Top 25 NBA Prospects for 2010

#1] JOHN WALL — KENTUCKY
Position: PG
Size: 6-4 185
Age: 19
Hometown: Raleigh, North Carolina
Preseason Projected Numbers:
[16.5 PPG, 5 APG, 3.5 RPG, 1.5 SPG]
2009-10 Numbers:
[16.6 PPG, 6.5 APG, 4.3 RPG, 1.8 SPG]
NBA Comparison: Derrick Rose
Analysis: Wall is an incredibly athletic, explosive point guard with excelled speed and size for his position, a quick first step and a knack for getting into the lane and finishing at the rim. He’s also an underrated rebounder, who often takes defensive rebounds and converts them into easy transition baskets. In short, he’s a lot like Derrick Rose, but is considered a much better passer than the Chicago Bull’s point guard. Wall is likely to be the top overall selection in 2010.

#2] EVAN TURNER — OHIO STATE
Position: SG
Size: 6-7 205
Age: 21
Hometown: Chicago, Illinois
Preseason Projected Numbers:
[18.5 PPG, 7 RPG, 3.5 APG, 2 SPG]
2009-10 Numbers:
[20.4 PPG, 9.2 RPG, 6 APG, 1.7 SPG]
NBA Comparison: Joe Johnson
Analysis: Turner is one of the fastest risers, and the best all-around player, in the class. He came on strong at the end of last season due to his incredible all-around offensive ability, combined with his size and versatility. He’s a very good athlete, an excellent ball handler and a lock-down defender. He’s also terrific at getting into the lane, drawing contact and converting at the charity stripe. If anyone is going to be selected ahead of Wall, it’s going to be Turner.

#3] DERRICK FAVORS — GEORGIA TECH
Position: PF
Size: 6-9 225
Age: 18
Hometown: Atlanta, Georgia
Preseason Projected Numbers:
[18 PPG, 8.5 RPG, 1.5 BPG, .550 FG%]
Projected Numbers:
[12.4 PPG, 8.4 RPG, 2.1 BPG, .611 FG%]
NBA Comparison: Amare Stoudemire
Analysis: Favors is a long, athletic big man with good size and explosiveness for his position. He knows how to attack the rim and is a powerful finisher. Like Stoudemire when he first came into the NBA, Favor’s is still relatively raw offensively, but has incredible upside as he continues to mature. He’s also a good kid — with a Dwight Howard-like personality — a natural leader, and someone that could be the face of an NBA franchise one day. The comparisons to Stoudemire are legitimate.

#4] DEMARCUS COUSINS — KENTUCKY
Position: C
Size: 6-11 260
Age: 19
Hometown: Birmingham, Alabama
Preseason Projected Numbers:
[14.5 PPG, 8 RPG, 2 BPG, .625 FG%]
2009-10 Numbers:
[15 PPG, 9.8 RPG, 1.8 BPG, .558 FG%]
NBA Comparison: Al Horford
Analysis: Cousins already has a solid body with a huge wingspan and decent athleticism for his size. He’s very skilled offensively, with terrific footwork, soft hands, and range that extends out to about 15-20 feet. He’s also a good rebounder and decent shot blocker. Physically, he can dominate whenever he wants. But has often criticized for having a low-running motor, isn’t always in the greatest shape and doesn’t always play to his capabilities. Though there are still some question marks, the talent is just too high for him to fall out of the Top 5.

#5] GREG MONROE — GEORGETOWN
Position: PF
Size: 6-11 250
Age: 19
Hometown: Harvey, Louisiana
Projected Numbers:
[16.5 PPG, 9 RPG, 2.5 APG, 1.5 SPG, 2 BPG]
Preseason Projected Numbers:
[16.1 PPG, 9.6 RPG, 3.8 APG, 1.2 SPG, 1.5 BPG]
NBA Comparison: Chris Webber
Analysis: As far as natural ability and overall game, there’s few in this class that can compare with Monroe. He already has an NBA-ready body with a long wingspan and an excellent basketball IQ. He’s also a fairly decent athlete for his position, can handle the ball and is an excellent passer from the post. Some believe he could have been a Top 5 pick had he declared in 2009. With another year under his belt, he’s still in that range.

