JAZZ WATCH 2010: NBA Draft prospects

A few weeks ago I mentioned a few fantastic college prospects that the Jazz should have a chance at drafting this next year.  Here is an improvement and reordering of that list along with an update on how each player has performed in the young college basketball season.  Remember, this isn’t an order of just NBA prospects, but an order of which players would fit best in the Jazz’s long-term plans.

This guard averages 13 rebounds a game.  Do you know who he is?

It’s Evan Turner, not…

John Wall, PG, Kentucky

It has to be a lot of pressure to be the consensus best player in college basketball at the age of 19, but Wall has lived up to expectations.  I wouldn’t say he has surpassed expectations, but he has played some great ball the first month.  He already plays good defense and runs the team with poise.  But more importantly, look at his offensive efficiency.  He has averaged a little more than 18 points a game on only 10.5 shots a game.  He does this by attacking the basket and shooting 9 free throws a contest.  Wall is also living up to his playmaking abilities averaging 8 dimes a game.  We will learn a lot about him when he goes up against a good North Carolina team tomorrow night.

Derrick Favors, PF, Georgia Tech

None of his numbers blow you away except for the fact that he is shooting over 70% from the field.  He is so big and strong and athletic that when he learns to start controlling defenders in the paint, he could be very fun to watch.  Better competition will also allow us to understand his game better, but for now, there is nothing to question about his game other than his inconsistency at the free throw line.

Evan Turner, SG, Ohio State

When I first caught a glimpse of Evan Turner, I didn’t think he looked like an NBA prospect.  But when I saw him play, I was impressed and quite honestly, he has been the most explosive and consistent college player in the nation this season.  He is only 6 foot 7, but he already has 2 triple doubles and is averaging 21 points, 13 rebounds and almost 7 assists a game.  Those are ridiculous numbers.  On top of that he is producing against good competition having already played UNC, @ Cal, and against Florida State.  He is going to be more like Brandon Roy, than Jeff Hornacek, so he wouldn’t be a prototypical Jazz shooting guard, but I am sure coach Sloan could make it work, because Turner is looking every bit the part of a fantastic NBA player.

Wesley Johnson, SG/SF, Syracuse

Johnson’s draft stock has soared almost as much as Turner’s, but that is what will happen when you have a monster game on national television like Johnson had against UNC with 25 points, 8 boards and just being a general pest for the Tarheels.  Johnson has shot a blazing 55% so far from the three point line and has great length at his position.  If he plays this season with energy and consistency, he could play his way into being a player the Jazz would have to consider.

Xavier Henry, SG, Kansas

Henry is going to stay on my watch list, because he has a big, NBA body and he can shoot the three.  And his name has a French pronunciation, which is always cool.  But Henry has looked like a true Freshman to me so far this season.  He doesn’t try to do too much like many young players, but he also hasn’t learned how to beat defenses other than hitting open threes.  But like I said, he is an NBA prospect for sure and might be one of those players who just fits in the NBA.  He is also shooting 48 % from the three point line, which is nothing to sneeze at.

Cole Aldrich, C, Kansas

It saddens me to put Aldrich on the Jazz watch list, because I can only imagine all of the big, white-guy comments that would be made (see 2009 draft experts’ comments about the Jazz and Tyler Hansborough), but Aldrich is a legitimate NBA player.  He is probably the most skilled offensive center in the country and he plays some solid defense too.  He is sort of a mix between Greg Ostertag and Big Country Reeves with his shot blocking and low post moves and hookshot.  That comparison didn’t help the stereotypes, so I apologize for that.

Solomon Alabi, C, Florida State

Alabi hasn’t wowed anybody with his play, although it’s been solid.  NBA scouts around the league are actually becoming more intrigued by Alabi’s backup, Xavier Gibson, but Alabi has been a solid rebounder and defender this season.  He has also shown a decent offensive game although against teams with bigger defenders, he has struggled.  A season against good ACC competition will shed some light on Alabi’s future as a pro.