NBA2K15
Fictional Draft Class Project
Jeremy Early
A rare physical specimen out of Arizona who has the size and play style similar to NBA superstar Kevin Durant. Early is a pretty raw prospect all-around, so whatever team drafts him needs to be patient with his progression.
HT: 6'9"
WT: 215
YEAR: Fresh
SF / SG
WS: 7'3"
83
OVR
Jeremy Early is the kind of player who will drafted based on teams' philosophies and directions. He's a few years away from being a key contributor to a team, but his untapped potential also makes it hard to pass on him. Expect to hear his name called relatively early (no pun intended) on draft night.
COMPARISON: Giannis Antetokounmpo
PREDICTION: Top 10
THE TALENTED TEN
The best of the best always seem to get all of the attention. Those A tier players even get their own profile page. Sometimes, it's nice just to look back at everybody else and say, "Well, who's close?" ... This is dedicated to honor those who are pretty darn good, but not quite good enough. This is ... the Talented Ten.
Mark Freeman
At 6'6 and 215 pounds, Mark Freeman has prototypical size and athletic ability for an NBA SG. He can shoot the ball and attack the rim with reckless abandon, but sometimes that isn't a good thing, as he can be quite inefficient.
HT: 6'6"
WT: 215
YEAR: Soph
SG / SF
WS: 6'8"
80
OVR
Based on talent alone, Mark Freeman is a top-5 pick. His combination of strength, size, and athleticism makes it hard to pass on him. However, his lack of basketball IQ and poor shot selection make it difficult to take him that high. He seems like somebody who is willing to fix his problems and should be drafted fairly early.
COMPARISON: J.R. Smith
PREDICTION: Top 10
Hakeem Olamendi
An old-school big man with a post game that extends far beyond even the average NBA big man. He can hit hook shots, jumpers, drop steps, you name it. The biggest question mark for him is his defense and lack of athleticism.
HT: 6'9"
WT: 250
YEAR: Senior
PF / C
WS: 7'0"
80
OVR
Hakeem Olamendi should be considered by many teams due to the lack of dominant post players in today's NBA. Teams drafting in the top picks of the lottery are usually looking for a big man to play in the paint, and Hakeem gives those teams a go-to option offensively. Don't be surprised if his name gets called around pick #5 on draft night.
COMPARISON: Al Jefferson
PREDICTION: Top 8
Kris Reese
At nearly 6-foot-6 and a 7 foot wingspan, Kris Reese brings elite size to the point guard position. His potential is off the charts, and although he didn't dominate the college scene, it's apparent that he can develop into a star.
HT: 6'5"
WT: 185
YEAR: Senior
PG / SG
WS: 7'0"
80
OVR
Kris Reese certainly isn't a finished product. It may take a few years to put on some weight and improve his decision making and shooting. However, you can't teach size, and Reese has lockdown defensive potential to go along with his offensive versatility. He'll be drafted high due to his seemingly limitless potential.
COMPARISON: Shaun Livingston
PREDICTION: Top 10
Marquis Fields
Marquis Fields is another one of those physical monsters - 7'0" with a 7'5" wingspan - and he has the athletic tools to back it up. However, he has some attitude problems and is nothing more than a lob finisher on the offensive end.
HT: 7'0"
WT: 185
YEAR: Fresh
C
WS: 7'5"
77
OVR
Despite seeing his stock fall from possibly being a top 3 lock into just a lottery pick, Marquis Fields decided to enter the draft, which seems to be the norm with Kentucky players. He can protect the rim at an elite level and has tons of room to grow at age 19, so it's probably worth spending a pick somewhere in the lottery on him.
COMPARISON: DeAndre Jordan
PREDICTION: Lottery
Jalen Alexander
An experienced player with a scorer's mentaility, Jalen Alexander simply gets buckets. He's really creative with the ball and can create a shot out of nothing. Many questions surround him, but bad teams are always in need of scoring.
HT: 6'7"
WT: 227
YEAR: Junior
SF / PF
WS: 6'10"
76
OVR
The former Pittsburgh Panther was one of the leading scorers in the nation and projects to bring at least some of his shot-making ways into the NBA. He has many areas that he needs to improve and he has a bum knee, but his production should net him a selection somewhere within the lottery.
COMPARISON: Jeff Green
PREDICTION: Lottery
Dante Myers
Dante Myers is one of the best offensive players available - he can drive, finish, shoot, defend, you name it. However, there's a glaring hole in his defensive game, which he needs to improve if he wants to become a star.
HT: 6'6"
WT: 221
YEAR: Fresh
SG / SF
WS: 6'8"
76
OVR
Myers' play during the NCAA tournament with Baylor saw his draft stock rise more than maybe any other player. His dominance on the offensive end was fun to watch and he's only just now getting the scouts' attention. He really needs to improve his defense, though. Expect Myers to be one of those guys that goes "surprisingly" high on draft night.
COMPARISON: James Harden
PREDICTION: Top 10
Brandon Koetze
This year's Most Outstanding Player out of Wisconsin is quite the versatile prospect. He's a prototypical stretch 4, but can also do damage on the inside with his 6'11" 262 frame. He's already 22 years old but very experienced.
HT: 6'11"
WT: 262
YEAR: Senior
PF / C
WS: 7'1"
76
OVR
Koetze lead the Badgers to their first NCAA championship since 1941. His sweet shooting and creative post play boosted his stock from a late 2nd rounder to a legitimate lottery talent. Teams looking for more upside probably will pass on him, but those that are itching to make the playoffs will take Koetze into deep consideration.
COMPARISON: Pau Gasol
PREDICTION: Lottery
Dave Baker
This German point guard stands only 5'11", but can compete with the rest of them. His passing ability is unmatched, and he's a gritty defender. However, he can't really score at all and his size may come back to haunt him.
HT: 5'11"
WT: 165
YEAR: Soph (Intl)
PG
WS: 6'2"
75
OVR
Dave Baker out of Germany will likely be the first international prospect selected. He's seen his draft stock slowly fall since the preseason, but it's easy to see why he's still one of the better guards of this year's class. His name might not be called until later in the first round on draft night, but Baker will bring great energy to whatever team selects him.
COMPARISON: Ricky Rubio
PREDICTION: Mid 1st
Cameron Reed
Cameron Reed ... the polarizing star SG out of Mercer. Known for his scoring prowess, Reed can heat up in a hurry. He's small for the position and has limited room for growth, but he'll bring leadership and passion to a team.
HT: 6'3"
WT: 185
YEAR: Senior
SG / PG
WS: 6'5"
73
OVR
One of the most well known players in sports. Reed has had as many clutch shots and memorable games as any player in college history. Lead Mercer all the way to the Elite 8 where they lost to Wisconsin. Questions surround him about whether his elite scoring ability translates to the pros. A college basketball legend who will bring the media everywhere with him, but not necessarily a locker room distraction himself. Somebody will reach for him on draft day, but projects to be taken around the 16-24 range.
COMPARISON: Kemba Walker
PREDICTION: Mid-Late 1st
