The Melo Backpedal

You’ve already seen our Top 25, so here’s a look at the next 25 on our list, rounding out our Top 50. We were among the first to introduce you to the top candidates for the 2008 NBA Draft last June, so we wanted to follow that up with our updated Top 50 based on what were hearing right now. We’ve taken our own opinions and combined them with various outside sources to give you this comprehensive list.

This is a unique mixture of veteran players who can contribute right away for an NBA team, but won’t be stars, and underclassmen who have incredible potential, but aren’t quite there yet. The underclassmen in this group, regardless of what they’re ranked, should seriously think about staying in school at least another year. They’re bubble first round picks at best, and should be able to improve their stock with another year of college ball under their belts. Without further delay, here’s what were hearing are the top candidates for this year’s draft.

Remember, this is not a 2008 Mock Draft.

#26] J.J. HICKSON – NC STATE *
Forward, 6-9 242
Freshman

Season Numbers:
[15.5 PPG, 8.8 RPG, 1.6 BPG, .603 FG%]
Per 40 Minutes:
[21.2 PPG, 12.1 RPG, 2.2 BPG, 1.1 SPG]

Analysis: Though I’ve only seen Hickson play two or three times, he’s become a hot name with his solid play in the ACC this season. He’s an extremely athletic big man with good length and what scouts call an NBA-ready body. He has an explosive leaping ability which allows him to finish around the basket, and also has a decent mid-range jump shot out to 15 feet. He can create his own shot off the dribble, which is rare for a big man, and put the ball on the deck and take it to the rim with ease.

Some say he that because of this age, he lacks some basketball instincts and knowledge, but that is coming along. He also needs to further develop his low post moves and continue to work on his free throw shooting.

Pro Outlook: Many scouts feel Hickson has the necessary tools to be a very effective player at the next level. However, it’s going to take some time for his to develop and could be a gem for a team in the late first round whose willing to wait a few years.

Early Projection: Because of his superior physical skills, Hickson has continued to be an explosive player, even at the collegiate level. However, returning for his sophomore year would be wise, as he could seriously position himself for the Lottery in 2009.

#27] SERGE IBAKA - CONGO *
Forward, 6-10 225
International

Season Numbers:
[13.2 PPG, 6.5 RPG, 1.9 BPG, .589 FG%]
Per 40 Minutes:
[17.9 PPG, 9.7 RPG, 1.1 SPG, 2.5 BPG]

Analysis: Ibaka is a young kid [18] who could really be a special player down the road for a team willing to develop him. He’s incredibly long, athletic, and bouncy player who can block shots, rebound, and hit the mid-range jump shot with consistency. He also has the footwork and quickness to guard smaller players out on the perimeter.

He has a solid, athletic body, but he’ll need to get much stronger and develop some post moves before he can start to get regular minutes at the NBA level. He lacks experience and is still learning the game, plus he needs to better understand how to play the team game rather than relying so much on his own abilities. Some scouts question if he is in fact older than reported, which would dramatically change his value.

Pro Outlook: Because of his size, raw ability, and unusual leaping ability, memories of Shawn Kemp come into play. Though scouts are concerned about the ability of African players to contribute at the NBA level, he’s already showing more promise than guys like Saer Sene and Desagana Diop did at the same age, and they were Lottery picks.

Early Projection: Right now he looks like he has a chance to be potential steal in the late first round, if in lands in a situation where a team is able to develop him.

#28] ANTE TOMIC - CROATIA *
Center, 7-2 235
International

Analysis: Tomic (pronounced Toe-Mitch) is a very skilled big man, who has an excellent ball handling and passing ability. He’s a good athlete for his size and owns a solid midrange jump shot. His footwork is excellent and he has a nice array of moves around the basket.

Tomic was a first round pick in nearly everybody’s 2007 Mock Draft before he suddenly withdrew his name. According to Tomic’s American agent, Marc Cornstein, Tomic’s Croatian agents forgot to get clearance from his Croatian team, KK Zagreb, to let him enter the draft, and it resulted in them not letting Tomic out of his contract to play in the NBA.

