Lately, HoopsVibe draft news readers have been sending me messages asking questions regarding the draft and scouting. It looks like it’s time for my second edition of Q&A session with Lance.
Yusuf: Hi, Lance. I was wondering if you could update me on four players from the last draft: Jared Jordan, Curtis Sumpter, Derrick Byars and Marcus Williams.
Lance: No problem, Yusuf. Well, Jared Jordan was cut by the Knicks, which is a shame because I think they could use a point guard like him. Curtis Sumpter was playing in Germany, but he decided to leave for some reason. Derrick Byars was cut by the 76ers, and is currently a free agent; he may go play overseas. Marcus Williams was cut by the Spurs. He’ll probably play in the NBDL and try to work his way up to the NBA.
Columbus Guy: I know it’s still early in the season, but Portland and Seattle haven’t looked too good. Do you think it’s a chance they could end up with the top two picks again?
Lance: Now that would be a very interesting thing to see. But both teams are young, and they’re just having a slow start. I believe both teams will pick things up by mid-season. I can’t see either team being at the bottom of the standing at the end of the season.
Jessica S: Hello, Lance. How are you? I was wondering who do you think will have the number one overall pick for the 2008 draft?
Lance: I’m doing fine, Jessica, and thank you for the question. I would have to say as of right now, I think the Sacramento Kings will have the top pick in the 2008 draft. I know they’re missing their two top players right now, but the Kings just don’t look as good as many other teams at this point.
Corey Braden: Hello, Mr. Walton. My name is Cody and I’m a senior in high school. I know your scouting service has helped high schoolers get exposure and scholarships, and I was wondering if you could help me decide what college level might be best for me to play at. My dad said that with me being a 5’10", 161-pound point guard that averages 8.3 points, and 3.1 assists, my best bet is a the D-2 level. What do you think?
Lance: Well, Cody, I agree with your dad. Here are the examples for a good D-2 point guard prospect: Being around 5’11"+, and 170 pounds and up. Have very good ball handling and passing skills. Have good floor leadership. Have good court awareness. Have solid athleticism and good lateral quickness. You should have the ability to break defenders down off the dribble. You should have the ability to knock down open shots from the perimeter, and average at least around 9 points and 3 assists per game. Now of course, I haven’t seen you play. But if you don’t have eye-opening stats, and have not been getting a lot of contacts from D-1 coaches, D-2 might be the route to go. Let me know if you want further assistance in your recruitment process.
Detroit Basketball: I know you’re a Pistons fan, so who will be our top rookie this season: Rodney Stuckey or Arron Afflalo?
Lance: Even though Rodney ended up getting injured early in the season, I still feel he will not only be the top rookie on the Pistons, but a top-five rookie in the league.
Harmony Cruise: Hi, Lance! I love the work you do. I was wondering how you feel about these young prospects getting so much attention before they get to college?
Lance: Thank you for the compliment, Harmony. I honestly have some mixed emotions about this matter. It does bother me a little that some observers are already ranking elementary kids and hyping them up so early. Even college coaches are starting to feel the recruiting pressure, offering scholarships even before players get to high school. To me that is a questionable move. I think it is good for a prospect to have their name known and their skills noticed, but I think the recruitment process should pick up after a player’s sophomore year in high school.
Mike in Brazil: Which two international players have you enjoyed watching the most this year?
Lance: I have enjoyed watching Nicolas Batum and Matias Nocedal. Both are very exciting players with very special talents on the court.
7 Digits: Hey, Lance. Who would you rather have: Greg Oden or Kevin Durant? Derrick Rose or O.J. Mayo? Yi Jianlian or Nicolas Batum? Kevin Love or Michael Beasley? Roy Hibbert or Spencer Hawes? Mike Conley, Jr. or Acie Law VI? Joakim Noah or Al Horford?
Lance: I’d choose Greg Oden, Derrick Rose, Nicolas Batum, Kevin Love, Roy Hibbert, Mike Conley, Jr., and Al Horford.
Andy Laskey: What’s up, Lance? I’m wondering who you think the best undrafted rookie in the NBA is this season?
Lance: I have become a fan of Coby Karl. H has quality skills, and I think he is underrated.
Jeff in NYC: Hey, Lance. Which three college players do you feel are the most underrated?
Lance: Thank you, Jeff; I love this question. I feel Brian Roberts at Dayton, Jason Thompson at Rider and Reggie Williams at VMI are the three most underrated players right now. They all deserve more recognition.
Future Scout: I want to start by saying I really like the work that you do. You cover prospects really well. My question is this: Do you think the players that are projected to be in the 2008 draft are better than the ones from the 2007 draft?
Lance: Very good question, Future Scout! I would have to say that 2007 class was one of the best yet. It is kind of hard to say if the 2008 class will match it at this point because it is still so early. I believe they have the potential to be. But for now I will go with the 2007 class.
Here’s the final order of business: My intern Alisha wants me to give her a worldwide shout-out. Here it is, Alisha Tate! Now it’s time to get my coffee.
