Dana Altman Leading the Ducks to a Bright Future

Coach Altman is turning around
the basketball program in Eugene.

Dana Altman has turned around the basketball fortunes of the University of Oregon by stringing together a few tough wins in the Pac-10 conference.  At the beginning of conference play the Ducks went through a tough patch by losing six straight.  After their six game losing streak they have won six out of their last nine.  They now look poised to make a run in the Pac-10 tournament. The Ducks have three of their last 5 games at home against the bay area schools and their rival the Beavers.

The current roster is stacked with juniors so regardless what happens at the end of this season the Ducks will be in position to have a great season next year, in their first full season in Matthew Knight Arena.  They will be lead by senior to be Garret Sim and junior to be E.J. Singler, who has come-on under Altman to be a consistent contributer for the Ducks.

The real story is Altman's coaching style, as he has been called a dark-horse candidate for coach of the year honors.  He has seemingly turned around the culture in Eugene and is putting a competitive team on the floor every night, something that has not been the case in the years after their elite-eight fun four years ago.

Altman has also made some big strides in the recruiting world.  His top recruit in 2011 is Jabari Brown, the 6'3 shooting guard out of Oakland Highschool.  He is a great shooter with deep deep range, and shoot fit nicely in Dana's system.  He is also adding three more recruits who may not have an immediate impact but have the potential to grow.  Bruce Barron is a big, tough, point guard who can get into the lane and finish with acrobatic plays around the rim.  Brett Kingma is another shooting guard with a great shot with great mechanics.  They have also added some height with 6'9 power forward Austin Kuemper who is a tough rebounder and has a solid shot from 15 feet and in.

It may take a few more years to turn around Duck basketball, but it seems as though Dana Altman has taken huge strides in his first season as the Duck's head coach.   Go Ducks!

College Basketball-The Rich Keep Getting Richer

Can Doc Rivers' kid Austin become the next
 freshman to lead his team to the top?

In recent years collegiate freshmen have made a huge impact on college basketball.  This has come about because of the NBA's age restriction for draft eligible players.  This has caused many changes to college ball and a new desperation to land the next top recruits.  It is now essential to land these top recruits because, as we have seen, these top players have the ability to immediately put a team on their back and take them on a tournament run.  There have been a few teams who have recently dominated this recruiting war.  With the impending NBA lockout many of this years top freshmen could opt to stay in college and hone their skills one more year, so as we look ahead to next years crop of freshmen we see that the rich do indeed continue to get richer.

Duke-Duke will lose some of their leadership next year in their two top seniors Kyle Singler and Nolan Smith and Mason Plumlee could also make the leap to the NBA.  These are big shoes to fill but coach K has a stocked freshman class coming in headlined by the top rated recruit Austin Rivers.  Rivers is a complete player and scouts rave about his floater in the lane.  They also add two more McDonalds All Americans in center Marshall Plumlee and point guard Quinn Cook.  Finally, but not least they add Michael Gbinije the sharp shooting small forward.  Kyrie Irving could possibly return next year after missing most of this year with a foot injury and they will bring back Seth Curry as well.  Duke will remain a contender last year as Coach K transitions from a experienced team to young team full of potential.

Kentucky-Callipari adds four more 5 star McDonalds All Americans to his squad.  Two of the top three recruits in power forward Anthony Davis and small forward Michael Gilchrist.  They also get point guard Marquis Teague and a second power forward in Kyle Wiltjer.  There have been rumors that Brandon Knight and Doron Lamb will hang around for a second year.  Callipari seems to have his team geared up for another title run next year.

North Carolina- The Tar Heels are going to add power forward James McAdoo to replace John Henson who will most likely make the NBA leap. They will also add shooting guard P.J. Hairston.  There have been consistent rumors all year that Harrison Barnes likes the collegiate atmosphere and wants to stay for at least another year.  If he stays, along with freshman point guard Kendall Marshall this group of Tar Heels will continue to develop and become a power-house next year.

Baylor-Baylor is the least prestigious of these schools but lately they have been landing some of the tops recruits.  They land two more big recruits in power forward Quincy Miller and small forward Deuce Bello.  It is pretty unlikely that Perry Jones will return next year, but with the potential of the lock out anything is possible.