Pro Outlook: There’s really nobody in the NBA with the skill set of Tomic, which is really what sets him apart. It could be what raises his stock this summer. His ball handling and passing ability are reminiscent of Darko Milicic at a similar age, but that’s about the closest thing we’ve seen.

Early Projection: He has Lottery-level talent, but was slipping a bit because most NBA teams didn’t believe his body was ready for the rigors of the NBA. If he follows up on his strong performance this year and his body continues to mature, he could be a lock for the first round this year.

#29] ROBIN LOPEZ - STANFORD
Forward / Center, 6-11 245
Sophomore

Season Numbers:
[10.2 PPG, 5.7 RPG, 2.3 BPG, .534 FG%]
Per 40 Minutes:
[15.1 PPG, 8.9 RPG, 1.4 SPG, 3.5 BPG]

Analysis: Lopez is a very active big man who has the ability to play either the four or the five at the next level. Though his rebounding numbers are rather modest for his size, he has shown the ability to crash the boards and do the little things that make a team successful. He plays with a very high motor, is a very good defender, and is very agile getting up and down the floor on fast breaks.

Perhaps the biggest knock on Lopez is his raw, unpolished offensive game. He’ll be able to contribute on the defensive end immediately, but needs to develop some low post moves and some consistency on his mid-range jump shot. He scored most of his points in college off dunks and put-backs, and despite his solid athleticism, will have a much more difficult time doing that at the next level. He needs to continue improving his free throw shooting ability as well.

Pro Outlook: When I first heard Lopez being compared to Anderson Varejao I laughed because of the obvious physical resemblance. However, as I watched him play several times during the NCAA Tournament, I realized that their games are actually quite similar. If Lopez can continue to scrap for loose balls, block shots, rebound, and bring energy to the floor, he could be the same type of player at the next level that Varejao has become.

Early Projection: Lopez isn’t quite the prospect his brother is, but certainly has the makings of a solid frontcourt prospect due to his size, length, and all-around skills. He’s not as polished as several other players currently ranked below him, but like the Collins brothers, he’ll likely find a way to stay in the league regardless of where he’s drafted. He’s currently on the first round bubble.

#30] RYAN ANDERSON - CALIFORNIA *
Forward, 6-10 235
Sophomore

Season Numbers:
[22.1 PPG, 10.2 RPG, 1.5 APG, .867 FT%, .456 3-PT%]
Per 40 Minutes:
[27.1 PPG, 12.5 RPG, 1.8 APG, 1.1 SPG, 1.2 BPG]

Analysis: Anderson is an excellent offensive player who has thrived playing an inside-outside game while in college. He has great perimeter offense and can really hit jumpers with range. He’s an above average passer with good court instincts and has a nice touch around the rim when played one-on-one. He also has good length and really understands the game.

The biggest knock on Anderson is that he’s not a great athlete. He has fluid agility for a college player, but he doesn’t have the type of athleticism that NBA scouts are now looking for in guys who play the forward position. He also needs to add additional strength to play in the post at the next level. Because he’s been abused on the defensive end on the collegiate level, most observers expect him to be a liability at the next level.

Pro Outlook: Several observers believe based on his production in college, that he’s firmly in the first round — but other wonder if he’ll be able to have even remotely similar numbers because of his lack of athleticism. He has size and shooting ability, much like a Troy Murphy, but is probably a second unit player at the next level.

Early Projection: Anderson’s probably another year or two away from being ready for the NBA, but could be a potential mid-first rounder in 2009 with a solid junior year.

#31] RICHARD HENDRIX - ALABAMA *
Forward, 6-9 265
Junior

Season Numbers:
[18.6 PPG, 10.2 RPG, 1.6 APG, 1 SPG, 2.2 BPG, .622 FG%]
Per 40 Minutes:
[24.3 PPG, 13.3 RPG, 2.1 APG, 1.3 SPG, 2.9 BPG]

Analysis: Hendrix is a very skilled, physical forward who uses his strength to dominate his opponents. He has great hands, like Elton Brand, which makes it easier to rebound and block shots. He can also score over bigger defenders in the low post and plays with a very good motor.

He is a bit undersized for an NBA power forward, and isn’t overly athletic, but has solid fundamentals that help compensate. He also needs to improve his free throw shooting.

