SEC Basketball: 5 NBA Prospects from the SEC

Only 5 players made it into the majority of NBA mock drafts around the internet, but what is the final verdict on each one’s game?

While the SEC has had better crops of NBA prospects, this year’s crew is no joke. NBA analysts have all been talking about how this is a weak draft class. Hopefully these SEC stars make them regret those comments in the future. Of course it has a Wildcat flavor. Here’s how the cookie crumbles:

Ben Simmons – LSU

Believe the hype. Ben Simmons is as unbelievably talented as he is made out to be. He is an undoubtedly cannot miss prospect for any team in any league in any era of basketball. The toolbox he possesses that makes the Aussie as great as he is hinges upon four main ingredients: court vision, passing, ball handling, and athleticism along with a great motor. While the 6’10” forward is in the exact mold coaches and GM’s see in their dreams, there’s a glaring negative to Simmons’ game: shooting. All of this sounds so familiar. The last guy to fit this description coming into the NBA draft was taken by Cleveland in 2003 but just cannot remember that guy’s name…

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Jamal Murray – Kentucky

An athletic guard who can shoot the from any spot on the floor, who wouldn’t want that type of player in today’s NBA? Oh and he is only 19 years old. Jamal Murray picked John Calipari, who has a track record of developing incredible guards and forwards. While the 6’4” Canadian did only play at Kentucky one season, Calipari’s track record shows that he leaves a lasting impression on any player he coaches. Murray displayed his competitive heart all season long by refusing to let the Wildcats be trailing when the clock reached zero in some games. This quality that was exemplified through his only collegiate season by nailing down tough jump shots as the shot clock ticked down. This is just another reason Jamal Murray will be a key cog to his team’s success.

Skal Labissiere – Kentucky

You can’t teach height. Or, in Skal Labissiere’s case, wingspan either. While the highly rated recruit didn’t live up to the standards placed upon him, there were flashes of potential throughout the season. Something that is tough for fans to understand is that the NBA does not base the majority of their picks on statistics; it’s a “what is the peak you could develop to” vs a “what will you probably develop into” combination type of decision. Skal Labissiere is a 7 footer who stretches the floor, runs from rim to rim well, and by adding weight could become an elite low block/rim protector. Here’s the kicker: he’s only played organized basketball for five years.

Damian Jones – Vanderbilt

Athletic big men who can set good screens, finish at the rim, and control the defensive glass is where the true center position is heading in the NBA. He is a physical freak that could fit into any NBA rotation tomorrow with a frame of 6’11”, 244 pounds and [oh my goodness] 6% body fat. Jones anchored the Commodores defense all season long by wiping the glass clean of rebounds and ensuring a tough path to the front of the rim. What will be interesting is how quickly his above the rim reliant game will translate to NBA strength and talent. One thing that is for sure with Jones is that whichever team takes a flyer will have a useful big man moving forward in the modern

NBA.

must read: SEC Baseball: Overrated in 2016?

Tyler Ulis – Kentucky

It takes a gifted player to surpass difficulties like height. It says a lot about a player’s character, though, to be the leader of the premier collegiate basketball program — leading not only vocally, but through play as well. Tyler Ullis is 5’10 and weighs 150 pounds soaking wet; these are honestly the biggest holes in his game. AKA, doubts about him have nothing to do with his skill set. It is apparent that Ulis has adapted well to his lack of size by using his gearbox quickly and efficiently when switching gears on the court. A tight ball handle combined with Ulis’ effective jump shot from mid-range is a combination that will keep NBA teams interested, even at a backup point guard position. Each team needs a player that can be on the court and weather the storm with their play, and Tyler Ulis is one of those players.

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