7. Knicks, 2010: Jordan Hill over Brandon Jennings, Ty Lawson, Jrue Holiday, Jeff Teague, Eric Maynor, Darren Collison

This would have been understandable had the Knicks not desperately needed a point guard. Donnie Walsh, myself and the rest of the Knick fan base felt the same kick in the junk when Golden State grabbed Stephen Curry at the 7th pick.

Jordan Hill was drafted at 8, booed, and traded 24 games later. Though he might turn out to be a serviceable 7th man playing 18 minutes a game, his ceiling reaches Ty Lawson’s shoulders.

6. Wizards, 2001: Kwame Brown over Pau Gasol, Joe Johnson, Zach Randolph, Gerald Wallace, Tony Parker, Gilbert Arenas

Michael Jordan had never been arrested, but I can’t help but think he might have drafted under the influence.

5. Bobcats, 2006: Adam Morrison over Brandon Roy, Rudy Gay, Rajon Rondo

Jordan relapse.

4. 2002: Mike Dunleavy Jr, Drew Gooden, Dajuan Wagner, Chris Wilcox over Amare Stoudemire

I would have loved to have heard the conversation that lead to, “Let’s go with Wilcox”

3. Portland, 2007: Greg Oden over Kevin Durant

When you approach the draft with a “need over talent” mindset… you end up with Greg Oden and not Kevin Durant. Oden has played 82 career games, while Durant is on the verge MVP status and in position to compete for a championship for the next five-plus years.

2. Atlanta Hawks, 2006: Shelden Williams over Brandon Roy, Rudy Gay, Rajon Rondo
Atlanta Hawks, 2005: Marvin Williams over Deron Williams, Chris Paul, Andrew Bynum,
Atlanta Hawks, 2004: Josh Childress over Andre Iguadala, Luol Deng, Al Jefferson

C’mon. This just angers me, and I care more about the last bite of my turkey sandwich than I do about the Hawks. Imagine if Atlanta had been coherent during these drafts. They could have ended up with:

PG. Chris Paul                OR PG. Deron Williams           OR PG. Rajon Rondo        OR…
SG. Brandon Roy                         SG. Andre Iguadala                           SF: Josh Smith
SF: Andre Iguadala                     SF. Rudy Gay                                      PF: Al Jefferson
PF: Josh Smith                             PF. Josh Smith                                   C: Andrew Bynum

Just sayin.

1. Detroit Pistons, 2003: Darko Milicic over Carmelo Anthony, Dwyane Wade, Chris Bosh

Do you believe that while we look endlessly for work, struggle in our cubicles and intern for free, that there are executives and scouts payed millions to evaluate talent, only to decide that Darko Milicic is a better prospect that Melo, D-Wade and Chris Bosh?

Because I don’t.

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Despite Kyrie Irving’s promise as a point guard and Derrick William’s productive college career, the mysterious Enes Kanter might pack the most reward as the number 1 pick.

Kanter has willingly worked out against competition perceived as “inferior”, while many American prospects shy away from such situations with the fear of a bad day. Considering his infamous 34 and 13 game at the 2010 Nike Hoops Summit came against the likes of Kyrie Irving and Brandon Knight, Tobias Harris, Ohio State’s Jared Sullinger and UNC’s Harrison Barnes, Kanter has no reason to feel timid.

In regards to International prospects, you usually find that the talented suffer physically, and the physical lack talent. Not Mr. Kanter.  At 6’11.25 with a 7’1 wingspan and a 9’1.5 standing reach, weighing 259 lbs with a 5.9% body fat, Kanter possesses ideal physical tools suited for NBA play. Between the Summit, high school video and ongoing workouts, he’s looked comfortable and confident with his midrange jumper, a critical weapon in terms of justifying his status as a number one pick.

By selecting Kanter as the number one pick, the Cavs can almost guarantee themselves Brandon Knight at the 4. Remember, if Cleveland takes Kyrie Irving first overall, it’s likely that Knight would be best player available at 4, (if Derrick Williams and Enes Kanter go 2 and 3) who wouldn’t make sense as a pick considering the positional conflict. This would force Cleveland to reach for someone like Kawai Leonard or Jan Vesely, neither of which warrant a top 4 selection.