Pro Outlook: Because of his size, length, and ability to dominate in the paint, Hendrix often draws comparisons to Clippers forward Elton Brand. He may not have the upside Brand had coming out of Duke, but he certainly has the tools to be an effective NBA player in the right system.

Early Projection: As mentioned above, Hendrix has similarities to the NBA’s Elton Brand and Paul Millsap, but he isn’t likely to be more than a bubble first rounder if he declares. He should return to school and improve his stock for next year.

#32] TRENT PLAISTED – BRIGHAM YOUNG
Forward, 6-11 245
Junior

Season Numbers:
[15.8 PPG, 8.5 RPG, 1.8 APG, .540 FG%]
Per 40 Minutes:
[23.4 PPG, 12.6 RPG, 2.7 APG, 1.2 BPG]

Analysis: A very skilled, athletic big man with a good NBA body and a great looking mid-range jump shot. Plaisted is a quality offensive player who is continually developing a good presence around the basket.

He’s still not the most consistent contributor and his defense and rebounding could be improved, but his skill level and size should make him an attractive commodity if he declares himself eligible. He’ll also need to really work on his poor free throw shooting before even thinking about a pro career.

Pro Outlook: Plaisted has a bright future at the next level, but few observers believe he’ll be more than a role player. He has the offensive ability to be a very good second unit weapon on a veteran team.

Early Projection: Plaisted has been a bit under then radar because he plays in the Mountain West Conference. However, scouts see the potential and will take a shot on him if he’s available later in the draft.

#33] COURTNEY LEE – WESTERN KENTUCKY
Guard, 6-5 205
Senior

Season Numbers
[20.4 PPG, 4.9 RPG, 2.1 APG, 1.9 SPG, .822 FT%, .397 3-PT%]
Per 40 Minutes:
[29.5 PPG, 6.2 RPG, 3.2 APG, 2.6 SPG, 1.1 BPG]

Analysis: Lee is one of the few prospects we haven’t seen a lot of, but by all accounts, the kid can flat out play — as he showed during the NCAA Tournament. He’s a mature kid with a solid basketball IQ, and has good athleticism and an NBA-ready body. He’s also one of the best pure scorers in the college game, has an exceptional mid-range game, and can also really get going from the outside when given some space.

Despite the positives, he’s not the most explosive player and sometimes settles for jumpers instead of taking it to the hole. His ball handling could use some work and the level of competition he’s played against could work against him.

Pro Outlook: Some feel he could be a solid starter in the league for many years, though he may never be a star. His game is very similar to Toronto’s Anthony Parker, who had to prove himself in Europe before really getting serious attention in the NBA.

Early Prediction: It’s too early to predict, but as of right now it looks as if Lee is a borderline first rounder. However, with solid workouts, he could find a taker in the mid first round, as Detroit’s Rodney Stuckey did. Right now, he’s more likely a bubble first rounder.

#34] JASON THOMPSON - RIDER
Forward, 6-11 250
Senior

Season Numbers:
[20.4 PPG, 12.1 RPG, 2.7 APG, 1.1 SPG, 2.7 BPG, .560 FG%]
Per 40 Minutes
[21.2 PPG, 12.8 RPG, 3.2 APG, 1.5 SPG, 3.1 BPG]

Analysis: Thompson is a solid all-around big man with very good length and a NBA-ready body. Those who’ve seen him played say he has the ability to score with his back to the basket, can dominate in the paint, and is a very good rebounder. He has a nice-looking 15-foot jump shot and can find the open man when double-teamed.

Despite his great size and experience, the knock on Thompson is that he didn’t play against great competition while in college. He’s also still relatively raw, especially on the offensive side of the ball. Because he played on an inferior team, he often tried to do a little too much and sometimes doesn’t keep a level head when his team is behind. He also needs to develop his free throw shooting at the next level.

Pro Outlook: Thompson has the ability to contribute to an NBA team if he can get proper coaching at the next level. He reminds some of Charlotte big man Jemareo Davidson, who also has good size and length and can rebound the basketball, but is limited offensively and still relatively raw. He should be an NBDL player for a number of years, but has the potential to be more.

