On June 28th the future of the NBA gets brighter, faster, fresher, and younger in the annual NBA draft. From point guards to centers, east coast to west coast, or pure talent to potential, this year is considered one of the deepest and most talented draft classes in recent memory.
The Pre-Draft Combine in Chicago concluded as 6 of the nation’s top ballers showcased their skills for scouts of each NBA team. Today, tomorrow, and up until June 28th, specific players will be meeting, auditioning, and battling it out for specific teams while many front offices will be sweating bullets in trying to find the perfect selection.
As it sits right now, and all mock drafts agree, the #1 pick is unanimous: it will be Kentucky freshman sensation Anthony Davis. But following him is a handful of other notable athletes ready to take the league by storm. Starting with Davis, we’ll break down 5 of the top prospects.
1. Anthony Davis. With a menacing glare that highlights his menacing unibrow, standing 6 foot 11, Davis was the National Player of the Year and led the Kentucky Wildcats to an outstanding 38 – 2 record and an even more impressive feat of cutting down the nets as the National Champions. Davis will have an immediate impact as he is known for his defense, averaging nearly five blocks and ten rebounds a game his freshman year of college. Not intimidated by anyone, and NBA ready, Davis has already stated he’ll be waiting to shut down legend Kobe Bryant in the immediate future.
U.S. President Barack Obama (R) is presented a ring by forward Anthony Davis of the University of Kentucky men’s basketball team at the White House in Washington, May 4, 2012. YURI GRIPAS/REUTERS/Newscom, Find it on Newscom.com: rtrlfive220780.
2. Michael Kidd-Gilchrist. Davis’ former teammate could be following big brother’s footsteps, as speculation suggestions Micheal Kidd-Gilchrist could very well be the next name called out at the NBA draft. Described as having a high motor, explosive work ethic, and a team first player, Kidd-Gilchrist, as a do it all forward, has the heart to make any NBA fan proud. Evidence of this is his decision to legally change his last name to honor both his father and uncle who were killed during his youth. Notwithstanding his great character and persona, Kidd-Gilchrist has great athletic potential at the ripe age of 18 and is waiting to blossom.
NBA hopeful Michael Kidd-Gilchrist talks with media during predraft workouts for the Charlotte Hornets on Monday, June 18, 2012, in Charlotte, North Carolina.Jeff Siner/MCT/Newscom. Find it on Newscom.com: krtphotoslive556664.
3. Bradley Beal. My personal favorite prospect is Bradley Beal, a freshman guard out of the University of Florida. Beal averaged 15 points, 7 rebounds, 2 assists, and a steal a game as he became one of the best shooters in the country. As most NBA teams can agree – shooters and defenders are the bread and butter to success; Beal offers both. Nothing to dislike, star potential, really good athlete, and great kid are just a few of the things being talked about Beal.
University of Florida Gators guard Bradley Beal steals the ball from Norfolk State University Spartans guard Rodney McCauley during the first half of the third round in the NCAA men’s West Regional basketball tournament in Omaha, Nebraska March 18, 2012. DAVE KAUP/REUTERS/Newscom. Find it on Newscom.com: rtrlfive134366.
4. Thomas Robinson. If size is what you are looking for, then look no further than Thomas Robinson, a hard-nosed, rock solid power forward out of Kansas. During his junior season, Robinson averaged 17.6 points and 11. 9 rebounds (second in the nation) a game while muscling his way in the paint and to victories for the Jayhawks. The young man is extremely hard working which translates into confidence, as suggested by Robinson’s claim of having the best stats out of any other candidate. Surely, he’ll be a top 4 pick.
Thomas Robinson (0) during the Midwest Regional Final of the NCAA division I Men’s Basketball Championship at the Edward Jones Dome in St. Louis Mo. The Jayhawks defeated UNC to win the Regional Championship. William Purnell/Icon SMI CBG/William Purnell/Icon SMI/Newscom. Find it on Newscom.com:iconphotosthree204122.
5. Damian Lillard. Damian Lillard is a name you may have not heard before, but the unheralded point guard is rising in draft stock. Out of a mid-major school, in small town Ogden, Utah, Lillard isn’t letting his unrecognizable reputation get to him, but rather proving the critics wrong and showing off as the best point guard available in this year’s draft. Lillard was 2nd in the nation in scoring last year, averaged 24.5 points per game, but as a 6 ft 3 point guard he knows the importance of passing and getting teammates involved, as he registered 4.5 assists a game as well.
Damian Lillard from Weber State during a game. Boyd Ivey/Icon SMI 248/Boyd Ivey/Icon SMI/Newscom. Find it on Newscom.com: iconphotosthree100172.
These, and many others, are waiting for their name to be called Thursday. Check out these pictures and more at Newscom.com.
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Tags: anthony davis, Bradley Beal, Damian Lilliard, Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, nba draft, Thomas Robinson