Ohio State-Thad Mata has been a great recruiter during the last 10 years landing a lot of big names, his streak continues in 2011.  Ohio State is probably going to lose Sullinger to the NBA and David Lighty is going to graduate, but they add four 4-star recruits this year, two of which are McDonalds All Americans.  Shannot Scott the point guard and Center Amir Williams Join the Buckeyes' roster along with the tandem of small forwards in Sam Thompson and Laquinton Ross.

Texas-Texas gets the McDonalds All American guard Myck Kabongo.  He will be looked to be the floor general for the Long Horns.  He will be accompanied by Sheldon McClellan the shooting guard, power forward Sheldon McClellan, and another shooting guard Julien Lewis.  Jordan Hamilton will probably head to the next level, if he and Tristan Thompson return this team will remain on top during the 2011 season.

NBA Draft 2.0

Second edition: So far there is not a lock for the number one pick but Barnes is starting to make an impact.  Leave comments let me know what you think!


Check out the database to see a list of recently updated mocks.  NBA Mock Draft Database

1. Cleveland-Perry Jones, 19, 6'11, 220, PF- Jones has been playing much better lately with a break out game against Texas A&M.  He is almost too unselfish but when he makes an aggressive move it usually ends up with a bucket.  He has great shooting touch and he attacks the board.
2. Sacramento-Harrison Barnes, 18, 6'7, 212, SF- Barnes has been playing much better as of late, he still has a ton of room to improve and his ceiling is sky high.  A mix of Cousins, Evans, and Barnes could be a great offensive tandem down the road.  As I said in my first mock, it really depends on the maturation of Evans and Cousins.
3. Minnesota-Terrance Jones, 19, 6'8, 226, SF- Jones is a multi talented wing player who can play multiple positions.  If Minnesota wasn't so wrapped up in Rubio I think they would pick Irving, but Jones can help.  He can back up either Beasley or Love.  Many compare him to Lamar Odom if he pans out to his potential.
4. Toronto- Kyrie Irving, 18, 6'2, 180, PG- Kyrie would be a good fit with Derozan.  That would be a great young back court with Irving's ability to create for his teammates and hit the open man.  He reminds me a lot of Chris Paul with the way he controls the court as a PG.
5. Washington- Jared Sullinger, 18, 6'9, 261, PF- Sullinger is having a great year for OSU.  The player of the year candidate is dominating collegiate competition.  He is undersized to play the power forward, but he plays with power, heart, and his high basketball IQ allows him to be in the right place at the right time.  
6. New Jersey-Jordan Hamilton, 20, 6'7, 215, SF- The Nets have a need at the small forward and Hamilton has the potential to be a great offensive player.  I have heard scouts such as Chad Ford say his ceiling is Rashard Lewis.  He can score in a variety of ways, just what the Nets need.
7. Detroit- Enes Kanter, 18, 6'10, 255, PF/C- Detroit could pair Kanter with Monroe and have a very strong and large 1-2 punch up front.  Kanter is a banger down low and a great rebounder.  He needs to work at finishing around the glass but he has the potential to go Number 1 over all if he does well in workouts. 
8. LA Clippers-Josh Selby, 18, 6'3, 188, G-The Clippers have young talent at every position.  They can take the best player available with this pick, Selby.  He has a lot of upside and also can back up both Gordon and Bledsoe in the future.
9. Milwaukee-Jonas Valanciunas, 18, 6'10, 230, PF- Valanciunas is a big physical player who can help Bogut crash the glass.  This could be a great combination defensively and on the offensive boards.  
10. Charlotte-Derrick Williams, 19, 6'7, 210, SF- The Bobcats need a player who can score the ball.  Derrick Williams could develop into a lethal offensive player who can play small forward and some power forward depending on the match up.  
11. Indiana-Donatas Motiejunas, 20, 7'0, 220, PF- Indiana would love the sweet stroke of the tall european.  Matched with Hibbert Indiana would have a massive front line, and would also be able to stretch defenses with lethal three point shooting at the 2,3,4 positions if Paul George continues to improve and they keep Granger.
12. Golden State-Kawhi Leonard, 19, 6'7, 225, SF- Leonard could be a great addition to this high paced team.  If he continues to improve at the next level he and Dorrell Wright could solidify the Warrior's SF position.  