Early Projection: Some believe Thompson, because of his size and length, has a chance to be a late first round selection if he can hold his own in individual workouts this summer. Its more likely, however, that he’ll be a second round pick.

#35] NATHAN JAWAI - AUSTRALIA *
Center, 6-10 285
International

Season Numbers:
[17.4 PPG, 10.3 RPG, 1.6 BPG, .605 FG%]
Per 40 Minutes:
[20.2 PPG, 11.9 RPG, 1.2 APG, 1.2 SPG, 1.9 BPG]

Analysis: Nicknamed, “Aussie Shaq,” Jawai is an athletic big man with good length, bulk and strength for the center position. His body is already NBA-ready, he displays good quickness, agility, and mobility for a big man. He’s a good scorer who likes to create contact inside, but also has a decent mid-range jump shot.

What could hurt his stock is the fact that he is still relatively unknown to some NBA executives, and he lacks experience playing an a high level. Some believe that he needs to get into better shape and improve his overall conditioning.

Pro Outlook: The few NBA scouts who’ve seen him play think he’s a prospect … but not a high one at the moment. His size and strength make him a dominant force in Australia, but once he gets to the NBA he’ll be facing guys his size every night. Still, someone could take a flier on him in the late first or early second and see if he continues to develop.

Early Projection: Right now he’s firmly on the first round bubble, but could play his way into the 20’s by having good individual team workouts prior to the draft. If he withdraws and tries again next year, he’d likely have a much better chance of cracking the first round.

#36] DAVON JEFFERSON - SOUTHERN CAL
Forward, 6-8 225
Freshman

Season Numbers:
[12.1 PPG, 6.3 RPG, 1 BPG, .575 FG%, .500 3-PT%]
Per 40 Minutes
[17.3 PPG, 9.1 RPG, 1.3 APG, 1.3 SPG, 1.4 BPG]

Analysis: Jefferson is an athletic forward with explosive leaping ability and excellent quickness for the forward position at the NBA level. He has excellent length and has an NBA-ready body, and is physically mature for a kid his age. He displays a good mid range jump shot and the ability to put the ball on the deck and take it to the rack. He also can create his shot off the dribble and really runs the floor.

Certainly not a finished product, Jefferson needs to continue to work on his ball handling and passing ability. He still needs proper coaching to help fine tune the rest of his game and because he’s a few years older than most in his class, his draft ceiling isn’t as high as others.

Pro Outlook: Though the numbers would suggest differently, Caron Butler comes to mind when you look at Jefferson’s overall abilities. His number don’t do him justice. Like the Wizards forward, Jefferson has the size, athleticism, and the tools to be a good player at the next level if he continues to develop his game. Like Jefferson, Butler was also a bit older than the rest in his class.

Early Projection: This kid is an intriguing prospect who should’ve put up better numbers during his freshman season, but is starting to live up to the hype. According to some experts, his combination of size, athleticism and scoring ability make him a potential late first to early second round pick at this point.

#37] D.J. WHITE - INDIANA
Forward, 6-9 245
Senior

Season Numbers:
[17.4 PPG, 10.3 RPG, 1.6 BPG, .605 FG%]
Per 40 Minutes:
[20.2 PPG, 11.9 RPG, 1.2 APG, 1.2 SPG, 1.9 BPG]

Analysis: White is a big-time rebounder with a good, solid, NBA-ready body. He’s a very good defender on the low block and doesn’t get pushed around very often. He has the ability to score both around the basket and has a nice looking, yet slowly developing, mid-range jump shot. Scouts say his long wingspan and good leaping ability allows him to play bigger than he is. He also has good footwork and a good set of hands for a big guy. Early in his career, White was a power forward in a small forwards body. However, he really hit the weights hard over the past two years and his body is really starting to fill out as a result.

According to sources, some scouts believe he may be closer to 6-foot-7 than his listed height of 6-foot-9. His lack of a true reliable jump shot will hurt his draft ceiling, because he won’t be able to muscle his way around the basket like he did on the collegiate level. Durability will likely also be a concern for some NBA teams.

Pro Outlook: White has the chance to be a very solid second unit big man in the right system, as long as he can stay healthy. There are loads of quality big men who’ve made a living off of being able to play sparing minutes for various NBA teams.

