By: David Kay
Every week The Sports Bank’s resident NBA Draft and college basketball nerd, David Kay takes a look at whose draft stock is on the rise and whose is falling. This week, David finds a new college basketball man-crush.
Click here for David’s 2010 NBA Mock Draft or here for his 2011 Mock Draft.
For player scouting reports, click here.
BUY:
Wesley Witherspoon, G/F, Memphis, Soph.
In the words of LL Cool J, what I have on Witherspoon’s game is “more than a crush.” The Tiger sophomore reminds me of Evan Turner in that he is extremely versatile and can play four positions at the college level including the point. After a fairly quiet year, Witherspoon has exploded for 55 points in his last two games. At 6-8, he is a difficult match-up on the wing in that he can take defenders off the dribble or knock down the triple. He is also talented enough to take advantage of size mismatches and post up smaller defenders. If he continues to play like he has the last two games, he will be a top ten pick in 2011 or a mid-first round pick this year. I am that high on him.
Marcus Morris, PF, Kansas, Soph.
On a team with future first round picks like Cole Aldrich, Sherron Collins, Xavier Henry, and Tyshawn Taylor; it is Morris who has been the Jayhwaks’ top scorer in conference play. Morris is averaging almost 18 points and 8.5 boards a game in Big 12 action. He is physical, athletic, and can guard in the post or on the perimeter. It is likely that Morris will stay in college for at least one more year, but he could be a potential first round pick down the line.
Sylven Landesberg, SG, Virginia, Soph.
The Cavalier sophomore is a tremendous athlete and has helped turn Virginia into one of the surprise teams in the ACC. He dropped 29 points in a win against UNC and 28 against Wake Forest. Even though he was held to seven points against N.C. State last week, Landesburg was impressive in contributing in other areas with six boards and nine assists. His outside shot has improved as he is shooting 38% from three this year, up from 31% a year ago. Landesburg is terrific off the bounce and if he can continue to show progress with his jump shot could be a late lottery pick in 2011.
Wayne Chism, F, Tennessee, Sr.
Chism has helped fill the void since Tyler Smith was booted out of Tennessee. He has scored 20 and 30 points in back-to-back games and a couple weeks ago posted 16 rebounds against a tall, athletic Vanderbilt team. At 6-9, he is a bit under-sized to be a true four at the next level but his ability to stretch defenses with his perimeter shot helps his game immensely. He is still a borderline second round pick but should definitely get several looks in the Summer League and could find a home in the NBA.
Click here to see whose stock David is selling this week.