13. Philadelphia-Jan Vesely, 20, 6'11, 240, PF/C- Vesely was considered a lottery pick last year.  The 76ers could use a big man to consistently hustle and crash the boards.  He is very athletic and would fit in with the 76ers' athletic roster.
14. Houston-Kemba Walker, 20, 6'1, 172, PG-  Aaron Brooks is not working out as well this year.  He has been involved in many trade rumors of late.  Kemba Walker could come in and add leadership and the same kind of scoring Brooks provides.  
15. Phoenix-Patric Young, 19, 6'9, 235, PF/C- Patric Young has struggled this year and David Thorpe said he could be next years Daniel Orton.  His physicality reminds me of Amare but he is less talented.  Phoenix takes a chance on him and hopes he develops into a low-post presence next to Robin Lopez.
16. New York-Jimmer Fredette, 21, 6'2, 195, PG- Jimmer has been great this year.  He would be a great fit in D'antonio's run and gun offensive.  He has unlimited range and in this system could develop into a great quarterback for the offense.  
17. Minnesota-Lucas Nogueira, 18, 7'0, 225, C-  Darko is having a good year but I am not sure if he is a long-term fix.  Nogueira is a physical beast with a lot of upside if he develops his skills to go along with the athleticism.  Minnesota takes him as a project who could pay off down the road.   
18. Portland-Brandon Knight, 18, 6'4, 183, PG- Portland needs height desperately but they also need a floor general.  Brandon Knight is a score first guard but he could develop into the next point guard to do big things coming out of John Calipari's system.  
19. Denver-John Henson, 20, 6'10, 200, PF- John Henson could go much higher than this if a team becomes enamored with him.  He could also slip in this draft.  I think at this point in the draft he is a great value.  He needs to add a lot of bulk and strength.  He reminds me of a Tayshaun Prince type player, he can hit the boards, his shot has some range, and he is active on defense.
20. Minnesota-Klay Thompson, 21, 6'6, 187, SG- Minnesota needs a good shooting guard.  This draft is very weak in this area and Thompson is the best available.  
21. Portland-Tristian Thompson, 18, 6'8, 233, PF- Portland addresses its need for an upfront presence.  Thompson is a little under sized but has a huge wing span to make up for it.  He plays with a lot of heart and hustle and could really help out in portland.  
22. Phoenix- Chris Singleton, 21, 6'9, 220,SF-  Singleton is a good scorer but has had an up and down career at FSU.  He reminds me of Al Thornton.  
23. Atlanta-Tyler Zeller, 21, 7'0, 220, C- Atlanta needs a big man so they can move Horford to his natural position, PF.  Zeller's play has picked up as of late and he had a great game against Rival Duke.  He needs to add weight but he could be a productive big man in the league.
24. Oklahoma City-Thomas Robinson, 19, 6'9, 230, PF-Oklahoma continues to build their young roster by adding another young player to their front court.  Chad Ford thinks Robinson could be one of the steals of this draft.  
25. Chicago-Marcus Morris 21, 6'8, 225, PF- Marcus Morris has a versatile skill set but is a tweener.  He could become a very good role player with his consistent jump shot, or he could turn into the latest James Johnson.  
26. New Jersey-Alex Burks, 19, 6'6, 185, SG- The Nets need more scoring, Alex Burks can light it up on any given night.  He is very athletic and could fit nicely with the Net's young roster.
27. Dallas-Kenneth Faried, 21, 6'8, 215, PF- Faried is another player who could be a steal in this draft.  He is a collegiate veteran and plays with a lot of heart. He can come in for Dirk and play some valuable minutes for Dallas right away.
28. Boston-Nolan Smith, 22, 6'4, 185, PG- A heady player  that could be a great back up for Rondo.  Between Rondo, Avery Bradley, and Nolan Smith, the Celtics would have the ability to shut down guards at will.
29. Toronto-Kyle Singler, 22, 6'9, 235, SF- Kyle Singler adds lots of shooting to a Raptors team that struggles in that area.  With Kyrie making plays for Derozan, Singler could sneak out past that 3 pt line and make a name for himself.  
30. San Antonio-JaJuan Johnson, 22, 6'10, 215, PF- Johnson has improved each year at Purdue.  He has developed a nice jump shot to go along with his shot blocking.  He needs to add strength but could be a great addition to the Spurs front line rotation.