Early Projection: He’s improved every season while at Indiana, culminating in a Big Ten Player of the Year senior season. If he can measure well and perform up to par in pre-draft workouts, he has a shot at the late first to early second round.

#38] MARIO CHALMERS - KANSAS *
Guard, 6-1 185
Junior

Season Numbers:
[12.9 PPG, 3.1 RPG, 4.3 APG, 2.3 SPG, .516 FG%]
Per 40 Minutes:
[17.2 PPG, 4.2 RPG, 5.7 APG, 3.3 SPG]

Analysis: Chalmers is riding high as the hero of the National Championship game in early April, yet is still considered a bit of an under-the-radar prospect right now. He has a very good looking mid-range jump shot, can run the offense, and is a lock down defender on the perimeter. He’s also an efficient player with experience and has clutch abilities.

Perhaps the only real issue with Chalmers is the disbelief most scouts have in his ability to handle the point guard duties on a full time basis at the NBA level. He’s only an average ball handler and his isn’t elite athlete to make up for his size disadvantage playing off the ball.

Pro Outlook: Though is game is much different, Chalmers is a player much like Chicago’s Chris Duhon, who was selected in the second round, but has the ability to run a team and should have a very long pro career. Like Duhon, he’s a good character guy who can do loads of things on the court, and has great leadership qualities.

Early Projection: Chalmers, who hasn’t signed with an agent, might want to strongly consider returning to school for another season. His stock is solid right now, but is a bubble first round prospect right now and could solidify his position with a strong senior season.

#39] DEVON HARDIN - CALIFORNIA
Center, 6-11 250
Senior

Season Numbers:
[9.8 PPG, 8.5 RPG, 1.8 BPG, .569 FG%]
Per 40 Minutes:
[15.7 PPG, 13.6 RPG, 2.9 BPG]

Analysis: Hardin has a nice combination of size, athleticism, and strength in the middle. He’s an excellent rebounder and shot blocker and plays with a lot of energy in the paint. He’s really improved his offensive game over the last year and should be a real force in college basketball this year.

His free throw shooting has been inconsistent throughout his career, and he needs to fix whatever the problem is if he wants to keep his stock high.

Pro Outlook: He reminds a lot of folks around the league of Nene because of his combination of size, length, athleticism, and explosiveness around the basket. Like Nene, however, there’s some who doubt he’ll ever be a star in the league because he’s fairly limited offensively and is prone to injuries.

Early Projection: Hardin, another possible first rounder in the 2007 draft who decided to return to school because he doesn’t like where he was being projected, could rise into the Lottery with a good senior year and workouts.

#40] WAYNE ELLINGTON – NORTH CAROLINA *
Guard, 6-4 195
Sophomore

Season Numbers:
[16.2 PPG, 3.9 RPG, 1.9 APG, 1.1 SPG, .883 FT%, .403 3-PT%]
Per 40 Minutes:
[21.6 PPG, 5.2 RPG, 2.5 APG, 1.5 SPG]

Analysis: Ellington is a very proficient scorer with nice range on his jump shot and can finish at the rim with ease. He can hit the jump shot off the dribble and has a solid handle and good passing ability for a two guard. Usually plays big in the big games and can take over a game offensively.

Some question his size and strength, but it’s not a major issue. Plus, his defense is still a work in progress, but has the raw ability to be good in time.

Pro Outlook: Ellington has a very similar game to Golden State’s Monta Ellis — which isn’t a bad thing considering Ellis is a starter. Both are slightly small for the two-guard positions and only subpar defenders, but both can certainly score in a variety of ways.

Early Projection: Ellington should be a late first round pick if he continues to have a good year at North Carolina. He’s between 6′4″ and 6′5″, and if he measures out well, he could go even higher in the draft.

#41] SHAN FOSTER - VANDERBILT
Guard, 6-6 215
Senior

Season Numbers:
[20.5 PPG, 4.9 RPG, 1.7 APG, 1 SPG, .526 FG%, .473 3-PT%]
Per 40 Minutes:
[19.1 PPG, 6.2 RPG, 7.5 APG, 1.8 SPG]

Analysis: Foster is a veteran leader and big time shooter with incredible range on his outside jump shot. He has good size and length for his position, and has good mechanics on his jump shot and nows how to play the game. He’s a solid rebounder for a guard and is an above average defender.

