2015 NBA Draft Big Board
Tomorrow, the 2014 NBA Draft will finally conclude, finishing up a process that has been months in the making. No matter who goes No. 1, or what other events happen, there will be a number of teams still looking for pieces in the draft next year to help push them back into contention. Thinking about the 2015 NBA Draft is a little bit crazy, considering we haven't even seen most of the top prospects even play in a collegiate game, but why not? A lot is sure to change before now and late June of 2015, but here are ten of the prospects that are sure to be taken near the top of next year's draft.
1. Jahlil Okafor, C, Duke, Freshman
Okafor, the top player in the 2014 recruiting class, has the size and motor to develop into a dominant big man at the next level. He is strong enough and large enough to carve out space down low, though he may need to add even more bulk against some of the NBA's bigger defenders.
2. Emmanuel Mudiay, PG, SMU, Freshman
Southern Methodist University has never seen a basketball talent even close to the level of Mudiay, the top point guard in the 2014 recruiting class. He has ideal NBA size, standing at 6'5" and crazy athleticism with superb ball handling skills. If he can develop a shooter, he can easily be a double-double machine at the next level.
3. Karl Towns, C, Kentucky, Freshman
Even with how crowded Kentucky's frontcourt will be this year, Towns could stand alone as the most talented and top NBA prospect. The seven-footer is gifted with a massive 7'5" wingspan, ideal for swatting shots and making plays around the rim. He isn't at the level of Okafor yet, but he is still a big man that can be a building block for a franchise.
4. Cliff Alexander, F, Kansas, Freshman
Another talent at the top of this incoming recruiting class, Alexander could put together a huge year for the Jayhawks. He is gifted with valuable versatility and athleticism to finish around the hoop. He is a gritty player and a hard-worker, he definitely has the potential to grow into something great.
5. Kelly Oubre, G/F, Kansas, Freshman
Oubre is another newcomer to Kansas who could make a huge impact and then become a valuable NBA prospect. The wing has crazy athleticism and is lethal in transition; reminds me a lot of former Jayhawk and possible No.1 selection Andrew Wiggins with less hype surrounding him.
6. Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, F, Arizona, Sophomore
Not a lot of people noticed Hollis-Jefferson last year at Arizona because of the play of guard Nick Johnson and Aaron Gordon, but he was very efficient when he was on the court. He is always around the ball and can do many different things; powerful forward with rebounding ability and the ability to slash into defenses and finish in the paint.
7. Wayne Selden, G, Kansas, Sophomore
Selden is a wing who has great versatility and was a great shooter in the 2013-2014 season and could develop into an even scarier shooter from downtown. He is also a great ball handler who can bring a gifted playmaker to an NBA team.
8. Stanley Johnson, G/F, Arizona, Freshman
Sean Miller has another dangerous scorer in Johnson, who comes from California high school powerhouse Mater Dei. He also is a versatile talent who can hurt you on the dribble and is a great athlete but needs to continue to develop his jump shot, which is average at the moment.
9. Trey Lyles, F, Kentucky, Freshman
Scoring is not an issue for Lyles, who can hurt defenses in a variety of ways. He has the strength to be a powerful forward in the low post and can also hit shots in the mid range game. If he can become a better athlete and run the floor quicker, he could become a quality lottery selection.
10. Mario Hezonja, G, International, Croatia
Hezonja nearly went pro this season but removed his name late. The Croatian guard has great ball handling skills and a fluid overall game. He has great size and length to play a multitude of different positions and he has a silky smoother jumper. He could be the top International talent in next year's draft and a lottery selection.
1. Jahlil Okafor, C, Duke, Freshman
Okafor, the top player in the 2014 recruiting class, has the size and motor to develop into a dominant big man at the next level. He is strong enough and large enough to carve out space down low, though he may need to add even more bulk against some of the NBA's bigger defenders.
2. Emmanuel Mudiay, PG, SMU, Freshman
Southern Methodist University has never seen a basketball talent even close to the level of Mudiay, the top point guard in the 2014 recruiting class. He has ideal NBA size, standing at 6'5" and crazy athleticism with superb ball handling skills. If he can develop a shooter, he can easily be a double-double machine at the next level.
3. Karl Towns, C, Kentucky, Freshman
Even with how crowded Kentucky's frontcourt will be this year, Towns could stand alone as the most talented and top NBA prospect. The seven-footer is gifted with a massive 7'5" wingspan, ideal for swatting shots and making plays around the rim. He isn't at the level of Okafor yet, but he is still a big man that can be a building block for a franchise.
4. Cliff Alexander, F, Kansas, Freshman
Another talent at the top of this incoming recruiting class, Alexander could put together a huge year for the Jayhawks. He is gifted with valuable versatility and athleticism to finish around the hoop. He is a gritty player and a hard-worker, he definitely has the potential to grow into something great.
5. Kelly Oubre, G/F, Kansas, Freshman
Oubre is another newcomer to Kansas who could make a huge impact and then become a valuable NBA prospect. The wing has crazy athleticism and is lethal in transition; reminds me a lot of former Jayhawk and possible No.1 selection Andrew Wiggins with less hype surrounding him.
6. Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, F, Arizona, Sophomore
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| Rondae Hollis-Jefferson |
Not a lot of people noticed Hollis-Jefferson last year at Arizona because of the play of guard Nick Johnson and Aaron Gordon, but he was very efficient when he was on the court. He is always around the ball and can do many different things; powerful forward with rebounding ability and the ability to slash into defenses and finish in the paint.
7. Wayne Selden, G, Kansas, Sophomore
Selden is a wing who has great versatility and was a great shooter in the 2013-2014 season and could develop into an even scarier shooter from downtown. He is also a great ball handler who can bring a gifted playmaker to an NBA team.
8. Stanley Johnson, G/F, Arizona, Freshman
Sean Miller has another dangerous scorer in Johnson, who comes from California high school powerhouse Mater Dei. He also is a versatile talent who can hurt you on the dribble and is a great athlete but needs to continue to develop his jump shot, which is average at the moment.
9. Trey Lyles, F, Kentucky, Freshman
Scoring is not an issue for Lyles, who can hurt defenses in a variety of ways. He has the strength to be a powerful forward in the low post and can also hit shots in the mid range game. If he can become a better athlete and run the floor quicker, he could become a quality lottery selection.
10. Mario Hezonja, G, International, Croatia
Hezonja nearly went pro this season but removed his name late. The Croatian guard has great ball handling skills and a fluid overall game. He has great size and length to play a multitude of different positions and he has a silky smoother jumper. He could be the top International talent in next year's draft and a lottery selection.
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