If Cleveland takes Derrick Williams first overall, it’s possible that they come out of this draft without a point guard (unless they reach for Kemba Walker), considering Irving and Knight can go 2, and 3.

Outside of Kanter, Derrick Williams, Kyrie Irving and Brandon Knight, there’s a potential dropoff in terms of talent and upside. Kanter at the 1 is the only solution to avoiding the possibility of having reach or come out “point-guardless”.

Kanter as the top pick allows Cleveland more flexibility at the 4th pick, and guarantees them the ability to fill the two most coveted positions in terms of rebuilding a rotation. With Irving’s reluctance to participate in athletic testing and workouts, and Derrick Williams questionable position, Enes Kanter is slowly moving into position as the top prospect in 2011.

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Falling

Kyrie Irving

The Cavs are approaching one of the most important drafts in franchise history, and should feel pressure to make the right selection considering the rare position they are in. Does Cleveland really want to take this opportunity to choose a guard who decided to skip out on combine drills and athletic testing, after playing in only 11 college games? Maybe, but while Derrick Williams’ stock continues to soar, Irving’s lack of participation and small sample of production could trigger a sense of ambivalence in regards to choosing LeBron’s replacement. We still love Irving, but from Cleveland’s perspective, Williams might be the safer play.

Jordan Williams

Williams entered the combine with criticism surrounding his athleticism, quickness and explosiveness for an NBA big. He left with the same criticism. Right now his upside doesn’t quite compel you to overlook his weaknesses. Teams might be interested in more of a “sure thing” with their one and only first round pick.

Smith’s measurements and athletic results were pretty much what you’d expect, maybe slightly worse. While other bubble first rounders such as Marshon Brooks, Jeremy Tyler, Kyler Singler, Josh Selby have begun solidifying their positions in the first round, Smith maintains the same question mark status he played with his entire career. He’s a low ceiling guard with backup potential, and should fall to a team with a need, not a want. His best shot at the first round would be Chicago at 28 or 30, but with other younger, more athletic prospects on the rise, Smith could be on the verge of a draft night slide.

Rising

Derrick Williams

Could you imagine the backlash if the Cavs screw this one up? Cleveland will take no chances here, and should look to select the prospect with the highest ceiling and the least amount of uncertainty. Right now, Derrick Williams is that guy. He’s given scouts a much larger sample size to evaluate from, showing a gradual increase in production from the start of his freshman year to the end of his sophomore year. Williams measured and tested exceptionally well in Chicago, backing up his strong play at Arizona with ideal physical tools. His versatility and potential to play both the 3 and 4 will also allow Cleveland roster flexibility in terms of adding another star to play next to him, whether it’s in the draft or free agency.

With reports over the weekend that Cleveland has interest in acquiring the second pick to go along with the first, it’s likely that they are either skeptical of Enes Kanter’s availability at the 4th pick, or they’re skeptical of him as a player. If Cleveland takes Irving first, they’ll have the option of selecting between Kanter, Brandon Knight or Kemba Walker, with everyone else considered a reach. Of those three, only Kanter seems to make sense as a compliment. But if Kanter goes 3 to Utah, Cleveland will be stuck with pairing Irving with another point guard, or reaching on someone like Kawhi Leonard, who would be better suited in a lineup consisting of more established scores and playmakers. By selecting Williams, Cleveland can pair him with either Kanter or someone like Knight or Kemba Walker at the 4th pick.

Enes Kanter

Kanter has strategically positioned himself as someone too rewarding to pass on at the number 3 spot. He’s generated virtually zero question marks surrounding his physical capabilities, posting promising results in both his measurements and athletic testing. While Kanter has generally been evaluated based off one performance in 2010, he left scouts in Chicago with little to criticize at an event that makes it easy to nitpick. Though Utah has been previously linked to Brandon Knight, the Jazz will have to think about his development playing alongside Devin Harris, whose shoot-first mentality could affect the progression of a young combo guard looking to grow as a facilitator. Kanter could fit right in next to Al Jefferson, solidifying the team’s front court by adding youth, strength, agility and skill.