He’ll need to work on his ballhandling and passing ability at the next level, because he tends to struggle in those areas. He also needs to improve his shot selection and put the ball on the floor and take it to the rim more often.

Pro Outlook: Though Foster isn’t likely to be a first rounder, he’s a guy who will likely find a home in the NBA for the next decade. His combination of size and shooting ability at the two-guard position will serve him well.

Early Projection: Sometimes you just need to be excellent at one thing to make a name for yourself in the pros. Foster is such a great long distance shooter that teams will have to give him a look in the second round.

#42] ALEXIS AJINCA - FRANCE *
Forward, 7-0 240
International

Season Numbers:
[6.4 PPG, 4.7 RPG, 1.1 BPG, .623 FG%]
Per 40 Minutes:
[21.7 PPG, 13.8 RPG, 3.4 BPG]

Analysis: Ajinca is an interesting prospect. He has the tools to be great, if he can continue to develop them. His frame is huge, and his long wingspan and athleticism would be an instant advantage over most players at his position. He has a fluid, agile game and runs the floor well for a big guy. He’s also a very solid rebounder and shot blocker.

He’ll need to continue to develop his overall strength before he’ll be able to handle the rigors of the NBA. He also doesn’t have very much experience playing on the highest level in Europe, and history has shown that to be a significant thing for International players.

Pro Outlook: He’s been compared to anybody from Kevin Garnett, to Jonathan Bender, to LaMarcus Aldridge because of his large frame, amazing athleticism, unbelievable length and fact-to-the-basket game. He looks like a real project at the NBA level, but with proper coaching, he could turn out to be a second round steal.

Early Projection: Right now, Ajinca is a second round pick, but he has a chance to crack the first round because someone could fall in love with the potential to develop a kid who has special size and tools to play the game. He’d have better luck cracking the first round next year.

#43] VICTOR CLAVER - SPAIN *
Forward, 6-11 225
International

Season Numbers:
[8.5 PPG, 3.5 RPG, 2.7 APG, 2.1 BPG, .505 FG%]
Per 40 Minutes:
[21.8 PPG, 9.9 RPG, 4.2 APG, 2.2 SPG, 3.9 BPG]

Analysis: We had Claver in our Top 25 last June, but due to a subpar year in Europe, he’s slipped a bit. He’s an extremely skilled forward who displays solid perimeter skills, an exciting vertical ability, and excellent quickness. He has above average athleticism and can handle the ball well for his size. He also has good basketball instincts and a very quick first step that allows him to get to the rack.

His inconsistent play has caused some scouts and GMs to pause, and his jumper and his shot selection is still a bit shaky. He also needs to continue to get more experience and develop his body more before he’ll be ready to handle the rigors of the NBA.

Pro Outlook: Those who have seen him play believe he has the skills to be a first round selection, but he’s had somewhat of a disappointing year for Valencia, which has caused his stock to slip. If he stays in the draft, he’d be a player worth taking and developing in the second round, however.

Early Projection: Though he’s firmly in the second round as of now, should he decide to withdraw and try again next season, he would certainly put himself in position to crack the first round with a good year under his belt.

#44] JOEY DORSEY - MEMPHIS
Forward, 6-9 260
Senior

Season Numbers:
[6.9 PPG, 9.5 RPG, 1.1 SPG, 1.9 BPG, .647 FG%]
Per 40 Minutes:
[10.9 PPG, 15.1 RPG, 1.8 APG, 3.1 SPG]

Analysis: Dorsey is a big, strong, physical player who excels on the defensive end of the floor. He’s a very mentally tough, blue collar guy who hustles his way to loose balls and second chance opportunities, and plays with a passion and emotion of Rasheed Wallace.

Despite the positives, there are several areas where he could use improvement. He has very little offense, with no consistent jump shot, and gets most of his points off of put backs and fast break dunks. His free throw shooting really needs some work, and he tends to play on uncontrolled emotion, which causes him to lose his composure at times.

