Blue Devils during the tourney. Mike Krzyzewski owes his last chip to this kids presence on the floor many have said. This pickup could solidify the Lakers commitment to defense.


Notes: Its been reported on the internets that Zoubek could become the sleeper of draft night. it also reported the Mitch has already put him in high regard and will certainly pick him with 58.

[LApwnd]

yep was watching NBA tv on upcoming prospect, D. Aldridge thinks Vasquez has moved himself up to high teens and mid 20's now....like the breakdown of Torrance, he too reminds me of Fish, as for Bloodsoe, so chance in hell we get him considering we not even going to use MLE on player, I doubt we buy a pick.

[H00PDREAMS]

@One Love - I agree the press is going insane over Vasquez. I cant believe Schayer not being mentioned more. Is it me or is that everyone that the Lakers look at deep down in the draft zoom to the top of the 2nd round. Are the Lakers sharing workouts or what?

[H00PDREAMS]

yep was watching NBA tv on upcoming prospect, D. Aldridge thinks Vasquez has moved himself up to high teens and mid 20's now....like the breakdown of Torrance, he too reminds me of Fish, as for Bloodsoe, so chance in hell we get him considering we not even going to use MLE on player, I doubt we buy a pick.

I watched Vasquez a bit and I was keen on him but more so on Jimmer but dudes not coming out so. Wow, Vasquez I hear its not hype either. I hear he is just working his but off in the workouts and word is getting around he is out hustling other draftees that are or were a lock to go higher than him. That goes to show you if you work hard you can do anything. Good for him. I think I gonna post some stuff about the kid out of Cal next.

[hoops_32]

Mikhail Torrance

NBA Comparison: Marcus Williams/Shaun Livingston (smaller)

Strengths: A multi-talented combo guard who has shown the ability to run a team on a full time basis … He has been asked to play both of the guard positions in his senior season and he has preformed extremely well … Handles the ball comfortably and has good change of direction moves that allow him to get to the basket ... Has terrific length and size as a playmaker and is able to use them both when finishing at the basket or to see overtop of the defense ... He is a solid shooter, showing the ability to knock down shots from beyond the arc with his feet set ... Also comfortable shooting off the dribble, he elevates extremely well and is able to pull up with very good rhythm … He doesn't settle from the outside, but looks to get into the paint both in the half court and in transition ... A good athlete with an aggressive approach, he can get to the basket and finish strong or draw contact … He is not afraid of sacrificing his body and he has a knack for drawing fouls … Has a natural ability to find open teammates with pinpoint passing ... A crafty distributor and playmaker, he is very good at forcing the defense to rotate and making passes once he gets into the gaps … Has a good mix of tools to defend both guard positions successfully …

Weaknesses: Even though he shoots the ball right handed from the outside, he plays like a left handed player and is uncomfortable dribbling the ball or finishing at the basket with his right hand … He becomes predictable because he will look to switch the ball to his left hand even in situations when a right handed finish is the most high percentage shot … A very streaky shooter, he needs to get into a rhythm before he can make shots … He shoots slightly off balance and with low arc, making it hard for him to get favorable bounces on the rim ... He is an extremely turnover prone player, he goes too fast too often and tends to force passes that have no chance of being completed ... Needs to become better at controlling tempo and seeing the numbers before attacking in transition … As a defender he needs to become more disciplined and focused on preventing penetration …

[H00PDREAMS]

@hoops_32- thanks for the info. I never heard about this guy until about a few weeks ago. But like I said before everyone the Lakers even sniff the rest of the league is all over 'em inflating their draft stock. I would be surprised if Torrance is available even at 40. I read a few mocks that he will be gone right after Vasquez.

[daddyfivestar]

Ford was on today saying he's hearing Willie Warren has slid into the 40's.

[xkirruax]

ERIC BLEDSOE
KENTUCKY - FRESHMAN

http://sports.espn.go.com/ncb/player/pr ... erId=45881
Guard
Height 6 ft 1 in (1.85 m)
Weight 195 lb (88 kg)

Strengths: Great range as a shooter. A terrific athlete who plays bigger than 6-1. Has a 78-inch wingspan and 40-inch vertical leap according to his school’s website. Possesses a mature frame. Played off the ball at Kentucky and is a better distributor than his assist numbers would indicate.
His superb lateral quickness, foot speed and freakish wingspan make him a potential lock down defender. CLUTCH.
Ability to play well in pressure situations. Very strong for his size. Powerful Slasher. Solid shooting percentage.

Weaknesses: Turnovers have been a problem at 3 per game. Attitude.

Extremely limited elevation on his jumper, shooting more of a set shot.
Has mid range game but rarely shows it. Checks out when having a bad game. Mental lapses. High risk.
http://www.draftexpress.com/profile/Eric-Bledsoe-5786/


NBA Comparison: Keyon Dooling, Marcus Banks, Vinnie Johnson (best case)

Lakers Draft Outlook: Living in Kentucky I have been able to watch this kid play a lot. I must say that he is solid. So if Mitch is looking for a high reward type draftee this is your guy. Bledsoe could easily develop in to an All Star someday. Not afraid to drive it to the basket and doesn't back down from contact. I think Phil will love Bledsoe's game but pass because of his size. He plays well under pressure and loves taking the big time shot. Kid is clutch as they come at the college level. Bledsoe could possibly be called a Derek Fisher part 2 if it wasn't for the tude problem.

Notes: Stock could fall because of attitude problems. But not very likely. He is currently under investigation for suspect academic eligibility while at UK.
http://sports.espn.go.com/ncb/news/story?id=5231161
http://www.nbadraft.net/players/eric-bledsoe

Lol i would so go with this guy he looks perfect

[hoops_32]

Willie Warren

STRENGTHS: - Ability to get to free throw line - Efficiency - Excellent skill-level - Pick and roll play - Scoring instincts - Ability to create own shot - Ball-handling skills w/either hand - Change of gears/Hesitation moves - Defensive potential - Aggressiveness - Assertiveness - Potential - Ability to create for others - Ability to finish through contact - Body control - Excellent first step - Solid frame - Strength - Wingspan - 3-point range - Ability to create separation from defender - Perimeter shooting potential - Solid free throw shooter


WEAKNESSES: - Shot-selection - Defensive fundamentals - Off-ball defense - Versatility to defend multiple positions - Consistency - Experience - Size for position - Poor rebounder - Shooting mechanics

I would love to see Warren slide and get picked up by the Lakers. He has had questions about his attitude but I think if put into the right environment like in LA he can thrive and eventually take over for Fisher when he retires. Last year he was projected to be a lottery pick but stayed in school and struggled with injuries. He could be the steal of the draft.