Some picks have been traded. I used http://basketball.realgm.com/nba/draft/future_drafts/detailed to determine these traded picks.

NFL Mock Draft

I have used Mel Kiper and Todd McShay's mock drafts and draft ratings to help fill out this mock draft.  I am picking on what positions I think each team needs to address in this draft, maybe not the best possible player available. This is a defense heavy draft class, but surprisingly to myself, I have 4 quarterbacks going in the first half of the first round!
Round 1

1. Carolina (2-14)-Nick Fairley, DT, Auburn- Carolina needs players in almost all positions.  They take Fairley, who brings the tough inside presence they need to compete up front against the run.  He is also a great pass rusher and punishes the quarterback anytime he gets the chance.   
2. Denver (4-12)- Patrick Peterson, CB, LSU- Champ Bailey is getting older and his hall of fame career is coming to an end.  Some say that Peterson has the talent to go number one but in this scenario he falls to the broncos who are happy to have him.  He will immediately make an impact in the Bronco's secondary much like what Eric Berry did for the Chiefs this year. 
3. Buffalo (4-12)-DaQuan Bowers, DE, Clemson- He is another candidate to go number one.  He has freaky athleticism and a great motor.  He is a relentless pass rusher who knows how to get to the quarterback.  He will be able to chase Tom Brady around next year in the AFC East.
4. Cincinnati (4-12)-A.J. Green, WR, Georgia- Chad Johnson is at odds with Marvin Lewis and Ocho Cinco is said to be unhappy in Cincinnati.  Also Carson Palmer is said to want out.  I believe that they will cut their losses with Chad and try to retain Carson.  If this is a case they will need a young wide out and A.J. Green has the potential to be a great one. He the has speed, height, leaping ability and hand eye coordination of some of the greats in the league today.
5. Arizona (5-11)-Blaine Gabbert, QB, Missouri- Maybe Arizona should have kept Leinart, but he probably would have done just as poorly as the cast of quarterbacks Arizona had last season.  They need a franchise QB and now that Luck has taken his name out and returned to Stanford Gabbert is the best in this class.  He may be a good quarterback down the road but with the rest of Arizona's squad as it is expect him to struggle if he is thrown into the fire next year.  
6. Cleveland (5-11)-Marcel Dareus, DT, Alabama- Cleveland scored big with Colt McCoy last year, and now they address the weak defensive front this year.  Dareus is an explosive talent in the trenches who is good at both run defense and pass rushing.  He will start and contribute immediately.
7. San Francisco (6-10)-Cam Newton, QB, Auburn- San Francisco desperately needs a quarterback.  They have players at all of the positions except QB.  Newton is a stretch here, but he proved he can overcome adversity on and off the field.  He is quick, mobile, and has a developing arm.  Best case scenario I see a Donovan Mcnabb type player, worst case scenario is another mobile quarterback who can't throw with accuracy, A.K.A. Alex Smith.
8. Tennessee (6-10)-Robert Quinn, DE, North Carolina- Tennessee starts its new regime focusing on defense.  Quinn is a great talent who had to sit out the season because of NCAA violations.  He is a great talent and has great upside.  It will have to be seen how much or how little taking the year off will hurt his progression on the field, I think it will have a very minimal effect. 
9. Dallas (6-10)-Prince Amukamara, CB, Nebraska- Dallas needs immediate help in the secondary.  Terrance Newman still has talent and can still compete with anyone, but their other two young cornerbacks leave much to be desired.  Prince has the talent to come in and take the second starting job right away.  He is the second ranked CB in this class and could go much higher.  Dallas will be lucky if they get him.
10. Washington (6-10)-Jake Locker, QB, Washington- They need a quarterback and I think they really wanted Cam Newton.  Donovan is out of there and Rex Grossman is a joke.  They take a huge risk and take Jake Locker, who at the beginning of the season was ranked as the number 1 prospect in this draft.  He had a horrible year and did not do much to impress scouts at the Senior Bowl.  If he lives up to the hype he had this time last year the Redskins have a steal.
11. Houston (6-10)- Aldon Smith, DE, Missouri- The Texans need somebody opposite of Mario Williams.  Aldon Smith is a great competitor who is good against the run and pass.  This will solidify an already strong Texans Defense.  
12. Minnesota (6-10)- Ryan Mallet, QB, Arkansas- Farve is gone, maybe, hopefully.  That leaves the Vikings with Tavaris Jackson and the young Webb.  If the Vikings do not go after a QB via free agency or trade, I expect them to take one here.  Mallet is the best available, he is a huge player with a strong arm.  He lacks mobility and will have to learn to step up and maneuver around the pocket.
13. Detroit (6-10)- Von Miller, LB, Texas A&M- Mel Kiper has Von Miller ranked in his top seven players.  If he turns out to be the player that Mel thinks he will then Detroit gets a huge upgrade at the linebacker position.  He has a great work ethic and will be a great addition to the improving culture of the young lions.  