Kawhi Leonard

After Irving, Williams, Kanter and Knight, the Raptors have few available options that can be regarded as potential fixtures at a specific position. Though Kemba Walker seems like a sensible choice, there’s still some uncertainty surrounding his role at the next level. The Raptors might want to address the leak they have at the small forward position and fill it with cement, or a 6’7 forward with a 7’3 wingspan and hands that could grip a leather beach ball. Leonard has reportedly shot the ball extremely well during workouts, and has given teams little reason to doubt his effectiveness as a rebounder and defender. The Raptors need depth/talent at the 1, 3 and 4 positions. Considering the lack of point guard options after Irving and Knight, and the abundance of safer, lower-upside 4s, Leonard looks like the best fit from a needs and upside standpoint.

Tobias Harris

Harris showed off the athleticism and mobility that should allow him to share time both in the post and on the wing. This versatility will now attract a new group of teams that have holes in their rotations. A mature, high character student of the game, Harris displayed consistency and efficiency throughout the entire season, scoring in double figures in all but three games. After acing his interviews, Harris should remain in the top 20 mix as a low-risk, high-reward prospect.

Marshon Brooks

Brooks illustrated his quickness and leaping abilities at the combine, along with a 7’1 wingspan as a 6’5 shooting guard. Unlike many prospects in this year’s draft, Brooks’ identity is clear. He’s a natural scorer in every sense of the word, and maintains an offensive repertoire consisting of practically every move in the book. Those who watched him in workout settings were quick to point out his ability to score from any position on the court. Though some question his strength and lack of bulk, he weighed in at 196 lbs, which in comparison is only 4 pounds lighter than Atlanta’s Jamal Crawford, who sports a similar game. I’ve had the chance to watch Brooks all year long, and feel confident that his abilities are worthy of a top 20 pick.

Jeremy Tyler

It’s hard not to be mesmerized by a man who stands 6’10.5 with a 7’5 wingspan and a 12 foot max vertical reach. It’s even harder when that man is agile and athletic. Tyler looks the part of an NBA center, and has done all the right things in regards to erasing concern over his failed overseas experiment. With a number of teams in need of an athletic, defensive presence in the middle, Tyler’s stock should continue to rise into the late first round.

Andrew Goudelock

So far so good for Goudelock, who has nailed his initial auditions for a specialist role at the next level. Shooting lights out in both Portsmouth and Chicago, he’s left scouts with only one question to answer- can he guard NBA point guards. He measured in at 6’2.75, but tested well in almost every athletic category. Goudelock looks to be convincing in his attempt to persuade scouts that his passing, ball-handling and defensive abilities are all strong enough to overshadow his lack of a true position.

Climbing

Bismack Biyombo, 6’9, C, Congo

A popular name over the past few weeks, Biyombo has shot up mock draft boards due to his game-changing potential on the defensive end. He’s still years away from developing offensively, but with a 7’7 wingspan and an NBA body, his raw skill-set can be overlooked. Biyombo still has plenty of question marks, including his age, but with all the hype and his possible upside, expect someone to take him in the first round.

Andrew Goudelock, 6’2, SG, Charleston

Coming off a strong performance in Portsmouth, Andrew Goudelock has started to make a name for himself with precision shooting and the ability to score off the dribble. His high offensive awareness level has earned Goudelock a green arrow upwards, considering the forward heavy draft pool he finds himself in. He also recently added “State Farm Three-Point Shooting Champion” to his resume.

Brad Wanamaker, 6’3, PG, Pittsburgh

Every coach will tell you how important it is to have a guy like Wanamaker in your rotation. His high basketball IQ and complimentary skill-set provide balance and poise in the half court, regardless of his limitations with the ball in his hands. He plays with a sense of grit and toughness, which is beneficial for him when it comes to playing against more skilled and talented players. Though Wanamaker doesn’t have a true position and his ceiling is low, a playoff team could use his well-rounded services as a second round pick.