#6] ED DAVIS — NORTH CAROLINA
Position: PF
Size: 6-10 215
Age: 21
Hometown: Richmond, Virginia
Preseason Projected Numbers:
[14 PPG, 10.5 RPG, 1 SPG, 2.5 BPG]
Projected Numbers:
[13 PPG, 9.2 RPG, 2.7 BPG]
NBA Comparison: Samuel Dalembert
Analysis: Davis is an active, energetic big man with a good motor and tremendous size and length for the power forward position. Defensively, he’s one of the best in the class. He attacks the glass with aggression and is an intimidating shot blocker in the middle. Once he learns the nuances of the game and matures physically, he’ll be a very hot commodity among league scouts and GMs. He’s currently rehabbing a fractured wrist, which could hurt his stock this summer. Which makes it highly unlikely that he’ll land in the Top 5, despite his tremendous upside.

aminu#7] AL-FAROUG AMINU — WAKE FOREST
Position: SF
Size: 6-9 205
Age: 18
Hometown: Norcross, Georgia
Preseason Projected Numbers:
[17 PPG, 6.5 RPG, 2 APG, 1.5 SPG, 1 BPG, .525 FG%]
NBA Comparison: Lamar Odom
Analysis: As far as physical tools, Aminu might be the prototypical small forward NBA scouts and GMs are looking for nowadays. He has good size, is an awesome athlete, with a huge 7-foot-4 wingspan, and plays above the rim. He’s still developing some parts of his perimeter game, but he can handle and pass the ball efficiently and his shot is really starting to come along.

#8] COLE ALDRICH — KANSAS
Position: C
Size: 6-11 245
Age: 21
Hometown: Bloomington, Minnesota
Preseason Projected Numbers:
[15.5 PPG, 8.5 RPG, 2 BPG, .625 FG%, .815 FT%]
NBA Comparison: Brad Miller
Analysis: Aldrich is a much more skilled than the average collegiate big man. He has a soft, consistent perimeter jump shot, is an excellent free throw shooter and has a high basketball IQ. But he’s also tough, and a good passer and ball handler for a big man. Perhaps the only knocks on his game are his lack of explosiveness and transition game. But has the complete package, otherwise.

jaredcarter1_10e1501#9] DONTATAS MOTIEJUNAS — LITHUANIA
Position: PF
Size: 7-0 225
Age: 18
Hometown: Kaunas, Lithuania
NBA Comparison: Dirk Nowitzki
Analysis: League scouts and GMs are always looking for the next Dirk Nowitzki, and Motiejunas is the latest in a long line of candidates. He’s an excellent scorer from just about anywhere on the court, but especially around the basket and from mid-range. He has a high basketball IQ, flies up and down the court in transition and is getting valuable experience for Zalgiris Kaunas in the Euroleague.

xavierhenry7_231501#10] XAVIER HENRY — KANSAS
Position: SG
Size: 6-6 225
Age: 18
Hometown: Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Projected Numbers:
[13.5 PPG, 4 RPG, 1.5 SPG, .525 FG%]
NBA Comparison: Corey Maggette
Analysis: Henry may not put up huge numbers on a loaded Kansas squad, but he has as much upside as any two-guard in this class. He has good size for his position and a physically build body, along with an absolutely deadly three point jumper. Through he’s a strong finisher at the rim; he sometimes settles too much for the jumper and needs to improve his aggressiveness.

williewarren7_23150#11] WILLIE WARREN – OKLAHOMA
Position: CG
Size: 6-4 210
Age: 19
Hometown: Fort Worth, Texas
Projected Numbers: Rodney Stuckey
[18.5 PPG, 2.5 RPG, 3 APG, 1.5 SPG, .405 3-PT%]
NBA Comparison: Rodney Stuckey
Analysis: Warren is probably a top five player in this class, but scouts are torn over what position he’ll play in the NBA. He has good size as a point guard, but is much more of a scorer. He’s an explosive athlete with good speed and quickness, and an excellent stroke from three-point range. If he can successfully make the transition to the point, he’ll likely go top five.

