Ranking of 2012 Prospects.

[Ming Kong!]

Hey guys, I don't follow college ball, though I might watch a few games from here on out to see who I like. I was wondering how you guys would rank the players coming into the 2012 draft. Since our pick(s) will come in the lottery give me around 14 player deep ranking. I would like to know some information about the range where these look to go (so far). Thanks.

BTW I know there are a few draft threads already, but I think this merits it's own topic, if not feel free to merge.

[HolyToledo]

1) Anthony Davis Kentucky PF (no one close-Cant miss)
2) Michael Gilcrist SF Kentucky (Hayward type but more aggressive offensively)
3) Andre Drummond C UConn (Very Raw but size matters)
4) Harrison Barnes SG N. Carolina (I personally hate his game--scouts love him)
5) Thomas Robinson PF Kansas (JJ Hickson likely possibly better--me no like)
6) Jeremy Lamb SG UConn (Has handles and can score)
7) Bradley Beal SG Florida (NBA shooting ability already w/Handles--hope jazz pick him)
8) Jared Sullinger PF Ohio State (reminds me of Wayman Tisdale--good post moves)
9) Cody Zeller C Indiana (Athletic Center that may stay in school)
10) Perry Jones SF/PF Baylor (extremely athletic with outside shot-but rarely dominates games)
11) Damian LIllard PG Weber St. (Shoot 1st PG that reminds me of Devn Harris)
12) Tyler Zeller C N. Carolina (Probably just a good back up center in NBA)


Players that fit Jazz's needs at SG and PG other than those mentioned above:

1) Kendall Marshall PG N. Carolina (Pass 1st PG--GREAT passer-but inconsistent with shot and lacks athletic ability. I want him for Jazz)
2) Terrence Ross SG/SF Washington (He shoots the ball well especially from the corners, but handles are average
3) Austin Rivers SG Duke (Lots of talent and will be better in pros but kind of a chucker)

Dream Draft for me would be Rivers and Marshall

[Jazzfan12]

Guys that could be in the Jazz's hypothetical range if they get a pick:

John Henson (PF)-Long, athletic defender. Defends pick-and-roll very well, gets tons of blocks and rebounds. Struggles in man defense. Lot of different skills on offense but none are particularly effective. Comparable to Marcus Camby and Ekpe Udoh.

Kendall Marshall (PG)-Good floor general. Makes great passes for easy baskets in transition. Can't really shoot, extremely poor athleticism.

Terrence Ross (PG)-Freak athlete, spotup shooter, struggles to dribble, pretty raw.

Meyers Leonard (C)-Super fast and explosive 7'1 center who has good touch and can pass and block shots. A little soft and mentally weak and very raw. Maybe like a poor man's LaMarcus Aldridge or he could just be the next Patrick O'Bryant.

Damian Lillard (PG/SG/Gunner guard off bench)

Jeremy Lamb (SG)-Long shooter, can score very well with the ball or off screens. Not super aggressive, doesn't do really anything other than score.

Harrison Barnes (SF)-Strong, can finish around the rim and score in transition. Very good pump-fake and jab step moves, good shooter. Can't dribble or pass, average defender and rebounder.

[Ming Kong!]

Thanks guys, from what I've heard you guys say and from what I've heard in other places, Beal sounds like a fit. I don't think the SG is really the position though we need help at. To me our strengths are as follows:

1. PF - Millsap/Favors/Evans
2. C - Jefferson/Kanter/(Favors)
3. SG - Hayward/Burks/Bell
4. PG - Harris/Tinsley/Watson
5. SF - Howard/Miles/Carroll/(Evans)

C/PF are basically a wash, GREAT depth there, SG and PG we don't have as good starters, but they also have great depth. I feel the SF spot needs a lot of work done. Miles has been nice of late, but outside of that we really have nothing. Howard who don't like just had a bad injury, and I think we should let go of this summer, unless we really can't do any better. His hustle is there (at times).

According to mock drafts and player rankings around the web, 3 of the top 4 players are SF, with Anthony Davis, PF, being the top dog. It would be nice if one of these guys could slip some due to tournament play. I mean there are surprises too.

The SF free agents are a joke too. Gerald Wallace and Vince Carter are probably the best unrestricted free agents. Wallace though has a player option, but if he decides to become a free agent, maybe we can get him for about MLE money. I think he would definitely be happy in a starting role on a playoff team. I think with the right attitude he could put us in the top 3-4 in the West.

[Jazzfan12]

Davis, Beal, Gilchrist, and Robinson are probably going top 4 so I doubt the Jazz will be in position for any of those guys.

[Ming Kong!]

Davis, Beal, Gilchrist, and Robinson are probably going top 4 so I doubt the Jazz will be in position for any of those guys.

Actually I keep seeing Beal 8th in mock drafts.

[Jazzfan12]

Davis, Beal, Gilchrist, and Robinson are probably going top 4 so I doubt the Jazz will be in position for any of those guys.

Actually I keep seeing Beal 8th in mock drafts.

He's moved up a lot in tournament play. He's 5th on Draftexpress and 4th on ESPN and will probably move up after the combine since he's really intelligent and taller than people think.

[babyjax13]

I think Jeremy Lamb will be the best player available where we draft. He could certainly fit in well, but I honestly have come to the conclusion that CJ is a keeper, so I wouldn't mind seeing us reach on a point guard or just go BPA. Really, I think I'll be happy with anyone we draft at this point.

[UTJazzFan_Echo1]

...but I honestly have come to the conclusion that CJ is a keeper...

I want to feel this way too but I think it's important to remember that he is in a contract year... and we all know what that can do to a players motivation and focus. I'm not so sure we can trust that CJ has FNALLY turned the corner. I really want to believe in him... just not sure if I can after all this time.

Anyways, here is my latest top 15 (Drummond excluded):
1- Anthony Davis
2- Bradley Beal
3- Michael Kidd-Gilchrist
4- Thomas Robinson
5- Jeremy Lamb
6- Harrison Barnes
7- Jared Sullinger
8- Perry Jones III
9- Meyers Leonard
10- Kendall Marshall
11- Austin Rivers
12- Damian Lillard
13- Terrence Jones
14- Tyler Zeller
15- John Henson

I think the most realistic options for the Jazz (assuming they're in the 8-13 range) are Perry Jones III, Kendall Marshall, Austin Rivers, Damian Lillard and Terrence Jones. I think the best pick for the Jazz would be one of the 3 PG's who should go in the 8-10 range (hopefully).