Matthew Bryan Amaning, 6’10, PF, Washington

MBA’s combination of length and athleticism make him effective on both sides of the ball. His ability to run the floor and establish himself as a target in transition is a quality that should translate nicely to NBA play. Though he struggles to consistently knock down midrange jumpers, he’s proven more than capable of scoring within 15 feet in a half court set. With a strong showing in Portsmouth, Amaning has set himself up to be recognized as a next level contributor.

Davis Bertans, 6’10, SF, Latvia

Making a late push, Bertans impressed at the Nike Hoops Summit with his ability to shoot as a 6’10 forward. With room to grow physically, Bertan’s has some intriguing upside that should draw interest from scouts in a weak draft. Big men who can spread the floor and force 6’10 defenders away from the rim are always useful to NBA offenses.

Slippin’

Corey Stokes, 6’5, SG, Villanova

Stokes has reportedly looked out of shape since Villanova’s first round loss to George Mason. He already lacks lateral quickness and possesses a limited offensive skill-set as it is. An immobile, 6’5 off-ball guard with little to offer defensively is not a reputation you want from a four year college player with May just around the corner.

Rick Jackson, 6’10, PF, Syracuse

Though Jackson put up decent numbers in Portsmouth, he lacks the tools to be effective at the next level. Without the ability to face up, use a dribble or take a mid range jump shot, he’s left himself no room for error as a cleanup man around the rim. His wingspan measurements were solid, however at 6’8 he won’t get the easy buckets he got at Syracuse, where he rarely was seen outside the paint. He runs the floor without any burst, and he plays under the rim- two characteristics that reflect negatively on Jackson’s chances of being successful at the next level.

Ben Hansbrough, 6’3, PG, Notre Dame

Hansbough’s decision to decline an invitation to Portsmouth could be detrimental to his draft stock considering the question marks surrounding his uncertain position and physical limitations. It shows a lack of confidence in his abilities, which was one thing he had going for him in terms of likeable qualities as an NBA prospect. As a 6’3 guard who lacks the quickness to guard the 1 and the size/strength to guard a 2, it would have been nice to see what he can do against some of the better college players in a showcase event.

Brandon Knight, G, Kentucky

Knight improved his stock after quarterbacking his team to the Final Four as a freshman. He’s shown the ability to shoot from the outside, take his man off the dribble, score in isolation and finish at the rim. Knight still has room to grow as a facilitator, but at 6’4 with a tight handle and a quick first step, his well-rounded skill set should make him an attractive lottery prospect. With few guards in this particular draft pool, Knight’s value gets a boost.

Tobias Harris, F, Tennessee

A skilled forward with versatility and strength in the post, Harris has broad shoulders with plenty of room for added muscle.

Before receiving a second half beatdown from Michigan, Harris had an effective first twenty minutes showing off an array of next level moves and successful conversions in the post. He does a nice job of moving people out of the way, positioning himself for easy baskets under the rim. He was the Volunteers most consistent player all season long, scoring in double figures in all but three games. At just 18 years old, Harris has excellent upside once his body fills out.

Nikola Mirotic, F, Real Madrid

With Mirotic playing a key role in Real Madrid’s run to the Euroleague Final Four, his stock seems to be rising by the game. At 6’10, he combines good size and agility with an established outside stroke, and by producing at one of the highest levels of competition as a 20 year old kid, he’s generating some nice buzz for himself as an NBA prospect.

Shelvin Mack, G, Butler

Leading his team to back to back National Championships, Mack has proven capable of knocking down big shots in big moments. His shooting range and physical strength are two attributes that translate nicely for NBA play. Mack should draw interest from playoff teams looking for depth at either guard positions.

Vernon Macklin, PF, Florida

Macklin looked strong over the last month of the season, and continues to impress at the Portsmouth Invitational. From a physical standpoint, Macklin is rock solid at 6’10 230. He’s refined his post game enough where he converts around the basket at a high rate, looking comfortable taking over the shoulder baby hooks and using his body to shield his defender. His aggressive style of play under the boards should earn the attention of NBA scouts as a low risk high reward second rounder.

