Gorgui Dieng, C, Louisville, 9.8 ppg, 9.4 rpg
Dieng was an intimidating shot blocker and great rebounder all season but during the last month he really opened the eyes of NBA personnel by consistently sinking mid-range jumpers. Make no mistake, Dieng will never be a focal point offensively for any team, but if he can stretch the court and require a defender to play honest defense he can be a very effective starting NBA center. Dieng is a clear cut first-rounder who could sneak into the teens.
Falling
Ben McLemore, SG, Kansas, 15.9ppg, 5.2rpg
It may surprise you to see a possible top-3 pick listed in this category but McLemore really had a poor March including the Big 12 Tournament, then an awful first week performance in the NCAA Tournament in which he scored a combined 13 points and was 2-for-14 against Western Kentucky and North Carolina. The biggest critique I have heard about McLemore from NBA talent evaluators is his lack of a killer instinct, and that was on full display during March Madness. There is no doubt McLemore is a skilled scorer and a quality draft prospect, but his stock has fallen and he no longer is under consideration to be the top pick in the draft.
Cody Zeller, C, Indiana, 16.5ppg, 8.1rpg
No player’s stock was hurt over the last few months than Zeller’s. While Zeller could still be drafted in the top 10, his ceiling appears limited in the NBA. Performances against Minnesota and Syracuse further evidence Zeller’s struggles with length and athleticism and it will only get worse once he is in the NBA. Zeller can still offer teams energy and offensive versatility, but is not a great post defender or particularly strong enough to handle the daily grind in the NBA.
MORE FROM JOE KOTOCH:
Mock Draft 1.0.1
TOP SCORERS IN THE NCAA; A CLOSER LOOK
Top 20 Picks: Pre-March Madness
Top 2013 Draft Prospects: Centers
Top 2013 Draft Prospects: Power Forwards
Top 2013 Draft Prospects: Small Forwards
Top 2013 Draft Prospects: Point Guards
Top 2013 Draft Prospects: Shooting Guards
Joe Kotoch 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.
I think Burke is top 5