Showing posts with label Hassan Whiteside. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Hassan Whiteside. Show all posts

Saturday, June 26, 2010

2010 NBA Draft: All-2010 NBA Draft Underrated Team

There were great players in the 2010 NBA draft. Some of the great players go un-noticed because they're over-shadowed by the big time prospects.

It's not common for scouts to overlook the player’s success factor in the NBA.

Some people are already trying to put together "NBA Bust" list and the rookies haven't played a game yet.

You want to know who the most underrated players are in the 2010 NBA draft. I'll let you know.


PG - Grevis Vasquez 6'6'' Grizzlies

Vasquez in my mind was the biggest draft steal in the first round--correct me if I'm wrong.

He has great size for an NBA point guard. Now let's mix that with the vision and passing skills and you have yourself a complete point guard.

He is a solid rebounder from the guard position, and despite his lack of muscle, he will be able to get into the opposition at the next level.


SG - Willie Warren 6'4'' Clippers

Warren was said to be a possible lottery pick before the season even started. Heck, he could have came out the year before and been a definite first round selection. 

However, his choice to stay, came back to haunt him. He was drafted very late in the second round, so something had to be wrong with him game right? Wrong!

Warren really didn't change over the course of the season, just bad injuries and less court action chipped away his draft stock. He can still shoot the ball, although his shot selection can be questionable, and beat defenders off the dribble.

Playing behind a guy like Baron Davis in Los Angeles is going to pay off in the long run. Something tells me you're going to be hearing a lot about Warren pretty soon.


SF - Gordon Hayward 6'9'' Jazz

When the Jazz made the selection of Hayward with the No. 9 pick in the draft, people immediately starting saying he was a bust.

"Oh, they're drafting him because of his shooting but he shot poorly in college." "He isn't strong." Those are some of the things I'm hearing about Hayward.

However, I am a huge K-State fan, and last time I didn't believe he was the real deal, he made me look crazy.

Hayward lit up this gym in both the elite eight and sweet sixteen match-ups. He has ball-handling skills and will be a productive shooter on the wing.

Keep doubting Hayward, and you're going to wind up wishing you didn't.


PF - Ryan Richards 6'11'' Spurs

After an impressive NBA Draft combine, Richards was still selected very late in the second round.

He is a big that is versatile in the post. He can step out and hit mid-range jumpers. Or he can stay inside and make fade-aways or running hooks.

Not to mention, he has the ability to clean the boards and run in transition. He is 6'11'' with the ability to alter and block shots as well as any player in the draft.


C - Hassan Whiteside 7'0'' Kings

Whiteside was once thought of as a lottery pick in the draft. He has terrific size, an almost unreal wingspan which is 7'7''. 

He likes to intimidate in the paint. He wants’ to own the paint and you can tell by the way he blocks and alters shots. 

His defense is better than any other prospect in the draft. 


He broke his school record for blocks and the season wasn't even three-fourths of being over with.

His offensive skill-set is still raw, but he can step outside a hit jumpers.


Written by DeAnte Mitchell




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Friday, June 25, 2010

Collegiate Hoops: Steal Of The 2010 NBA Draft


I know that the guards coming out of John Calipari's system are usually the ones to get, but this year his big man can come in and make a huge impact in Sacramento.

After grabbing a guard from Coach Cal in last season's draft, Tyreke Evans, the Kings selected another one from under his wing in DeMarcus Cousins.

The 5th overall pick stands at 6'11 and weighed in at 292.

The scouts rave about his excellent skill level. Cousins has the ability to put the ball on the floor and can score at will.

However, the greatest aspect about this pick is the upside for Cousins.

While he did seem to be a bit immature last season for Kentucky, that can only get better. Also, wait until he drops a few pounds and gains a bit more muscle.


If he commits to conditioning and working harder, he can only get better.

Coming into next season, it's looking great for Kings fans. With last season's Rookie of the Year, Cousins can add a great one-two punch to go with Evans.

And, despite winning only 25 games last season, the Kings look to have a bright future with those two leading the way.

The Kings also picked up Hassan Whiteside with the 33rd overall selection.

Some teams rated Whiteside as the top true center in this year's draft class. His huge wingspan is what allowed him to lead the NCAA in blocks last season.

On the contrary, the problem with Whiteside is his strength. The 235 pounder needs to bulk up if he plans to play with NBA centers.

However, the future looks to be bright in California's capital. It was a good night for Kings fans.




Written by Collin O'Connor


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2010 NBA Draft: Sacramento Kings Draft Grade


Sacramento Kings Draft Picks

DeMarcus Cousins 6'11'' Power Forward

DeMarcus Cousins despite falling to No. 5 is the best big man in this year’s draft. Cousins could have possibly been the No. 1 overall pick if it wasn't for his so called "attitude problems." 

Cousins is a very talented four-man. He is very strong in the post area. He can give you rebounding in the low post on both ends of the floor. 

Also, he will give you scoring down on the low block. He has worked on his post moves and doesn't just over power defenders, he has a nucleus of moves he has assembled and will use them effectively at the next level.

Cousins' is not always around the painted area though. When he came into Calipari arms, he seriously wanted to be a point guard. He has good handle, and the ability to beat defenders off the dribble. I even witnessed him pre-game knocking down jumpers from the college three-point line. 

Not to mention, he has the ability to play lock down defense. If he is committed to playing defense, and continues to improve his game, he'll be the biggest draft steal at No. 5.


Hassan Whiteside, 7'0'' Center

Hassan Whiteside is a great player. He has a ton of potential but is still ready to contribute to an NBA team. 

He has a 7'7'' wingspan, very coordinated and a sure post presence. 

Whiteside a very long athlete came on the college scene because of his defensive presence. In just a three-fourth of the college season, Whiteside had already broken Marshall's school record for blocked shots.

Whiteside is a big-time defensive player with a lot of potential on offense. He is very long so that helps with put-backs and rebounds. Not to mention, he can score with his back towards the basket. 

What is my biggest concern about Whiteside is can he step out and hit mid-range jumpers consistently. He can shoot the ball it's just more about how much more he can expand his range. 


Analysis:

The Sacramento Kings had one of the better drafts tonight. They got two great players in Cousins and Whiteside. 

Both players will be an immediate spark in the post for the Kings. Add Jason Thompson and Tyreke Evans in the mix and you're looking at one of the most improved teams in the league.

Cousins will bring you immediate offense to the paint. Not just that, but he will also be good in the pick-and-roll and mid-range game.

Whiteside is what you need defensively in the post. 

Last year, the Kings gave up 104 points a game to opposing defenses. With Whiteside in the post, that will not happen.

His 7'7'' wingspan will be put to work and showcased in the Kings frontcourt right away. He will block and alter a lot of shots at the next level. He will be the ultimate paint protector for the Kings


Draft Grade: A+


Written by DeAnte Mitchell





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