Jamie Skeen, PF, VCU

Skeen has emerged as a NBA prospect after his strong play down the stretch during VCU’s tournament run. At 6’9, Skeen possesses good size and strength, but it’s his outside game that makes him a difficult matchup. He shot 41% from downtown this season, including 11-20 in his six NCAA tournament games. He proved himself against the toughest of competition, dropping 26 and 10 on the Morris brothers in VCU’s win over Kansas. Versatile forwards with size and shooting touch generally find roster spots at the next level.

Slippin’

Terrence Jones, F, Kentucky

Jones’ stock took a dive over the last two months of the season, and his role at the next level has not yet been defined. His inability to shoot with two feet off the dribble could be troublesome, as he relies too much on runners from the elbow against inept college defenders. NBADraft.net’s Adam Ganeles said it best, “Is he a tweener or a mismatch?”. Only time will tell, but his previous sure-lottery status just isn’t the case anymore.

Nolan Smith, G, Duke

It was clear that Smith looked uncomfortable without the ball in his hands once Kyrie Irving returned to the lineup. Considering his limitations as a pure point guard, his struggles off the ball could diminish his overall value. He’s still a tremendous basketball player, but questions surround his role at the next level.

Rick Jackson, PF, Syracuse

Jackson’s skill set is not made for “showcase” basketball, considering his struggles in the shot-creating department. His limited offensive repertoire makes him too one dimensional as an NBA prospect. Maybe if he was 6’10 or 6’11, but at 6’8 Jackson won’t get the easy putbacks and second chance opportunities he got at Syracuse. He hasn’t shown a hint of face-up basketball, with a non-existant midrange game as a 52% free throw shooter. He also looked extremely slow and out of shape at PIT.

LaceDarius Dunn, G, Baylor

Dunn done nothin’ for his draft stock this year, with Baylor failing to make the 68 team cut in March. He’s averaging more turnovers than assists, and has trouble keeping his man in front of him on defense. Teams just might balk at the idea of taking the soon to be 24 year old, considering his poor play making skills as an undersized two guard, and his struggles off the court.

Austin Freeman, SG, Georgetown

Freeman got knocked off the draft board after a disappointing first round showing against VCU. He’s proven to be ineffective if his jumper isn’t falling, and at 6’2 he possesses no real threat as a NBA shooting guard.

As we approach the magical month in which everyone’s a college hoops fan, individual performances are put under the microscope in what becomes the premiere opportunity for players to increase their stock as an NBA prospect. Let’s check out who’s made the biggest moves in the past week on the big board.

Climbin’

Jordan Hamilton, Texas, SF

Hamilton’s stock couldn’t be higher – He’s taking better shots and making smarter decisions, and as a result he leads the Longhorns in scoring while shooting an impressive 47% from the floor. At 6’7 he possesses ideal size for a three at the next level, and with deep range and the ability to rebound, Hamilton will be able to help out lottery teams in need of an extra punch. The fact that his team could be ranked number one by next week only boosts his value.

Markieff Morris, Kansas, PF

Despite having a quiet game in a loss to Kansas State, Markieff Morris averaged 15.5 points on 74% shooting in his previous five. He’s displayed a nice touch around the basket while showing the ability to step out and knock down 20 footers. Shooting 8 for his last 13 from three, Morris has increased his stock by adding a new dimension to his game. He’s consistently produced over the course of the year, shooting 59% from the floor and 40% from downtown. “Efficient” is a good word to describe Markieff’s game.

Norris Cole, Cleveland State, G

Cleveland State’s Norris Cole has exploded onto the scene, especially of late where he’s averaging 25 points and 7 assists over his last five. His 41 point, 20 rebound, 9 assist stat line he dropped on Youngstown State surely grabbed the attention of scouts, who previously questioned Cole’s true position. With performances like the one he had on Saturday, the emphasis on his questionable role at the next level shouldn’t prevent teams from drafting the prolific guard from Cleveland State.

JaJuan Johnson, Purdue, PF/C

Despite being named a Preseason All-American, Johnson never saw his stock reach “guaranteed first round” status. Over his last nine games however he’s made a strong case for himself, scoring over 23 points per game on 51% shooting. Johnson has diversified his game by adding a 20 foot jump shot to compliment his post game and high activity level in the paint. He also brings a shot blocking presence that should be appealing to teams lacking depth in the front court.