14. St. Louis (7-9)-Julio Jones, WR, Alabama- St. Louis and Sam Bradford exceeded every expectation for them last year.  Bradford had a great rookie campaign and what was even more impressive was that his top three receivers were hurt for the majority of the year.  Julio Jones improved tremendously this year cutting down the number of drops.  He will be a physical target for Bradford.
15. Miami (7-9)-Nate Solder, OL, Colorado- Miami needs to build their offensive line to try and protect whoever is playing quarterback, be it an actual quarterback or Ronnie Brown in the wild cat.  Solder is the top ranked offensive lineman in the draft and his physical style would be a perfect fit for Miami's running attack. 
16. Jacksonville (8-8)-Akeem Ayers, LB, UCLA- Jacksonville needs a pass rusher, they could also use an impact linebacker.  Ayers is an athletic freak who can rush the passer, play the run, and play the pass.  He could fill two voids for Jacksonville if he develops his skill set.  
17. New England - from Oakland (8-8)- Mark Ingram, RB, Alabama- The Patriots do not really need Ingram, but I cannot see him dropping into the Pats lap like this and not being picked here.  He would be a superb back in the Pats' backfield rotation.  He has shown at Alabama how explosive he can be with his mix of speed, power, and agile feet.
18. San Diego (9-7)-Adrian Clayborn, DE, Missouri- The Chargers need a pass rusher and Clayborn is the best available at this point.  He may not be an instant star but he has the skill set and intangibles to make a difference next year.  I see him being a consistent contributer to a defense who disappointed last year.   
19. New York Giants (10-6)-Mike Pouncey, OL, Florida- Some how another Pouncey brother slips to the second half of the draft.  From watching his brother in Steeler land I expect him to fill any void the Giants have on their Offensive Line.  
20. Tampa Bay (10-6)-J.J. Watt, DE, Wisconsin- Another big pass rusher to put next to McCoy on an improving Tampa Bay team.  This pick could make Tampa Bay a run stopping machine.
21. Kansas City* (10-6)-Cameron Jordan, DE, California- Kansas City has a young athletic defense who started to show up in some big situations last season.  They add a defensive end who can get to the passer he would help out the defensive line.
22. Indianapolis* (10-6)-Stephen Paea, DT, Oregon St.-Paea went down in the Senior Bowl with a torn mcl so it will have to be seen how this effects his work outs.  Indiana could use a huge strong tackle like Paea to go with the speed on the ends.  They could also go with a offensive lineman to help protect Manning.
23. Philadelphia* (10-6)-Gabe Carimi, OL, Wisconsin- Carimi is huge and can help the Eagles protect the fragile Vick.  He is great in pass protection and run blocking but it will be crucial that he is able to make adjustments on the fly while Vick is scrambling.
24. New Orleans* (11-5)-Justin Houston, DE, Georgia-A trending theme in this draft is teams addressing their need at DE, the Saints do just this.  Houston can play either the LB or DE.  He is quick and can get to the QB off the edge.  The Saints vill their void at DE in hopes of making it back to the super bowl next year.
25. Seattle* (7-9)-Brandon Harris, CB, Miami- Seattle really wanted a QB in this draft with the aging Hasselbeck and the questions about Whitehurst, but all of the legit QB's are gone so they address another need at CB.  Harris has the skills and the athleticism to succeed in the NFL.
26. Baltimore* (12-4)-Ryan Kerrigan, DE, Purdue- Last years pick Kindle never made it to the field and his career is reportedly in jeopardy of never taking off.  They go for another DE this year in Kerrigan.  The senior is consistent and will be able to contribute immediately on the already stout defensive front.
27. Atlanta* (13-3)-Anthony Castonzo, OL, Boston College- Atlanta had a great year and just came up short in the end.  The Packers tortured Matty Ice with Clay Mathews.  The logical next step, draft a tackle to protect him.  Castonzo is a big tackle who can help in this area.
28. New England* (14-2)-Cameron Heyward, DT, Ohio State- The Patriots address the need of a young defensive lineman.  Heyward didn't have the year many expected this past season but he could develop in the Pat's system.  He can play either DT or DE which makes him a good fit for Belichick's system.
29. Chicago* (11-5)-Torrey Smith, WR, Maryland- If Cutler is going to succeed in Mike Martz's system he needs more talented receivers.  This year's receiving crop is not as talented as past class's but they could score big with Torrey.
30. New York Jets* (11-5)-Muhammed Wilkerson, DT, Temple- The Jets need an insurance plan incase Kris Jenkins goes down to injury again.  
31. Green Bay* (10-6)-Mike Leshoure, RB, Illinois- The Packers made it all the way to the super bowl without a reliable running game.  Ryan Grant will come back next year, but who knows how well he will rebound off of his injury.  Leshoure will provide a back up plan.
32. Pittsburgh* (12-4)-Tyron Smith, OL, USC- Pittsburgh really needs depth on their offensive line.  They were ravaged by injuries this year, all the way up to the super bowl.  Smith might not play next year if everyone remains healthy, or if things go like they did this year he could be an intricate part to their success next year.