Pro Outlook: If Ben Wallace can make a good living as an undersized center with little to no offensive game, then Dorsey should be able to as well. He has the rebounding and defensive ability to make a similar impact, but Wallace has very rare intangibles, and Dorsey would need to show those same similarities, but he might be worth a second round gamble.

Early Projection: Clearly the success of his Memphis squad has helped his cause in the opinion of league scouts, but he’ll also likely need to impress in pre-draft workouts in order to hear his name called early on draft day.

#45] DANNY GREEN - NORTH CAROLINA *
Guard, 6-6 205
Junior

Season Numbers:
[11.6 PPG, 5.1 RPG, 2 APG, 1.2 SPG, 1.3 BPG, .863 FT%, .379 3-PT%]
Per 40 Minutes:
[20.7 PPG, 9.1 RPG, 3.6 APG, 2.2 SPG, 2.3 BPG]

Analysis: Green is a versatile wing player with incredible length, who has started to make a name for himself at North Carolina this season. He has really worked on his outside jumper and now has a reliable three-point shot with good range and knows how to score around the rim. He’s a standout defensive player with good quickness and agility, an excellent free throw shooter, and is an underrated passer.

He isn’t quite a finished product. He’s still working out the kinks in his game and probably needs to work on his ball handling before heading to the next level. He also isn’t quite the scorer that he could be, given his skill set, but that’s mainly because of the team he plays for has so many other talented offensive players.

Pro Outlook: Green isn’t a splash of a prospect, but he has a bright future at the pro level if he can continue to improve the way he has this season. His defensive ability will make him a lot of money when he’s ready to turn pro.

Early Projection: Green should probably return for his senior season, since he isn’t a first round prospect, but testing the waters and then returning might help him establish himself and earn a few fans among the scouts and GMs of the league for 2009.

#46] ROBERT VADEN - ALABAMA-BIRMINGHAM *
Guard, 6-5 220
Junior

Season Numbers:
[21.1 PPG, 3.5 RPG, 2.6 APG, 1 SPG, .836 FT%]
Per 40 Minutes
[23.2 PPG, 4.3 RPG, 2.9 APG, 1.3 SPG]

Analysis: Vaden is a big-time scoring guard with deep range on his jump shot and has an NBA-Ready body. He can get his shot off against just about anybody and has a true scorers mentality, always looking to get points on every possession. He has a steadily improving overall game, and knows how to create contact getting to the rim.

The knocks on Vaden is that he can become one-dimensional as a scorer and needs to improve his shot selection, though that is largely a result of him being the main offensive weapon at UAB. He also doesn’t have great quickness and athleticism for his position and because of his age [23], he may have maxed out his potential.

Pro Outlook: His outlook at the NBA level isn’t great right now, but he could find his way onto a roster, in the right situation, as a second round selection or undrafted free agent. He’s more likely to be an NBDL player unless he can fine tune certain parts of his game.

Early Projection: Right now Vaden is a second rounder at best, but has the option of returning to school and improving his stock since he hasn’t signed with an agent.

#47] MALIK HAIRSTON - OREGON
Guard, 6-6 225
Senior

Season Numbers:
[16.3 PPG, 4.8 RPG, 2.1 APG, .525 FG%, .433 3-PT%]
Per 40 Minutes:
[20.7 PPG, 5.6 RPG, 2.7 APG, 1 SPG, 1.2 BPG]

Analysis: Hairston is a very talented all-around wing player with great size and athleticism. He had a huge NCAA tournament last season, and should be rather high on the NBA radar this season. He has a great inside-outside game and can really shoot the ball with range. He has a well advanced inside-outside offensive game.

He’s a very skilled player, but doesn’t seem to have one dominant skill that sets him apart from the rest in this draft class. Quickness and agility are concerns and he’s also been known to disappear for stretches of games.

Pro Outlook: Most observers believe he can be a Quentin Richardson type of player who can play either wing position and knock down the open three pointer. He’d be a welcome addition to a team like Miami, Cleveland or Denver, who could use a shooter that matches up well with the bigger guards of the league.

Early Projection: He needed a big NCAA Tournament for him to secure a spot in the first round. That didn’t happen, but there are several team in the league who value Hairston as a solid second round pick that can help a team immediately.