Slippin’

Renardo Sydney, Mississippi State, PF

Mississippi State’s Renardo Sydney earned the biggest slide of the week, dropping 14 spots in this week’s updated mock draft. What Sydney really needs to do is drop 14 pounds, as he finds himself getting outworked under the boards and beat down the floor.

Demetri McCamey, Illinois, PG

Illinois’s Demetri McCamey is in the midst of a rough stretch at a bad time, turning the ball over 21 times and failing to eclipse the 5 assist mark in any of his last six games. After a hot start from downtown, he’s just 8 of his last 26 from behind the arch.

Tyler Honeycutt, UCLA, F

A lengthy, active forward that can guard multiple positions on the floor, UCLA’s Tyler Honeycutt is having some consistency issues on the offensive side of the ball. He’s shooting just 34% in the months of January and February, including a disappointing 25% from downtown.

Tristan Thompson, Texas, PF/C

The talented freshman from Texas saw his stock fall a bit after some quiet games over his last five. At times he becomes a non-factor on the boards, and can disappear throughout stretches of a game with his limited offensive skillset. Shooting 48% from the line won’t help persuade scouts that he has a promising mid range game in the works either.

It finally arrived- 24 straight hours of college basketball, and an opportunity to see some of the top prospects in the country go to work, whether it’s their first year on the job or forth.  Throughout the year I’ll be updating you about some of the nation’s elite college basketball players, and their individual status as an NBA prospect.

Who’s Poppin’:

Jared Sullinger- PF/C, Ohio State

Sullinger was awesome in his first big game as a collegiate athlete.  The 6’9 big man looked like he’s been bullying college big men for years, showing a tremendous presence in the post as one of the most polished back to the basket freshmen forwards I’ve seen.  Sullinger was scoring with both hands over both shoulders, illustrating excellent footwork that would even have had Usher and Timberlake impressed.  Scoring 26 points and grabbing 10 boards, Ohio State “Went To Jared” early and often like a young husband looking to spoil his wife.  He was the focal point of the offense, and with established shooters around him it makes it awfully difficult to double him down low.  His status as an elite NBA prospect will always be hindered due to his undersized power forward outlook, but his offensive skillset and maturity are too much to keep him out of lottery talks throughout the year.

Perry Jones – F, Baylor

Perry Jones III looked pretty good in his first nationally televised game on Tuesday, scoring 12 points, pulling in 11 rebounds and swatting 4 shots.  Despite looking raw and lost on some occasions, you can see why Jones is as highly a touted prospect as there is in the country.  At 6’11, Jones showed off his mid range and post game, bringing an inside/outside threat that causes matchup problems galore for opposing front lines.  Against La Salle, he looked unsure at times of his position and spacing, but still managed to be a factor with his pure athleticism and crazy length.  His ceiling is a that of a 100 story building, yet he’s still wavering around the 20th floor.  As he gets more and more games under his belt, look for the elevator to gradually rise towards the rooftop.

Maalik Wayns- PG, Villanova

Wayns is returning for his second season, sharing the backcourt with Wildcat leader Corey Fisher.  Wayns had an up and down freshman year, but his potential as an NBA point guard is too hard to overlook. Yesterday against an outmatched Marist program, Wayns filled the stat sheet with 17 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists.  The best stat on his line however revolved around his one lonely turnover.  Wayns has the rare combination of speed, quickness and strength, and his ability to attack the rim in transition is what will have GMs salivating come June.  He added two three pointers, and looked to be maturing in front of out very eyes like a child shedding his training wheels.  Running an offense in the half court will be his biggest test in regards to improving his draft stock, but his physical tools alone should make him one of the top point guard prospects around.

