Post by Sydney on Apr 28, 2015 7:52:50 GMT -6
Sydney (AP) – Introducing a new article that has been a staple for the ABCA league for quite some time but a first for the AP in Sydney, we bring to you a very early Top 10 prospects for the upcoming draft. Having not had a top 10 pick in well over 10+ seasons, the draft has been an area where Sydney has not participated in to acquire talent in quite some time. However, with the team playing some great basketball that speaks for itself, we felt it was time to do a top player ranking for this upcoming draft, similarly to our annual FA ranking.
**Please note that since all prospects have not yet been evaluated by the Combine, 50% is based on actual scouting and 50% is based on theoretical name scout.***
1. Dwayne Wade – Hands down the best player in this draft and one of the best shooting guards to ever play the game. Dwayne mixes an elite combination of athleticism with offensive skill, hands and defense to give you the complete package. He is not as raw as previous seasons elite guards, which is why whoever gets this pick will be ecstatic
2. Pau Gasol – In order to win in this league, you need to have a competent front court and Gasol looks ready to step in right away and contribute from the onset. Blessed with great passing ability and the requisite tools needed for a big man to succeed in rebounding, defense and inside game, Gasol could push for the top spot depending on what team lands the top pick.
3. Tony Parker – A position of need throughout the entire league is PG and Parker looks to be the prototypical prospect. He has great athleticism, decent size and will impact the game on both sides of the ball. He could push both Wade & Gasol for the #1 spot but he seems to have the highest floor with a pretty high ceiling which will be
4. Elton Brand – An absolute bruiser down low, this guy should come into the league and have an immediate impact in the post. He has great strength and has an emerging offensive game that should make him a better ABCA player than Paul Silas, who many have compared him to. If he can develop the way Silas did and be an elite defender with decent offense, he will be a great player for many years.
5. Manu Ginoboli – This may be a little low considering his offensive prowess but we here in Sydney emphasize defense and that is an area where Manu slacks. However, what he lacks there he more than makes up for it with his unique offensive game that should push him to average at least 18ppg right form the get go. If he can develop on the defensive end, Manu could be an absolute steal.
6. Shawn Marrion – Probably a little too high but the matrix is a defensive wizard and plays a position that is also very weak throughout the league, which means someone is going to reach and grab him. An elite athlete with great size and rebounding ability, Shawn is just a jumpshot away from potentially being an all-star. His offensive development will be critical to his overall game but players with his defense have carved out long careers in this league. I’m looking at you Bob Love.
7/8. Baron Davis/Steve Francis – These next two guys on the list are quite the enigmas as they are both great scorers, decent passers and good defenders, however both can be maddeningly inconsistent. On one night you can get a triple double and the other you can get an 2-18 with 6 turnovers. Once these guys hit the combine and their measurements taken, it will be easier to get a better gauge as to where they will be picked.
9. Emeka Okafor – Coming straight out of high school may leave this man a little underdeveloped but shot blocking big men with great defense and rebounding ability are highly valued in ABCA. Just look at Marcus Camby, everyone is clamoring over him and he’s been traded 3 times before his rookie season has ended. Look for teams to try and move up to grab Okafor to help fill their defensive voids in the front court.
10. Joe Johnson – Is this too low for mr consistent? I’m not sure how I feel about JJ as he seems like a tweener sg/sf. He has good size, a great 3pt shot but where he ends up playing will be determined on if he can help guard the post as a SF. He most certainly has the offensive ability and permiter skills to succeed as a SG but may not have the quickness to be elite. I have always been a little down on Joe, so this ranking may not be doing him justice.
Remember, a lot can change between now and the draft. I'm sure we'll see a few risers from the combine and few players drop after a poor showing. Looking forward to doing a full mock lotto once it has been completed.
Until next time!
**Please note that since all prospects have not yet been evaluated by the Combine, 50% is based on actual scouting and 50% is based on theoretical name scout.***
1. Dwayne Wade – Hands down the best player in this draft and one of the best shooting guards to ever play the game. Dwayne mixes an elite combination of athleticism with offensive skill, hands and defense to give you the complete package. He is not as raw as previous seasons elite guards, which is why whoever gets this pick will be ecstatic
2. Pau Gasol – In order to win in this league, you need to have a competent front court and Gasol looks ready to step in right away and contribute from the onset. Blessed with great passing ability and the requisite tools needed for a big man to succeed in rebounding, defense and inside game, Gasol could push for the top spot depending on what team lands the top pick.
3. Tony Parker – A position of need throughout the entire league is PG and Parker looks to be the prototypical prospect. He has great athleticism, decent size and will impact the game on both sides of the ball. He could push both Wade & Gasol for the #1 spot but he seems to have the highest floor with a pretty high ceiling which will be
4. Elton Brand – An absolute bruiser down low, this guy should come into the league and have an immediate impact in the post. He has great strength and has an emerging offensive game that should make him a better ABCA player than Paul Silas, who many have compared him to. If he can develop the way Silas did and be an elite defender with decent offense, he will be a great player for many years.
5. Manu Ginoboli – This may be a little low considering his offensive prowess but we here in Sydney emphasize defense and that is an area where Manu slacks. However, what he lacks there he more than makes up for it with his unique offensive game that should push him to average at least 18ppg right form the get go. If he can develop on the defensive end, Manu could be an absolute steal.
6. Shawn Marrion – Probably a little too high but the matrix is a defensive wizard and plays a position that is also very weak throughout the league, which means someone is going to reach and grab him. An elite athlete with great size and rebounding ability, Shawn is just a jumpshot away from potentially being an all-star. His offensive development will be critical to his overall game but players with his defense have carved out long careers in this league. I’m looking at you Bob Love.
7/8. Baron Davis/Steve Francis – These next two guys on the list are quite the enigmas as they are both great scorers, decent passers and good defenders, however both can be maddeningly inconsistent. On one night you can get a triple double and the other you can get an 2-18 with 6 turnovers. Once these guys hit the combine and their measurements taken, it will be easier to get a better gauge as to where they will be picked.
9. Emeka Okafor – Coming straight out of high school may leave this man a little underdeveloped but shot blocking big men with great defense and rebounding ability are highly valued in ABCA. Just look at Marcus Camby, everyone is clamoring over him and he’s been traded 3 times before his rookie season has ended. Look for teams to try and move up to grab Okafor to help fill their defensive voids in the front court.
10. Joe Johnson – Is this too low for mr consistent? I’m not sure how I feel about JJ as he seems like a tweener sg/sf. He has good size, a great 3pt shot but where he ends up playing will be determined on if he can help guard the post as a SF. He most certainly has the offensive ability and permiter skills to succeed as a SG but may not have the quickness to be elite. I have always been a little down on Joe, so this ranking may not be doing him justice.
Remember, a lot can change between now and the draft. I'm sure we'll see a few risers from the combine and few players drop after a poor showing. Looking forward to doing a full mock lotto once it has been completed.
Until next time!
