A month ago, we looked at the top NBA prospects in the lower levels and we have some new members in our top 5. Last month’s ranking is the number beside the name.
- Jahlil Okafor, Duke (Center) (2)
Okafor is the most polished big man to come out of the college ranks in a very long time. With tremendously soft hands and footwork somebody his age shouldn’t have, Okafor is about as good as you could want a big man on the offensive end. On the defensive side, Okafor needs to continue to build strength and improve his post defense. He can bully people in college because of his pure size, but that won’t work when Marc Gasol or Dwight Howard is backing him down. If Okafor can improve physically (similar to Jabari Parker) he will have the opportunity to be one of the first picks in this year’s draft.
- Emmanuel Mudiay, Democratic Republic of the Congo (Guard) (1)
Mudiay hasn’t done anything to sully his draft stock, it’s just that Okafor has been that impressive. Mudiay recently injured his ankle while playing for the Guangdong Tigers in the Chinese Basketball Association. The league only allows 2 international players to be on each team and the team, who already has center Chris Daniels, recently signed former NBA player Will Bynum, putting Mudiay’s future in limbo. When Mudiay played for Guangdong, he was magnificent, averaging 17.7 points, 6 rebounds, and 6 assists per game. Mudiay still needs to work on his jump shot and playing under control, but he has impressed scouts with his play in China. Posting a Russell Westbrook type stat line will only give you that comparison and that is what we will label him as.
- Karl Anthony-Towns, Kentucky (PF) (4)
Towns has done nothing but impress in his first few weeks as a college player. He has been an absolute monster on defense, blocking almost 3 shots a game while averaging only 19 minutes per game. Towns has yet to show off his 3 point range this year, but he has been able to hit mid-range jumpers pretty routinely. Towns totally disappeared during the North Carolina game and he needs to be impactful more consistently. He was decent against Texas, but it seems as if he shrinks when it comes to better competition. Towns needs to work on his consistency and if he improves on that, Towns will see himself challenge for the #1 pick in the draft this June.
- Myles Turner, Texas (PF-C) (NR)
Turner has had a quite a journey, as far as mock drafts and prospect ratings go. Turner has gone from unknown, to next big thing, to overrated, and finally back to a top prospect. He has made tremendous strides this year, showing his ability to step out and shoot the ball while also using his length to alter shots. He struggled against Kentucky, but most people are going to struggle against Kentucky. Turner needs to improve physically as he is susceptible to floating to the perimeter and getting pushed away during post-up opportunities.
- Justise Winslow, Duke (SG-SF) (NR)
Winslow has shot up draft boards as he may have been overlooked as part of Duke’s monster recruiting class. Winslow was the third highest rated recruit in Duke’s heralded class behind Tyus Jones and Jahlil Okafor, but he has played like he is the best. Winslow has a remarkable motor and he uses it on offense and more importantly defense. Winslow always guards the other team’s best perimeter player and during the Wisconsin game during some switches, even guarded Frank Kaminsky. Winslow has a high motor and is always making plays and he projects to be a Michael Kidd-Gilchrist type player.
Fallen out:
Kelly Oubre(Kansas), Stanley Johnson(Arizona)
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