Potential sleepers

[doordoor123]

Myles Turner was SOOOOO much better last year then Thomas Bryant has been this year

All of Myles Turner's hype was from high school, scouts discounted his college season and didn't care much until he started to work out with teams.

[sweetcity]

Thomas Bryant was nowhere near as hyped as Turner as a HS prospect either - they arent even close as prospects. Bryant cant shoot

[doordoor123]

I don't really know what to think of DeAndre Bembry, but I really like him. It's going to be hard to do what he does in college when he's in the NBA because he won't be THE guy on the team. He's going to be what the Spurs wish they got two years ago with Kyle Anderson. Even though he's slow, he has a quick first step making it hard to defend him one on one and he's tricky like James Harden is, but in a different way. Really interesting player. If he were quicker and more athletic I would compare him to Harden.

[jman3134]

Who's watched Josh Hart a fair amount? I like the guy, doesnt seem like a superstar but a really solid 2 perhaps. Anyone have some further insight? I don't see him on any draft boards, maybe I'm missing something.

Scouts seem to love him, but I don't see it. Average defender (capitalizes on mistakes and gets a lot of 50/50 balls), below average vert, below average size, and average speed. He's also not that skilled. He just knows how to play basketball. I see him as a roleplayer in the NBA.

Strongly disagree with your assessment here and frankly don't understand what you are seeing on the floor with Hart. First of all, what scouts love him? If DX is indicative of NBA sentiment, he is viewed as a second round pick in next year's draft.

With that said, I view him as a surefire NBA role player, and a good one at that. First of all, Hart is a tremendous defender - this is his calling card. He regularly defends the opposing team's best player, does a great job in the passing lanes, and is extremely aggressive with the ball. He is very effective closing out on shooters without fouling. Yes, he also hustles to 50/50 balls and has incredible intangibles on both ends of the floor.

How does he have a below average vert as one of the top rebounding guards in the nation? If there are measurements on his vertical out there, I have not seen them. To put his 8.7 rebounds per 40 mins into perspective (at 6'5 mind you), despite strong usage, he still has a better DR% than Ben Bentil and Ismael Sanogo. He crashes the glass hard, and is extremely physical.

Hart makes good decisions with the ball in his hands. He is a sound passer (not a visionary) and makes the right plays to teammates.

In terms of his limitations, he has average/below average size for an NBA wing, but has guarded 1-4 in his time at Villanova. His handle is still relatively limited and he will not be a shot creator at the next level. His slashing is basically all straight line and in transition.

Somewhat concerning is his shooting regression from 46% during his sophomore year to 36% this year. But, when you break down the film, it is easy to see why this is happening. Teams are focusing in on him as the team's lead offensive weapon and he is being asked to do more off the dribble. His usage has increased significantly and thus he has somewhat regressed to the mean as an average three point shooter. (his form is somewhat odd but repeatable) With that said, he is still extremely efficient so he is not regressing as a shooter. He regularly connects from the midrange and is hitting shots off the dribble, something he didn't really show as much in previous years. His 59% two pt % is one of the best in the country regardless of position (top 200). Relative to his position, that is substantially higher.

[jman3134]

Who's watched Josh Hart a fair amount? I like the guy, doesnt seem like a superstar but a really solid 2 perhaps. Anyone have some further insight? I don't see him on any draft boards, maybe I'm missing something.

Scouts seem to love him, but I don't see it. Average defender (capitalizes on mistakes and gets a lot of 50/50 balls), below average vert, below average size, and average speed. He's also not that skilled. He just knows how to play basketball. I see him as a roleplayer in the NBA.

Ok thanks for the color!

I agree with your original insight.

[doordoor123]

Who's watched Josh Hart a fair amount? I like the guy, doesnt seem like a superstar but a really solid 2 perhaps. Anyone have some further insight? I don't see him on any draft boards, maybe I'm missing something.

Scouts seem to love him, but I don't see it. Average defender (capitalizes on mistakes and gets a lot of 50/50 balls), below average vert, below average size, and average speed. He's also not that skilled. He just knows how to play basketball. I see him as a roleplayer in the NBA.

