As the NBA Draft looms near, the Big Ten’s premier players will look to take their game to the next level. Professional basketball dips into the college talent pool come June, and while Kentucky, UConn and North Carolina will likely dominate the early first round, the Big Ten should certainly have a sizable contingency when it’s all said and done.
With just two rounds and thirty teams on the clock, nothing is guaranteed; even the conference’s brightest stars will likely be sweating bullets come draft day. Where will Ohio State juggernaut Jared Sullinger fall? Will former Spartan Draymond Green crack the first round? And can John Shurna represent Northwestern at the pro level? Let’s take a look.
Jared Sullinger
Had he chosen to enter the league last season, Jared Sullinger would likely have been a top-dollar lottery pick. But in this year’s competitive draft class with an abundance of big men, he will likely drop to a double-digit selection.
Still, Sullinger is a dynamic scorer and an efficient rebounder, averaging a double-double as just a sophomore last season. Despite criticisms of his perimeter and pick-and-roll defense, he’s just too good down low to pass up on.
Prediction: Milwaukee was 26th in the league in rebounding differential. The Bucks need a big man badly, and likely still sitting at a mid-round pick, Sullinger is a natural fit. Middle round 1.
Meyers Leonard
Illinois had a disappointing 2011-12 season, but center Meyers Leonard was nothing short of dominant. At 7’0”, Leonard developed a knack for blocking shots and patrolling the paint during his sophomore year with the Illini. Scouts have criticized his tendency to get lost on the perimeter and Leonard will undoubtedly need to bulk up more before going up against proven pro centers, but his speed and low-post shooting make him a surefire first-rounder.
Prediction: The Dallas Mavericks sorely missed Tyson Chandler, and their playoff sweep at the hands of the Thunder highlighted a need for renewed focus in the paint. Leonard would be a great compliment to Dirk Nowitzki in the interior. Middle round 1.
Draymond Green
Michigan State’s Draymond Green wreaked havoc down low this year, becoming the illustrious school’s career leader in rebounds. In four seasons, Green notched a whopping 80 double-doubles and snagged at least ten boards 50 times.
But at 6’7”, he falls just a bit short of ideal power forward height. His physicality will speak for itself, but it will take some adjustment before he takes this season’s 16.2 points per game to the pros.
Prediction: The Charlotte Bobcats were downright awful this year, and they really struggled on the glass. If the Bobcats end up with the first overall pick (they have the highest odds at winning Wednesday’s Draft lottery), expect them to look to Anthony Davis. Green supplements the Kentucky star in round two, rejuvenating the Charlotte front-court. Early round 2.
William Buford
A key component in the Buckeyes’ Final Four run, senior sharp shooter William Bufford should expect to find an NBA home somewhere. Praised for his quick release, his mid-range jumper and his defensive fundamentals, Bufford is a safe second round pick.
However, his three-point percentage took a nosedive this season, and at just 190 pounds, he could certainly size up a bit more.
Prediction: Toronto ranked 28th in the league in team scoring, and aside from DeMar DeRozan, the Raptors have no proven option in the backcourt or at small forward. Bufford makes sense here as an early-mid round pick. Middle round 2.
Robbie Hummel
Purdue’s leading scorer averaged 16.4 points per game last year while maintaining an impressive 7 percent turnover rate. He’s been acknowledged for his “basketball IQ” and although he’s injury prone, could be a productive role player somewhere.
Prediction: Two years ago, the thought of dropping Robbie Hummel to the second round of a mock draft was near blasphemous. Now, he’ll be lucky to get drafted at all. The Spurs will likely sit towards the end of the second, and his efficiency makes him a candidate for San Antonio’s fundamentalist system. Late round 2.
Jordan Taylor
Wisconsin turned a few heads in the Tournament, nearly knocking off No. 1 Syracuse, and Jordan Taylor had a solid year for the Badgers. However, the senior one-guard’s points per game dropped off tremendously from the 18.1 average he posted in 2010-11, and he never stood out as a pro-level passer.
Prediction: It was a very respectable career for Taylor, but at best, he finds a team down the road as an undrafted free agent. Undrafted.
John Shurna
It’s maddening, really.
After all, Shurna didlead the Big Ten in scoring, he ranks 29th in the draft class’ Hollinger efficiency ratings, and he shot 44 percent from downtown. On paper, at 6’8”, Shurna is a lock to find a team.
But his unorthodox shooting style, paired with his lack of rebounding prowess, has him sadly on the outside looking in.
Prediction: Northwestern’s all-time leading scorer will find a place to play overseas, but right now, he just misses the NBA cut. Undrafted.