Who’s Droppin’

Kris Joseph- F, Syracuse

KJ has already been handed the reigns as the go to scoring guy for the Orange, supposedly inheriting Wesley Johnson’s responsibilities from a year ago.  Problem is Joseph is not a go to scorer, and whatever way you look at it, he never will be.  Joseph is a slasher, defender and big time athlete.  He is usually the beneficiary of someone else’s creativity.  When the ball is in his hands, he has trouble creating, which is why against the Detroit Titans Joseph went 0-5 from the floor in 19 minutes.  Many are looking at Joseph as a first round pick, but if he doesn’t improve his shooting (2-11 from downtown so far) and efficiency, he could have trouble finding NBA suitors.

Fab Melo- C, Syracuse

Staying with the Orange, freshman center Fab Melo has had some trouble figuring out exactly what he’s supposed to do on the floor.  A true 7 footer with athleticism and a nice touch, Melo has looked like he’s only been playing ball in this country for two years, which is exactly the case.  He’s as raw as a bone, and its looking more and more likely that Syracuse will be his home for more than just one year.  He defines high risk/high reward prospect, with the reward not redeemable for another five years or so.  Avoiding fouls and working on some post moves has to be on the practice itinerary for the rest of this year, and likely the rest of his career.

Malcolm Delaney- G, Virginia Tech

Despite scoring 22 points, Delaney gets dropped on the naughty list.  Delaney has proven to be one of the more prolific scorers in the ACC, however he’s only effective with the ball in his hands.  Considering how much the ball is in his hands, he’ll have to show scouts he’s more than just a 38% shooting college scorer that he was last year.  He’ll have to prove he can run a team from the point, which he showed he’s far from comfortable doing after his 10 turnover game vs. an undermanned Kansas State team on the big stage. Shooting 6-18 also won’t help his cause, and with Jacob Pullen logging just 2 minutes in the first half due to foul trouble, the Hokies couldn’t take advantage.  Delaney will be held accountable as the senior leader, and must look to improve his assist to turnover ratio, while polishing his playmaking abilities as the quarterback of his team.

Kyrie Irving and Harrison Barnes will look to restore the Duke-North Carolina rivalry after being honored as Co-MVPs of the Jordan Brand Classic

Though it’s about 11 months away, the 2011 NBA Draft watch has already begun.  Plus after two months without any basketball I find myself watching mediocrity like Mets baseball and The Bachelorette.  Anyways, I’ll be the guy covering the stock watch of all the eligible college prospects looking to make their move to the big leagues, as well as checking in on the NBA rookies who were just drafted this past June.  With 3 of the top 5 picks this past year being one and done college players, look for the popular freshman theme to continue into this year.

Throughout the next couple of days I’ll be handpicking some of the top freshman looking to make a name for themselves in their first year as a college athlete.  With more and more GMs and scouts looking to draft based on potential, these incoming freshman should be salivating at the opportunity to show what they can bring to the table. That being said, here’s the first portion of the top 2010-2011 freshmen report:

Harrison Barnes, SF North Carolina

The consensus number 1 rated freshman in the country, Harrison Barnes will look to put North Carolina back on the map after a down year from the Heels, as they danced all the way to the finals of the NIT before losing to Dayton.  Barnes is an athletic wingman with size, who has the ability to shoot off the dribble, slash to the hoop and get to the line.  He reminds me of an early Grant Hill with ankles that actually work, while having the same basketball IQ and work ethic.  He was the Co-MVP of the Jordan Brand Classic game at the Garden a few months ago, and will kick off the 2010-2011 season as my pick to finish as the top prize in next year’s draft.

Kyrie Irving, PG Duke

Entering his freshman year at Duke as one of the top 2 freshman point guards, I expect Kyrie Irving to be the first guard selected in the 2011 NBA Draft.  He was named Co-MVP of the Jordan Brand Classic, and generated more ohhhs and ahhhs from the crowd than a Siegfried and Roy show in Vegas.  He’s got that Barry Sanders-like quickness and elusiveness, with the ability to make defenders miss as if a ghost entered the court and tied everyone’s shoelaces together. Imagine the roadrunner with a mean cross-over and a reliable pull-up jumper.  After losing senior lead guard Jon Scheyer, Irving will add a completely new dimension to Duke basketball.  He can create shots for others, and should form a dangerous tandem with Kyle Singler in the drive and dish game.  Expect the Blue Devils to run a little bit more than they have in the past, as Duke should be atop the ranks once again throughout the year.  His only knock in high school was his control or lack there of, although with Coach K on the sidelines, it should be like adding some cool milk to hot coffee to make the perfect balanced beverage… or point guard.