Strongly disagree with your assessment here and frankly don't understand what you are seeing on the floor with Hart. First of all, what scouts love him? If DX is indicative of NBA sentiment, he is viewed as a second round pick in next year's draft.

With that said, I view him as a surefire NBA role player, and a good one at that. First of all, Hart is a tremendous defender - this is his calling card. He regularly defends the opposing team's best player, does a great job in the passing lanes, and is extremely aggressive with the ball. He is very effective closing out on shooters without fouling. Yes, he also hustles to 50/50 balls and has incredible intangibles on both ends of the floor.

How does he have a below average vert as one of the top rebounding guards in the nation? If there are measurements on his vertical out there, I have not seen them. To put his 8.7 rebounds per 40 mins into perspective (at 6'5 mind you), despite strong usage, he still has a better DR% than Ben Bentil and Ismael Sanogo. He crashes the glass hard, and is extremely physical.

Hart makes good decisions with the ball in his hands. He is a sound passer (not a visionary) and makes the right plays to teammates.

In terms of his limitations, he has average/below average size for an NBA wing, but has guarded 1-4 in his time at Villanova. His handle is still relatively limited and he will not be a shot creator at the next level. His slashing is basically all straight line and in transition.

Somewhat concerning is his shooting regression from 46% during his sophomore year to 36% this year. But, when you break down the film, it is easy to see why this is happening. Teams are focusing in on him as the team's lead offensive weapon and he is being asked to do more off the dribble. His usage has increased significantly and thus he has somewhat regressed to the mean as an average three point shooter. (his form is somewhat odd but repeatable) With that said, he is still extremely efficient so he is not regressing as a shooter. He regularly connects from the midrange and is hitting shots off the dribble, something he didn't really show as much in previous years. His 59% two pt % is one of the best in the country regardless of position (top 200). Relative to his position, that is substantially higher.

Well I follow a lot of scouts on twitter and for the past month or so they've been raving about him. I think he's an average defender but he's a good COLLEGE defender. Again, he capitalizes on mistakes of the players he's guarding. Mistakes that won't happen in the NBA very often. This is why he's so good in the lanes (because of bad passes). And he's great at rebounding for the same reasons Valentine gobbles up rebounds -- he's smart enough to see open lanes next to the basket. This is also why he gets a lot of 50/50 balls. His vert is below the rim -- he has to jump off of one foot and extend both arms to dunk. He, like Valentine, is a smart player and I see him as a roleplayer.

[jman3134]

He is a role player in the NBA. What is wrong with that? Teams are looking for good role players late into the first round.

Good to know that the sentiment is there from scouts. May I ask who in particular? Would want to follow as well.

His best asset is his ability to close out fast on opposition and impact jump shooters. That will not change in the NBA and that is something players like Battier used to carve a niche out in the NBA. It's not just the passing lanes. And in the passing lanes, I don't think you can honestly say that most of the passes he is stealing are bad passes. He has good anticipatory instincts.

He is great at rebounding because he is extremely physical and has a nose for the ball (same reason he is impactful on D). He is able to out-rebound bigger players simply by his physicality.

He does that, but it remains to be seen if he has to do that to dunk. If he has a poor vert, how is he able to consistently out-rebound big men fighting for the same ball? This happened all season. So unless you think he has a Zach Randolph-type presence boxing out (fundamentals), I am not seeing the same player.

[doordoor123]

He is a role player in the NBA. What is wrong with that? Teams are looking for good role players late into the first round.

Good to know that the sentiment is there from scouts. May I ask who in particular? Would want to follow as well.

His best asset is his ability to close out fast on opposition and impact jump shooters. That will not change in the NBA and that is something players like Battier used to carve a niche out in the NBA. It's not just the passing lanes. And in the passing lanes, I don't think you can honestly say that most of the passes he is stealing are bad passes. He has good anticipatory instincts.

He is great at rebounding because he is extremely physical and has a nose for the ball (same reason he is impactful on D). He is able to out-rebound bigger players simply by his physicality.

