Short of creating a mock draft, I listed which players I personally think rank in the top ten as far as prospects go. I think they are the cream of the draft crop. Whether or not NBA scouts agree with me is another question.

Lyndsey’s Top Ten 2009 NBA Draft Prospects

Blake Griffin will most likely be the number one pick in this year's NBA draft.

1. Blake Griffin (F/C) — If he doesn’t go number one I’ll be dumbfounded. He’s got the size, skill, quickness and innate athletic talent to make an immediate impact.

2. Hasheem Thabeet (C) — Can you say Dikembe Mutombo? The only different is that I think Thabeet is much more than a rebounding/shot-blocking machine.

3. Ricky Rubio (PG) — This kid, and I stress kid, is talented. I’m excited to see what he can do in the NBA.

4. Ty Lawson (PG) — He was the difference maker in UNC’s Championship season. I don’t think they would have won the NCAA Tournament without him. He’s smart, quick and has the upper body strength to compete in the NBA.

5. Stephen Curry (G) — Curry is probably a mid-to-late first round pick.
But I believe he has the talent to develop into a an amazing player. He’s got to put on a few pounds first though.

6. James Harden (SG) — Great shooter, def. an asset to any team.

7. Tyler Hansbrough (F/C) — I know a lot of people think Tyler is going to be like Christian Laettner … great college career,  not so great in the NBA.  I think Tyler has the drive to work hard and improve at the NBA level. Besides, Laettner may not have been an all-star caliber player but he lasted 13 seasons, which isn’t too shabby.

8. Jeff Teague (G) — Great offensive presence. He’s smart and he’s a scorer. He needs to work on his defense a bit.

9. Jordan Hill  (F/C)— Considered one of the most improved college players since last year. He averaged a double/double for most of the season.

10. Brandon Jennings (PG) — Went to Italy last season because he couldn’t jump right to the NBA due to the age regulation. While he hasn’t made a huge splash overseas, he has the potential to be a big time player here at home with his athleticism and size.

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Post from: EveryJoe

Lyndsey’s Top Ten 2009 NBA Draft Prospects

Since Arizona University coach Lute Olson announced his retirement last Thursday, three players notified the school that they are taking their services elsewhere.

Arizona media is reporting that Abdul Gaddy, Solomon Hill and Mike Moser have opted out of committing to the Wildcats.

“We just kind of sat back and watched it,” his father, Abdul Gaddy Sr., told the Arizona Daily Star. “It seemed like they didn’t know what direction they were going to be going in. There was nothing concrete there.”

UCLA and Washington are now tops on Gaddy’s list of schools. Hill is considering staying in his hometown of L.A. and USC. There’s no word on who Moser is considering.

And it gets worse.

According to the Associated Press and ESPN.com, Arizona could also lose juniors Chase Budinger and Jordan Hill to the NBA draft after this season.

There’s no doubt Olson was one of the best to ever coach, but I think it’s a little unfair not to give the program and the new coach a chance.

Post from: EveryJoe

Fallout From Lute Olson’s Resignation

But the news concerned a different Wildcat squad than the one previously mentioned.

It didn’t have to end up like this.

Prediction #2

2) Arizona will struggle to remain one of the top teams in the Pac 10 and shockingly, will miss the Big Dance. I see this team suffering through another season in which productive bodies off the bench are nonexistent. Last year’s Zona squad made Kentucky look like a deep group.

The top 15 recruiting class doesn’t look as enticing on paper anymore, but will somehow need to play way over their heads to give the team the extra depth.

Italy bound Brandon Jennings would have catapulted this team to a top 10 status. He would have made Budinger, Wise and Hill much better players and instilled the needed guard-like leadership foundation that was left void by Bayless. Giving up more than 27% of your scoring (Bayless) and in return swallowing a stat line of nothingness, which you thought would be abundant and flashy, is an obstacle too massive to overcome.

Losing out on Emmanuel Negedu hurts too.

And consequently, Chase Budinger will not be a top 20 pick.

Post from: EveryJoe

Missing in action