Jimmer Fredette blew up for 47 points in BYU’s win against Utah on Tuesday night. His NBA Draft stock is hot right now even though some scouts are not sold on how his game will transition to the next level.
The NBA Draft Stock Report checks in on which players have made a name for themselves in the past week; either helping or hurting their future draft position. Click here for The Sports Bank’s 2011 NBA Mock Draft.
By: David Kay
BUY:
Jimmer Fredette, G, BYU, Sr.
As if we needed to be reminded that Fredette is probably the best pure scorer in college basketball, he dropped 47 points on Utah just two games after scoring 39 against UNLV. I know he is not the greatest athlete and will not be a true point guard at the next level, but anyone who can score like he can and shoot the ball from anywhere on the floor is certainly a first round lock. If one team falls in love with his abilities, he could potentially be a top 20 pick. Besides, doesn’t every NBA playoff team need a deadly shooter to bring off the bench at the next level?
Perry Jones, F, Baylor, Fr.
The top pick in the 2011 Draft will likely come down to Kyrie Irving or one of the Joneses’. Perry has been stating his case lately averaging almost 21 points over his last three games on 28-37 shooting. His skill set is unique which is why most NBA teams are drooling over his game. There just are not many 6-10 players with his combination of athleticism, ability to handle the basketball, and touch on his jump shot. He is more of a project than Irving or Terrence Jones but if his growth and development continue throughout Big 12 play, it will be hard to keep him off the top line in 2011 mock.
Alec Burks, SG, Colorado, Soph.
He struggled shooting the ball and turned it over six times in Colorado’s surprising victory at Kansas State, but Burks sparked the Buffs’ upset victory against Mizzou this weekend by dropping 36 points and grabbing 8 rebounds. It is that type of ability and potential he possesses that makes him a lottery prospect, especially in what will be a very weak crop of shooting guards. Plus, if Colorado can keep knocking off ranked Big 12 teams, it will only add to Burks’ exposure on the national scene.
Trey Thompkins, PF, Georgia, Jr.
Thompkins got off to a bit of a slow start to the season due to injury but is really starting to find his groove as of late. He had 25 points and 7 rebounds in the Bulldogs’ upset victory against Kentucky. Thompkins has an NBA ready body and brings a strong physicality to the paint but can also step out and knock down jump shots. The 6-9, 247 pounder is a borderline lottery prospect but could cement his status as one of the top 14 picks if he continues to terrorize SEC opponents.
SELL:
Chris Wright, PG, Georgetown, Sr.
The Hoyas have lost four of their five Big East games this year and Wright’s struggles are a big reason why. In Georgetown’s four losses, Wright is 10-37 FG, 3-21 3-PT with 16 assists and 11 turnovers. His shot has been off almost the entire year which has forced him to become more of a distributor, but at this rate, it is possible Wright goes undrafted this summer.
David Kay is a senior feature NBA Draft, NBA, and college basketball writer for the Sports Bank. He also heads up the NBA and college basketball material at Walter Football.com and is a former contributor at The Washington Times Communities. You can follow him on Twitter at DavidKay_TSB.