SOLOMONALABI7_11150#12] SOLOMON ALABI – FLORIDA STATE
Position: C
Size: 7-1 245
Age: 21
Hometown: Kaduna, Nigeria
Projected Numbers:
[10.5 PPG, 8 RPG, 2.5 BPG, .625 FG%]
NBA Comparison: Hasheem Thabeet
Analysis: Though still relatively raw, Alabi is a big man with huge upside. He is not only huge, but has a long wingspan and can jump out of the gym. That, of course, makes him an intimidating shot-blocker in the middle. He also runs the floor and plays with a high running motor. He showed flashes at times last year and, if he can continue to develop, could be a serious lottery candidate in 2010.

johnhenson5_8150#13] JOHN HENSON – NORTH CAROLINA
Position: SF
Size: 6-10 195
Age: 18
Hometown: Round Rock, Texas
Projected Numbers:
[10.5 PPG, 6 RPG, 2.5 APG, 1.5 BPG, .575 FG%]
NBA Comparison: Anthony Randolph
Analysis: Though Henson has the size of a small forward, his game is much more suited to play inside once he adds some weight to his rail thin frame. He’s a freak athlete, with terrific size and length, making him an excellent rebounder and shot blocker. He also can score anywhere on the court and has a high running motor. He’s also As far as upside, he has as much as anyone.

ABDULGADDY2_22150#14] ABDUL GADDY – WASHINGTON
Position: PG
Size: 6-3 180
Age: 17
Hometown: Tacoma, Washington
Projected Numbers:
[14.5 PPG, 3.5 RPG, 6 APG, 1.5 SPG]
NBA Comparison: Deron Williams
Analysis: Though Gaddy may not be eligible for the 2010 because he turns 19 in January of 2011, he’s deserves a spot here. He’s a pure point guard with excellent floor vision, a high basketball IQ and a good shooter and finisher at the rim. If he can successfully petition for entry into the 2010 draft, he’d almost certainly be one of the top point guards taken.

DEVINEBANKS7_25150#15] DEVIN EBANKS – WEST VIRGINIA
Position: SF
Size: 6-9 205
Age: 19
Hometown: Queens, New York
Projected Numbers:
[15.5 PPG, 8.5 RPG, 3 APG, 1 SPG, 1.5 BPG]
NBA Comparison: Rudy Gay
Analysis: Ebanks is a freak athlete who is quickly learning to play the game. He has incredibly long arms, a good motor and a high basketball IQ. Once he gets it, he’s going to be a very good player. He still needs to add some bulk to his rail thin frame and continue developing his deep range, but he’s really starting to put it all together as a complete player.

craigbrackins11_14150#16] CRAIG BRACKINS – IOWA STATE
Position: PF
Size: 6-10 225
Age: 21
Hometown: Palmdale, California
Projected Numbers:
[21 PPG, 10.5 RPG, 1.5 BPG, .550 FG%]
NBA Comparison: Shareef Abdur-Rahim
Analysis: Brackins doesn’t do anything too special, but he’s rock solid as a overall prospect. He has good size, displays good athleticism and explosiveness and has a polished offensive game. He also plays with a good motor and runs the floor well for a big man. Working against him is consistency and his indifference towards the defensive end.

24d6f#17] JEROME JORDAN – TULSA
Position: C
Size: 7-0 235
Age: 22
Hometown: Kingston, Jamaica
Projected Numbers:
[14.5 PPG, 8.5 RPG, 1 SPG, 2.5 BPG, .625 FG%]
NBA Comparison: Marcus Camby
Analysis: Jordan is another long, athletic big man at the top of this class. But he’s a true center, which should only help his cause. He’s an excellent shot blocker and solid rebounder at both ends. He’s also mobile and agile for his size and runs the floor like a deer. He’s still a bit raw as a player and needs to get stronger, but another year at Tulsa should help in his development.

CHRISWRIGHT7_11OH150#18] CHRIS WRIGHT – DAYTON
Position: SF
Size: 6-8 235
Age: 20
Hometown: Trotwood, Ohio
Projected Numbers:
[17 PPG, 7.5 RPG, 1 SPG, 1.5 BPG, .525 FG%]
NBA Comparison: Josh Smith
Analysis: Wright has what Bill Simmons calls nuclear athleticism and an incredibly explosive leaping ability. Combine that with his size, body and raw abilities and he’s already a serious prospect. But he also has a high running motor and competes hard at both ends of the court. While his jumper could use a bit more consistency and his perimeter skills need some work, he’s the upside to be great.