He does that, but it remains to be seen if he has to do that to dunk. If he has a poor vert, how is he able to consistently out-rebound big men fighting for the same ball? This happened all season. So unless you think he has a Zach Randolph-type presence boxing out (fundamentals), I am not seeing the same player.

I have a big network of people I follow, but it's my source of information I don't want others replicating. Having said that, we can agree to disagree on Hart. I was actually going to say he was physical too. I think he has other factors that make him a good rebounder because vertical isn't a leading factor in rebounding. A good center of gravity and lower body strength mean a lot.

[Dr Positivity]

A lot of Oregon prospects are getting more attention after their tournament run, the one that stands out the most to me is Jordan Bell. Doesn't look very skilled but put up good numbers of steals, blocks, assists, TS%, and just looks like a sick athlete

I was looking at Nova to see if anyone but Hart deserves consideration, I wonder if Daniel Ochefu should get a little more attention. He is one of the longest big men in the class and has elite rebounding and good shotblocking and assist numbers. Maybe he can be NBA player by rebounding, blocking shots and dunking

[Notanoob]

A lot of Oregon prospects are getting more attention after their tournament run, the one that stands out the most to me is Jordan Bell. Doesn't look very skilled but put up good numbers of steals, blocks, assists, TS%, and just looks like a sick athlete

I was looking at Nova to see if anyone but Hart deserves consideration, I wonder if Daniel Ochefu should get a little more attention. He is one of the longest big men in the class and has elite rebounding and good shotblocking and assist numbers. Maybe he can be NBA player by rebounding, blocking shots and dunking

The problem with Ochefu is that he isn't really quick. He's not a natural PnR defender. Drag him out of the paint and you can get by him. In college he can hang around the rim more than he'll be allowed to in the NBA. He should get draft consideration given what you listed, but I don't see him being anything more than an anonymous backup given his mobility.

[Coeur]

Bolomboy
Shawn Long
David Walker
Tyrone Wallace

[Chuck Everett]

Bolomboy can really play. That dude is long and athletic. Active too.

Stefan Jankovic is in the draft as well and looks like the quintessential stretch 4. 6'11 with range and skills. All he needs (besides fouling too much) is to continue extending that range and get in an NBA weight training program. Guy is a steal as a 2nd round pick IMO. Could go late first (Phoenix via Cleveland's pick).

[Zukkoyaki]

^I like Stefan Jankovic as well! He's a smart and surprisingly tough player with excellent size and shooting ability. Ceiling is Ryan Anderson and he doesn't seem to be on too many people's radar. Could be an absolute steal.

[No-Man]

Julian Jacobs is a player

[doordoor123]

Julian Jacobs is a player

Agreed. Saw him live and I love him. Nothing more than a good bench player though.

[King Ken]

This is like the Bennett class. It's positional and situational. The worst type of draft for bad organizations and teams who play typical systems.

Since I am Hawks fan, here are my guys at their slots:

Valentine, Prince, Ulis, Allen, and Michael Gbinjie

Lower slots

Trimble, Zhou Qi, Wade Baldwin, Nigel Hayes, D. House

Sent from my SM-N920V using Tapatalk

[EMG518]

I just saw the college all-star game for seniors and David Walker reminded me a lot of Klay Thompson. I have seen him mentioned a couple of times on this board I believe.

[Chuck Everett]

I just saw the college all-star game for seniors and David Walker reminded me a lot of Klay Thompson. I have seen him mentioned a couple of times on this board I believe.

You mean David Walker from Northeastern? He's about 6'6 in size, but I'm not sure if he's an NBA player.

[doordoor123]

I just saw the college all-star game for seniors and David Walker reminded me a lot of Klay Thompson. I have seen him mentioned a couple of times on this board I believe.

You mean David Walker from Northeastern? He's about 6'6 in size, but I'm not sure if he's an NBA player.

He definitely is. I think he's going to be very good in the NBA. I see him as a smaller Gordon Hayward. If he were younger and on a better team he'd be a first round pick. Still think he could rise after combine.

[Chuck Everett]

We'll see if he gets invited to the combine. Again, I'm not sure. It's not like he dominated the CAA this year. Northeastern actually significantly regressed.