Oakland -> New England: Richard Seymour

NBA 2011 Mock Draft Version 1

Well, as the first post on my blog I have decided to give a mock first round of the up-coming draft.  I have been pretty obsessed with the NBA the past few years and have followed mock drafts very closely and decided to give it a try and create my own.  I have based my predictions on the current standings based on winning percentage.  I used Chad Ford's top 100 as a reference and also made some evaluations based on what I have seen this year, both on the college players and on the NBA rosters. 

1. Cleveland Cavaliers- Perry Jones, Baylor, 19, 220, 6'11, PF- With the first pick the Cavs could select the extremely versatile, athletic big man from Baylor.  Some think he is still growing and he has been compared to a young Tracey McGrady.  The Cavs can start to build a young front line of Hickson and Perry Jones.
2. Sacramento Kings- Kyrie Irving, Duke, 18, 180, 6-2, PG- Picking Kyrie allows the Kings to push Tyreke over to the two guard to thrive off of the young productive point guard.  Kyrie is a play maker and can find the open man.  Before his injury, Kyrie's style of play reminded me of a young Chris Paul.  This adds to a young and improving roster full of potential as long as they continue to mature off the court.
3. Minnesota Timberwolves- Harrison Barnes, North Carolina, 18, 212, 6-7, SG/SF-The Timberwolves are stacked with young, raw players who need to improve.  Johnny Flynn still has a chance to be a good point guard in the NBA and Ricky Rubio's impending decision could change the face of the team.  Kevin Love is a potential all-star and it looks like his potential is very high.  Add Michael Beasley, Wesley Johnson, the defense that Darko has shown this season and the Wolves have some hope.  There are rumors that Harrison Barnes will decide to stay at North Carolina, but if he does come out he would be a good fit in Minnesota.  Many think his style of play will fit in much better in the NBA level and Minnesota needs a two guard that can create for himself and shoot a high percentage. 
4. New Jersey Nets-Terrance Jones, Kentucky, 19, 226, 6-8, SF/PF-  I am basing this pick on the belief that Melo will not end up a Net.  They will keep Derrick Favors and add another young athletic forward in Terrance Jones.  If Jones continues to improve and mature a front line of Brook Lopez, Favors, and Jones could be dominant.  Jones' game reminds a lot of people of a 'more productive' Lamar Odom. 
5. Washington Wizards- Jared Sullinger, Ohio St.,18, 261, 6-9, PF-  Sullinger would fit in with a young John Wall giving the Wizards a young high low presence.  His offensive ability would also complement Javelle McGee, and in turn Javelle's length can help hide some of his defensive liabilities.  Sullinger Reminds many analysts of Kevin Love because of his limited height and athleticism, and many think that he will improve his conditioning much like Love has in his first few seasons.
6. Toronto Raptors- Enes Kanter, Turkey, 19, 255, 6-10, C- Enes Kanter was ruled ineligible by the NCAA this year and so many scouts have not seen this big man play.  He is a physical post player and a good rebounder.  He is a bit undersized for a center but his toughness would be a good match next to Bargnani, and Ed Davis.
7. Detroit Pistons- Kemba Walker, UCONN, 20, 172, 6-1, PG- Rodney Stuckey has been inconsistent as the Piston's floor general.  I expect them to go out and get a young point guard in this draft and at this point in the draft Josh Selby and Brandon Knight could be the choice here, but I expect Joe Dumars to draft the experienced Kemba Walker. He is a tough, small guard who has a score first mentality. His explosive scoring has led him to be compared to a smaller version of current Piston Ben Gordan.