JAMESANDERSON7_11150#19] JAMES ANDERSON – OKLAHOMA STATE
Position: SG
Size: 6-6 205
Age: 20
Hometown: Junction City, Arkansas
Projected Numbers:
[20.5 PPG, 6 RPG, 1.5 SPG, .835 FT%, .405 3-PT%]
NBA Comparison: Marquis Daniels
Analysis: Anderson is one of the better scorers in the class and can shoot the ball with deep range and consistency. While he needs to add some bulk to his thin frame, he has good size for the NBA two-guard position and has long arms that allow him to be a lock-down defender. He needs to improve his perimeter skills such as his ball handling and passing, but he has serious ability.

GANILAWAL7_11150#20] GANI LAWAL – GEORGIA TECH
Position: PF
Size: 6-9 230
Age: 19
Hometown: Norcross, Georgia
Projected Numbers:
[16 PPG, 8.5 RPG, 1.5 BPG, .565 FG%]
NBA Comparison: Leon Powe
Analysis: Lawal is another young, athletic, long power forward with a tremendous physical presence. He plays with a good motor, runs the floor and is a tough bruiser in the post. But he’s still a bit raw and lacks the necessary fundamentals to maximize his potential at the NBA level. It should be interesting to see how he and Favors compliment each other.

aa7fc370-9302-012b-3971-12313a00ccf8#21] AVERY BRADLEY – TEXAS
Position: SG
Size: 6-3 185
Age: 18
Hometown: Tacoma, Washington
Projected Numbers:
[17.5 PPG, 2.5 RPG, 2 APG, 1.5 SPG, .505 FG%]
NBA Comparison: Monta Ellis
Analysis: Like Monta Ellis, Bradley is an extremely swift, explosive scorer with a lightning quick first step. He isn’t a consistent 3-point shooter yet, but has a nice midrange game and knows how to get into the lane and finish with authority at the rim. His length and quick feet allow him to be a lock down defender. He is a bit undersized at the two-guard position, but his long wingspan and world-class leaping ability help make up for that.

#22] PATRICK PATTERSON – KENTUCKY
Position: PF
Size: 6-8 245
Age: 20
Hometown: Huntington, West Virginia
Projected Numbers:
[17 PPG, 8.5 RPG, 2 APG, 1 SPG, 1.5 BPG, .545 FG%]
NBA Comparison: Paul Millsap
Analysis: It should be interesting to see how Patterson fits in with DeMarcus Cousins and Daniel Orton in the frontcourt. But it should allow him to return to his natural position. He already has an NBA-ready body with long arms, solid athleticism and an explosive leaping ability. He’s a tough bruiser on the block and has developed a nice mid range jumper to compliment his inside game.

KEMBAWALKER7_23150#23] KEMBA WALKER — CONNECTICUT
Position: PG
Size: 6-1 170
Age: 19
Hometown: Bronx, New York
Projected Numbers:
[16.5 PPG, 4 RPG, 5.5 APG, 2 SPG, .365 3-PT%]
NBA Comparison: T.J. Ford
Analysis: Walker is an incredibly quick point guard with excellent athleticism and explosiveness. He’s nearly impossible to stay in front of and can get to the rim and create contact with ease. He also has the ability to take over a came with his scoring ability if needed. As a defender, has the lateral quickness and quick hands to be an irritation for opposing players.

19d3c#24] JARVIS VARNADO – MISSISSIPPI STATE
Position: PF
Size: 6-9 225
Age: 21
Hometown: Brownsville, Tennessee
Projected Numbers:
[13.5 PPG, 9 RPG, 4.5 BPG, .575 FG%]
NBA Comparison: Tyrus Thomas
Analysis: Varnado isn’t as polished as some of the other big en in his class, but he makes up for it at the defensive end of the floor. His long 7-foot-4 wingspan and explosive leaping ability make him a game-changer as a shot blocker around the basket. He’s also a terrific rebounder. Once he adds some bulk and some low post moves, he’ll have the complete package.

KYLESINGLER5_4150#25] KYLE SINGLER – DUKE
Position: SF
Size: 6-8 225
Age: 21
Hometown: Medford, Oregon
Projected Numbers:
[18.5 PPG, 8 RPG, 2.5 APG, 1.5 SPG, .385 3-PT%]
NBA Comparison: Mike Dunleavy, Jr.
Analysis: Singler is one of the better all-around players in this class, and is still growing a maturing physically. He’s a terrific ball handler and is versatile enough to be a point forward with his unselfishness and ability to distribute the ball. Though he’s not particularly quick or athletic, he has a very high basketball IQ and can knock down the mid range jump shot with consistency.

*Email Andrew at ajohn135@gmail.com