Playing under the spotlight of Madison Square Garden during the Big East Tournament can do wonders to either help or hurt a college basketball player’s NBA Draft Stock. NBA scouts and general managers flock to the five-day tournament to check out some of the elite talent in the country. Here are some players who have seen their stock rise and fall with their play in the BET. Click here for The Sports Bank’s 2012 NBA Mock Draft.
BUY:
Dion Waiters, SG, Syracuse, So.
The more I watch Waiters, the more he reminds me of Dwyane Wade which is pretty high praise since I am a Marquette grad and Wade is my favorite college basketball player of all time. Waiters’ ability to attack the basketball is beyond impressive and will be a huge asset when he transitions to the next level. He scored 18 points in 24 minutes against UConn and was Cuse’s best player on the floor by far. Then he dropped 28 in the Orange’s loss to Cincy in the Semifinals. I selfishly would like to see him return for his junior season and see what he could do as a starter. However, if ‘Cuse makes a run in the NCAA Tournament, he is probably turning pro since he could go as high as the late lottery.
Moe Harkless, SF, St. John’s, Fr.
Allow me to toot my own horn here; I’ve been high on Harkless as an NBA Draft prospect for quite a while now (he’s in been in my 2012 lottery for the past month-plus.) A 25-point, 9-rebound performance in the Red Storm’s only game at the BET did a lot for Harkless as people are starting to hop on the bandwagon. He has a smooth offensive game, good size, and will only get better. Now the decision looms for Harkless as to whether he declares for the draft or returns for his sophomore season. I maintain he is heading to the league and will be a lottery pick.
Henry Sims, C, Georgetown, Sr.
In the Hoyas’ two games at the BET, Sims totaled 42 points on 18-30 shooting, 18 rebounds, and 8 assists. It’s really incredible how the light bulb turned on for Sims this season. He has worked himself from a complete and utter disappointment to somebody who will certainly get a chance to make an NBA roster. The big man could end up being a high second round pick come June.
SELL:
Jae Crowder, F, Marquette, Sr.
Crowder gained some serious steam at the end of the season and was deservingly named the Big East Player of the Year. He had a chance to add to his hype even more but failed to do so, picking up three first half fouls which limited his effectiveness and production in the limited minutes he saw in the second half. Crowder was forced to reel in his aggressiveness on both end which is one of his best traits. He also didn’t shoot the ball well and his size deficiency was obvious as Louisville grabbed 23 offensive rebounds in sending Marquette home early. There is no doubt in my mind that Crowder will be a second round pick, but he didn’t do anything to help his cause in the Big East Tournament.