8. Milwaukee Bucks-Jonas Valanciunas, Lithuania, 18, 230, 6-10, PF- In my opinion the Bucks have two needs in which they could address, a reliable shooting guard, and a power forward to help out Bogut down-low.  Jonas is young and needs to improve his strength, but is said to have a soft touch around the basket.  He would likely need a year or two to improve but down the line the front court rotation of Bogut, current rookie Larry Sanders, and Valanciunas could be devastating on the boards.
9. L.A. Clippers-Donatas Motiejunas, Lithuania, 20, 220, 7'0, PF-The Clippers have young talent at every position.  This pick will depend on whether or not some of the older players come back next year.  If their roster stays intact I believe they would benefit from a player who could stretch the floor.  If they trade Kaman I expect them to go after another big man, Motiejunas could fill both the need for a shooter and another big body.  If he puts a little weight on to bang on the boards he could be a perfect fit on the floor with either Blake or DeAndre Jordan.  He is being compared to a Dirk Nowitzki like player.
10. Charlotte Bobcats-Jan Vesely, Czech Republic, 20, 240, 6'10, PF- The Bobcats have many needs but what they need the most is somebody who can go down-low and punish the opponents on both sides of the court.  Jan Vesely could have been drafted in the lottery last year but decided to wait another year.  He is a tough player who hustles and plays hard on every play, with a solid perimeter game with very good shooting range. 
11. Indiana Pacers-Josh Selby, Kansas, 19, 188, 6-3, PG- Many consider Selby more of a combo guard but he has shown a decent ability to run a team and make good decisions with the ball.  He would be a good back up for the Pacers right away because of his shooting stroke, defense, and athleticism.
12. Philadelphia 76ers-Derrick Williams, Arizona, 19, 210, 6-7, SF-This pick depends on what happens with Andre Iguodala.  If they decide to trade him then current rookie Evan turner will see the ball in his hands much more and the Sixers will need a new small forward who can play without the ball in his hands.  Derrick Williams has been very productive at Arizona and can play both forward positions.  Many scouts are worried because he is what they call a tweener, but I believe his production will continue in the NBA.
13. Golden State Warriors-John Henson, North Carolina, 20, 200, 6'10, PF- I realize that the warriors already have David Lee, Epke Udoh, and Brandon Wright at power forward but they have a history of liking young, skinny, athletic big men.  John Henson was a disappointment last year and decided to come back, this was a good decision.  He has been much more active this year and has shown that he still has the potential to be a very good NBA player. 
14. Houston Rockets-Brandon Knight, Kentucky, 18, 183, 6'4, PG- Houston already has a good young point guard in Aaron Brooks but Brandon Knight could be a very good point guard.  He is a tweener and is a score first guard.  He reminds me a lot of Bledsoe from the Kentucky team last year.
15. Phoenix Suns-Jordan Hamilton, Texas, 20, 215, 6'7, SF- Grant Hill isn't going to last forever.  Hamilton is a good scorer with a very good jump shot.  He has become a much better team player this year because of his improved shot selection. 
16. Minnesota Timberwolves-Mason Plumlee, Duke, 20, 230, 6'10, PF- Minnesota grabs Mason Plumlee the ultra athletic big man.  He needs to work on his offensive game, but he is a smart player who plays with a lot of heart and hustle. 
17. Portland Trail Blazers- C.J. Leslie, NC State, 19, 205, 6'9, PF- Portland drafts a big man to help with all of the injuries they have had.  I think they were hoping that Brandon Knight would fall to them to give them the play making point guard they  need, but Leslie is an athletic player who many project as a lottery talent. 