Jared Sullinger, PF Ohio State

A physical, strong bully in the paint, Sullinger is one of the top big men entering his freshman year.  With last year’s second overall pick Evan Turner headed to Philadelphia, Sullinger will look to add a new dimension to the Ohio State basketball program.  He has nice touch around the basket, with impressive footwork in the post that allows him to get off the shot that he desires.  Most young big men are raw, however JS is a skilled 6’9 forward with some post moves that will throw him in the lottery discussion early on.  He has a decent midrange game that should only improve, and while he’s not the most athletic big man, his combination of skill and strength should make him a force in the post.

Brandon Knight, PG Kentucky

Following in the same steps as Derrick Rose, Tyreke Evans and John Wall, Brandon Knight will look to be another top point guard under the watch of Coach John Calipari.  Knight is lightning quick, and virtually unguardable one on one off the dribble.  He has that razzle dazzle/flare to his game, and will pull off some passes that will make you think he has about 8 sets of eyes scattered all over his body.  He has the ability to shoot off the dribble, and will have the Wildcats pushing the tempo with his great speed and high energy.  With Kentucky losing 5 players to the NBA, expect Knight to have the ball in his hands for a majority of the game, a good thing if your not a fan of mechanical, half court basketball.  He’s got good size and length, and when you combine that with his high IQ and lateral quickness, he becomes a hounding defensive presence on the ball. Look for Knight to be in lottery talks all season as another one and done candidate.

Josh Selby, PG/SG Kansas

A combo guard who can score and distribute, Selby has a game that’s better suited for an off ball guard.  His best asset is his ability to create his own shot, a must for any scoring guard looking to make it at the next level.  He has an advanced mid-range game that NBA scouts love to see at an early age, along with 3 point range and an ability to handle the ball.  Selby is quick and has an impressive touch in the paint, showing the ability to hit off balanced shots while maintaining his body control.  His biggest obstacle moving forward will be his 6’3 height, which is considered undersized for a 2 guard.  A tough competitor who can get to the rack at will, he’ll need to show coaches and scouts that he can quarterback a team from the point throughout stretches of a game.  He currently has eligibility issues due to an advisor he wasn’t supposed to have, but hopefully he will be wearing a Kansas uniform next season to help fill the void left by former one and done guard Xavier Henry.

CJ Leslie, PF/C North Carolina State

Leslie is a tremendous athlete who throws down dunks like he’s in a video game.  He’s long, explosive and versatile, and despite his somewhat lanky frame he can shake and bake like Ricky Bobby.  He’s one of those players who would thrive with a talented point guard, as he tends to try and do too much with the ball in his hands, however his upside is just wild.  He can run the floor like a guard, and if you throw it anywhere near the basket he’ll find a way to grab it at its highest point and finish with hostility.  With some added bulk and improved discipline, I expect CJ Leslie to make a big splash on the national scene in the near future.

Perry Jones, PF Baylor

One of the top rated forwards in his class, Jones will provide Baylor and Sportscenter fans with plenty of jaw-dropping highlights throughout the year.  He’s 6’11 with the skills of a 2, 3, 4 and 5.  He has a bag full of different talents, and can beat you with every one of them.  On the break he’s like Randy Moss running a deep route requiring double coverage to slow him down.  He can jump out of the gym and if you missed the McDonald’s All American Dunk Contest you might want to youtube it. Forwards with his size and length usually don’t possess his type of perimeter skills.  His arsenal consists of 3 point range, a smooth pull-up game, and the ability to beat his man off the dribble where he can score in every way possible in the paint.  Jones shouldn’t be at Baylor for long, as his upside and potential will have NBA scouts drooling like 1990′s teenagers watching Baywatch.  You can pencil his name in for a top 10 pick, with the likelihood of going over it with a sharpie mid season.

Part 2 to come…