No. 6 – James McAdoo (PF, North Carolina) – Despite being a highly touted recruit for UNC last year, McAdoo was relegated to a bench role behind an extremely talented frontcourt. But now with the frontcourt departed, this is now McAdoo’s team.
With UNC looking to McAdoo to lead them, he has not disappointed, averaging 16.6 pgg and 8.6 rpg so far. A polished offensive game is McAdoo’s strength, but will need to prove he can handle being a full-time PF at the NBA level.
Not the best athlete, but very smart and polished. Stock is unchanged.
No. 7 – Isaiah Austin (C, Baylor) – Austin headlines another impressive recruiting class for Baylor coach Scott Drew, Austin is not your typical 7-footer. He is very athletic, moves well, and is comfortable outside of the paint.
His ability to hit a jump shot will definitely intrigue teams (4-for-10 from 3-pt range). He’s averaging 9 rebounds a game and his defensively potential has been showcased as well. The biggest thing for Austin will be improving his frame, which could be a cause for concern. An ankle has also hampered him early, but his skill has on display despite that. Stock is up.
No. 8 – Alex Len (C, Maryland) – Not initially seen as a definite top-10 pick, but Len’s strong start to college season has many NBA execs now taking a closer look at him. Len had a good freshman season but has shown impressive improvements as a sophomore that have NBA teams intrigued.
Players with his size and ability very often go high in the draft because they don’t grow on trees. If he can continue to average 17 ppg, 8.5 rpg, and 3 bpg, he will likely be a top-7 pick this June.
Some around NBA circles are anxious to see how Len does in conference play. Stock is up.
No. 9 – Tony Mitchell (PF, North Texas) – The first thing that stands out about Mitchell is his incredible combination of skills, length and athletic ability. Despite being a little undersized for a PF, his physical skills make up for that and make him a matchup nightmare for opposing big men.
In college he is a defensive force with his shot-blocking ability, quick hands, and rebounding. In the NBA he should find similar success as the pro game is becoming increasingly more about athleticism. Right now Mitchell gets his points from jump shots and in transition and will need to improve his low-post moves, but his versatility and talent level have people taking notice. Averaging a double-double and 3.0 bpg will continue to have NBA executives excited. Stock is unchanged.
No. 10 – Archie Goodwin (SG, Kentucky) – Goodwin has been as good as advertised on offense for the Wildcats averaging 18.3 ppg. While Goodwin is able to fill it up in a hurry NBA scouts love his disciplined shot selection.
Goodwin is shooting over 51% from the field and 66.7% from beyond the arc, which is an impressive accomplishment for any SG. On the defensive end Goodwin is blocking over 1 shot per game as well and his big shot ability will make him one of the first wings selected in June’s draft. Stock is unchanged.
(RELATED: Top 10 NBA Prospects — Preseason Edition)
(RELATED: No Mock is a Lock, But Our Mock Rocked)
Joe Kotosh is the Editor-in-chief of Pro Basketball Draft, a leading scouting service in the world of professional basketball. Before Joe created PBD he served as an NBPA & FIBA certified agent and scouted players all across the world. Born and raised in Cleveland, Joe also contributes to Fox Sports Ohio and the Cleveland Plain Dealer. You can follow Joe on Twitter @Probballdraft.
What about KU’s Ben McLemore? I see him as a potential top 5 pick. The kid averages 17 ppg, shoots 50+% from the field, 40+% from 3, nearly 90% from the FT line. Awesome athleticism. Great size for a guard. Top 5 pick.
As for Gobert, he reminds me a lot of Alexis Ajinca, another tall skinny French center who went in the 1st round a few years ago, and disappeared very quickly.
Check out J. Hamilton on San Diego State – does whatever he wants to on the floor.
I like McAdoo less because I dont know what he is. Poythress needs work on his handle. He is one of those seductive kids who also spells potential bust. Id add LeBryan Nash ahead of thomas, or Rodney Purvis even.
Cody Zeller as a first pick overall. A white American center. First selection. Great idea. Why not just woo Kent Benson out of retirement.
I like tony Mitchell, but Cody is a close second. Larry Bird was a bad idea wasnt he.