18. New York Knicks-Lucas Nogueira, Brazil, 18, 225, 7'0, C- They need a center to help out on defense.  He is a young, raw, athletic big man who needs to put on weight and work on his offensive game but he could be a Ibaka like player. 
19. Denver Nuggets-Marcus Morris, Kansas, 21, 225, 6'8, PF- Undersized for the power forward spot but very versatile with a good shooting stroke and very active on the glass.  Could be a good addition for a Denver front line notorious for being injured.
20. Portland Trail Blazers-Demetri McCamey, Illinois, 21, 200, 6-3, PG-Portland gets a big physical point guard that reminds me a little of Armon Johnson, but a better passer. He is not a great athlete but has improved this year and he is experienced at the college level averaging 7 assists a game.
21. Phoenix Suns-Trey Thompkins, Georgia, 20, 247, 6'9, PF- A big man who can shoot it and also play defense and rebound.  He will need to improve his conditioning if he is going to be in the Phoenix's system.  
22. Atlanta Hawks-Tyler Zeller, North Carolina, 21, 220, 7'0, C- Hawks could use a big body to play next to Horford.  Zeller needs to add strength but he is a good rebounder and he runs the floor well.
23. Dallas Mavericks-Kawhai Leonard, San Diego St, 19, 225, 6'7, SF- Butler is out for the season and will be coming off rehab next year.  Kawhai is an underrated player who could make an impact right away for Dallas.  He is an excellent athlete but he needs to improve his jump shot. 
24. Oklahoma City Thunder-Kyle Singler, Duke, 22, 235, 6'9, SF- Singler could be a great glue type of player.  He is fundamentally sound and does the little things.  He competes on offense and defense and is a very intelligent player.  He would fit in the culture that the Thunder have created.
25. Utah Jazz-Alec Burks, Colorado, 19, 185, 6'6, SG- The Jazz could use an athletic slashing scoring guard to pair with Deron Williams.  Alec Burks fits the bill as he can get to the basket in many ways.  He needs to add three point range on his streaky perimeter shot. 
26. Chicago Bulls-Patrick Young, Florida, 19, 235, 6-9, C- Because of injuries to the Bulls' front court the ageless Kurt Thomas has been cast into the line up.  Don't expect this to continue next year, the Bulls need to add some youth and depth to their front line rotation.  They luck out and get a potential lottery player who hasn't produced yet in Young.  He needs to work on his offense but he is athletic and a beast on defense.
27. Toronto Raptors-Elias Harris, Gonzaga, 21, 180, 6'7, SF-  Elias has been all over the draft board, once projected as a first round pick.  The Raptors take a chance on him and add him to their roster of talented young players.
28. L.A. Lakers-Nolan Smith, Duke, 22, 185, 6'4, PG- Derek Fisher seems to be winding down, until the post season that is.  His career seems to be coming to a close, so in comes Nolan Smith.  Knows how to play on a championship team by being careful with the ball and is able to defend ones and twos. 
29. Boston Celtics-Jimmer Fredette, BYU, 21, 195, 6'2, PG- Scouts have been coming around to him lately because of his toughness, basketball IQ and deep jump shot.  He is not a good athlete and will most likely have difficulty on defense.  He could be a great back up point guard for short stints backing up Rondo, giving short bursts of energy against the second unit of opponents.
30. San Antonio Spurs-Tristian Thompson, Texas, 19, 233, 6-8, PF- Who knows what San Antonio will do with this pick, what we do know is that whoever they pick, it is likely they will develop into a contributing member of the team.  Tim Duncan is one year older and one year closer to retirement.  Tristian Thompson will never be Timmy but he can be a very talented big man.  He has a 7'2 wing span and has a great motor.  He needs to develop a perimeter game, maybe Duncan can teach him his patented bank shot.