#48] JEREMY PARGO - GONZAGA *
Guard, 6-2 218
Junior

Season Numbers:
[12.1 PPG, 3.7 RPG, 6.1 APG, 1.4 SPG, .497 FG%]
Per 40 Minutes
[16.2 PPG, 4.5 RPG, 6.9 APG, 1.7 SPG]

Analysis: Pargo is an athletic, strong, pure point guard with a lightning quick first step and the ability to break down his defender off the dribble. He has great court vision, very good ball handling ability, and knows how to put the ball on the deck and take it to the rim.

Despite the positives to his game, he’ll really need to work on his shooting, especially from long range, before he’s able to be a contributor at the NBA level. He also tries to do a little too much some times, and sliming down a bit could improve his end-to-end speed.

Pro Outlook: Unlike his brother, Jannero, who plays for the New Orleans Hornets, he has a strong build that will allow him to post up against smaller players, yet his lack of a true, reliable jump shot will limit his ceiling at the NBA level. Once he fixes that, he could have a bright future as a solid rotation player.

Early Projection: Like Chalmers, Pargo hasn’t signed with an agent and should seriously consider returning to school to try to crack the first round next season when the point guard pool will be a bit weaker. If he decides to stay in the draft, he’ll likely be s second round selection.

#49] RICHARD ROBY - COLORADO
Guard, 6-6 210
Senior

Season Numbers:
[17 PPG, 6.7 RPG, 2.1 APG, 1.1 SPG, 1 BPG, .382 3-PT%]
Per 40 Minutes
[18.7 PPG, 7.1 RPG, 2.5 APG, 1.3 SPG, 1.1 BPG]

Analysis: Roby is a very solid, seasoned prospect with good size for his position, a nice looking jumper shot, and the athleticism to put the ball on the floor and take it to the rack. He’s also a solid rebounder from the guard position and has improved on the defensive side of the ball over the course of his collegiate career.

The knocks on his game are his defense, which has improved, but he still doesn’t give maximum effort in that area, and his jump shot has been somewhat streaky as of late. He seems to take plays off from time to time and his overall maturity as been called into question as well. He doesn’t really have one thing that he’s elite at.

Pro Outlook: If he can find his way onto an NBA roster, he could be a player with similar qualities to Denver’s J.R. Smith. While he may not have the same shooting stroke or athleticism that Smith has, he has the similar type of game and could contribute offensively for several NBA teams.

Early Projection: Roby was on the first round bubble two years ago when he declared for the draft, but hasn’t done too much to improve his game since that time. Right now he’s a second round pick or possible undrafted free agent.

#50] JOHN RIEK - WINCHENDON PREP
Center, 7-2 240
International

Season Numbers:
[13.4 PPG, 6.4 RPG, 1.9 APG, 3.1 BPG, .582 FG%]
Per 40 Minutes
[19.5 PPG, 9.3 RPG, 2.6 APG, 4.7 BPG]

Analysis: Riek is a native of Sudan, but has played in the United States for a few years on the high school and prep school level. He has received scholarship offers from Connecticut, Georgetown, Duke, and Florida, among others, and is technically eligible for the 2008 NBA Draft because he is one year removed from high school. Most who’ve seen him play believe he has the tools to be a very good player down the road.

He’s a very large player with legitimate length and athleticism for the NBA level. He also plays hard and is a very good shot blocker and rebounder already, but is still very raw on the offensive end and is considered a major project at this point. He’s extremely raw, struggles with durability, is very inexperienced, needs to add more strength and his conditioning also needs to improve.

Pro Outlook: Riek made a splash at the Nike Hoop Jamboree last summer, where he dominated the competition, but when scouts flocked to see him play in the fall, most were left somewhat unimpressed by his production. Still he has the potential to be a very good prospect and is probably worth the risk somewhere in the second round. He’d likely be a waste of time as a first rounder because he will take his entire rookie contract to properly develop.

Early Projection: Though the raw ability and size is jaw dropping, he’s the type of player that could get a GM fired if he gets taken in the first round, but could be a nice second round prospect in the right situation. He likely didn’t head to college because his game would’ve been completely exposed.

* = Declared eligible for the 2008 Draft

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