College Crunch

The 2011 NBA Draft will mark the sixth year in which the league's "one-and-done" rule has been in effect. Much debate still exists over whether or not it's truly improving the league's quality of play, but college basketball fans and pundits tend to agree that it has harmed their sport. Teams lack the continuity. They miss out on the opportunity to gel into cohesive units during two or three years of hard-fought competition. And it's because most highly touted freshmen now view college as only a one-year stop in their plans to pursue NBA careers. The names listed below have been bandied about in mock drafts for months, and will assuredly be announced by David Stern at the Prudential Center in Newark come June 23rd (barring a lockout):

1. Jared Sullinger, Fr. — Ohio State: For much of the season, Sullinger has been the best player on the best team in the nation. The 6'9, 280-pound power forward has asserted himself as the best player at his position in the nation and perhaps the favorite to be the top pick in the draft. None of his peers possess his polished post moves and bruising body, which enable him to impose his will down low. So far this season, he has tallied 13 double-doubles. When the lane is clogged, he can step back and hit the 15-footer or find an open teammate. He's an excellent rebounder, but his defense leaves a bit to be desired. NBADraft.net compares him to Kevin Love, who, because of his impressive performance so far this NBA season, has caused NBA teams to covet players built in a similar mold.
2. Derrick Williams, So. — Arizona: Williams has emerged as one of the favorites to be the No. 1 pick. Last season's Pac-10 Freshman of the Year has expanded his scoring repertoire, adding a three-point shot — he's making one per game at a 67.5 percent rate as of late February — to his already impressive perimeter game. He attacks the basket and doesn't shy away from contact, averaging more than nine attempts per game, and he's also capable of playing with his back to the basket. He's a good rebounder who can play physically, yet he avoids foul trouble. Williams' highly evolved skill set and versatile game will enable him to create mismatches against many power forwards at the next level.
3. Perry Jones, Fr. — Baylor: During Baylor's game against Kansas in January, 35 NBA scouting passes were issued, 10 of which were for general managers. Of course, NBA scouts are accustomed to attending Kansas games. The program is always oozing with talent, and Marcus Morris is its latest hot prospect. The main attraction, however, was Baylor's Perry Jones, who has shown limitless upside. Standing at 6'11, the exceptionally athletic forward boasts a 7'2.5-foot wingspan and equally lofty offensive talent. Despite his size, he can put the ball on the floor, blow by defenders and finish efficiently at the rim. If he develops a consistent perimeter shot and learns how to utilize his length on the defensive end, then he'll truly be a scout's dream.
4. Enes Kanter, Fr. — Kentucky: The much ballyhooed big man was never given the chance to contribute on the floor at Kentucky, as he was ruled permanently ineligible by the NCAA for "receiving benefits above his actual and necessary expenses" while he played professionally in Turkey. The next logical step for him now is to enter the draft, where NBA teams will covet his size, strength and unique skill set. He's a multidimensional scorer who can dominate in the paint, face the basket and hit the outside shot. He enjoys contact and consistently rebounds, bucking the stereotype that foreign — in this case, Eurasian — players are soft. Naturally, as a big man with potential, he has knee problems, but that hasn't prevented NBA scouts from drooling over him.
5. Terrence Jones, Fr. — Kentucky: It's a given that a talent like Jones isn't likely to stick around beyond his freshman season, but when you consider the quick departures of Kentucky's fabulous freshmen from last season and Calipari's short leash with Jones this season — Coach Cal benched Jones in a game versus Auburn and called Jones a "selfish (expletive)" during a game against Alabama — it seems like a certainty that Jones will enter the draft. Averaging about 18 points and nine rebounds per game, he's been among the most productive freshman in the country. His combination of size and versatility is his biggest asset and will override any reservations NBA coaches may have about his propensity to become a black hole.
6. Brandon Knight, Fr. — Kentucky: The highly touted point guard from Fort Lauderdale, Florida was expected to be a one-and-done player from the beginning. During high school, Knight was twice named Gatorade National Boys Basketball Player of the Year and Florida Mr. Basketball. So far in his brief college career, he has been named SEC Freshman of the Week three times. Although, as of now, he's not projected to be a lottery pick, the draft isn't top-heavy with point guards, so his value could rise. It's also worth mentioning that Calipari's last three starting point guards — Derrick Rose, Tyreke Evans and John Wall — each left following their freshman seasons and each were selected in the top four picks of the draft. Rose and Wall, of course, were No. 1 overall picks.
7. Alec Burks, So. — Colorado: Because he doesn't play for a major program such as Kentucky or Duke, Burks is one of the most unheralded lottery prospects in this year's draft. Named to the top-30 list for the Naismith Trophy, the Colorado guard possesses the explosive athleticism and scoring proficiency to become an upper-tier NBA guard. Notably, he erupted for a 36-point performance against Missouri this season in an 89-76 Colorado victory, shooting 12 of 19 from the field. He's the total package: he has solid shooting form, he can hit free throws, he attacks the rim, he's a good rebounder and he can defend. He'll entice quite a few NBA clubs this June.
8. Jordan Hamilton, So. — Texas: Hamilton has been the catalyst of Texas's resurgence in 2010-11, helping Longhorns fans forget about the team's collapse at the end of last season. Rick Barnes significantly increased his minutes and he's produced, scoring just fewer than 19 points per games and grabbing 7.5 boards per game. He can fill the basket in a variety of ways — off the dribble, in transition or from the outside. He's shooting better than 40 percent from behind the arc, and his free throw percentage has improved by almost 20 percent from last season to this season. Hamilton's upward trajectory is corresponding with his improving draft status.
9. Kyrie Irving, Fr. — Duke: There is a smidge of doubt as to whether or not Irving will forgo his sophomore season and declare for the NBA draft, where, despite the toe injury that has kept him out most of his freshman season, he's projected to be a top-five selection. NBA teams are willing to overlook the fact that he's still an unknown commodity because of his potential to be an elite point guard. He's exceptionally quick, possesses solid vision and can hit the lane in an instant and create for his teammates. He has a decent outside that can improve with time. If the comparisons to Chris Paul are remotely accurate, then he could be a franchise-changer.
10. Harrison Barnes, Fr. — North Carolina: Like Marvin Williams in 2005, Barnes could parlay his vast potential into a big payday after his freshman season at North Carolina. How much he earns, and more specifically, where's he drafted, is dependent on how much stock NBA scouts and general managers put into his underwhelming performance this season. During his recruitment, the reputable talent evaluators graded him as the No. 1 prospect in the nation, and he was immediately favored to be the No. 1 pick in the 2011 draft. But he hasn't been the polished scorer people thought he'd be, and his athleticism has been unremarkable. Nevertheless, it's difficult to imagine him not entering the draft as soon as he's eligible. He's still expected to be a top-10 pick even though he may not be as dominant as previously thought.