this prediction is bogus, why would houston take hibbert, and 7'2" C when they have Yao.. two seven footers trying to run the floor at the same time in the NBA is like a handicap.

It shows how strong the Aggies are. They have a #3 NBA draft pick and doesn't even start at A&M. That is strong.

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even if he is 3rd pick i wouldnt go...i would wait one more year. his game isnt near ready for the nba

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About $3 million a year says I would go!

I TexAgs.

Better website... http://www.realgm.com/src_feature/1130/20080131/2008_mock_draft_version_30_(early_february_edition)/

1. Michael Beasley
Power Forward. Kansas State

Unlike certain remorseless prolific scorers, Beasley doesn’t excessively force things, and that partly comes from being so conscious of the re-post.

Very explosive in the post, Beasley is NBA-ready to bang and score. He scores at a tremendously effective rate despite the constant collapse of double-teams when he touches the ball. He’ll shoot a turnaround fadeaway jumper if his man sags off, and he’ll dribble into a spin move if his man gets too close. He can finish with his right hand within five feet and has outstanding awareness of where is on the floor.

His catch-and-shoot ability, especially when roving the baseline, is tremendous. He also does a good job of coming off screens, using them to free up his jumper.

Beasley is excellent at finding the vulnerabilities of a defense when he moves without the ball. Even more remarkable is how he always has his hands facing the ball, readying for a pass.
2. Derrick Rose
Point Guard. Memphis

Rose is a point guard in the truest sense of the word, with the confidence and swagger to be the leader of a very talented veteran Memphis team.

He creates wide-open shots with his dribble penetration as there is nobody in the world he couldn\'t beat off the dribble.

The biggest concerns on Rose, more than his developing jumpshot in my opinion, is he appears to be a rhythm player at this state of his development and is ineffective when not in rhythm.
3. O.J. Mayo
Shooting Guard. USC

In an NBA in which very few players can create their own offense, Mayo will be elite.

He creates separation off the dribble to generate space to get his jumper off, but what is more impressive and refined is his knack for preserving his dribble, squaring up in a triple-threat position with purpose and intent. He is able to back defenders up with jab steps, which sets things up for when he does put the ball on the floor, where he is highly imaginative, utilizing a wide array of moves to score.

Though shorter and slightly less athletic than both Jordan and Bryant, Mayo is headed for this type of individual career.

Despite a history of character issues, from every moment I\'ve seen, his on-floor character appears impeccable. He plays the game in a very stoic yet passionate manner.
4. Jerryd Bayless
Point Guard. Arizona

Bayless initially looked like he was a long ways away from being comfortable on the college floor, but that has very quickly disappeared and he has begun showing his amazing promise. What has and will be the most immediately impressive aspect of his game is his extreme elevation on jumpers. It really is extraordinary and makes it possible for the 6-3 guard to be a shooting guard. He is a remarkable shooter off the dribble, but his play without the ball has been an unexpected bonus. He works hard without the ball and comes off screens, catches the ball and shoots in one fluid motion. Because of the elevation, he is able to spot an open teammate while taking the shot and get him the ball for an easy lay-up.

Bayless will likely play more two than point for Arizona, but he is deftly capable of being an NBA point guard. He has excellent vision and draws fouls especially well when he penetrates.
5. Donte Greene
Small Forward. Syracuse

Like Beasley, Greene is a 6-9 combo forward with an excellent inside/outside game. He is a very powerful dunker who attacks the rim, but also shoots the 3-point shot well. He is averaging 18.2 points and 8.6 rebounds per game, while also blocking 2.3 shots. The biggest thing he needs to work on is shot selection.
6. Eric Gordon
Shooting Guard. Indiana

He is unquestionably a pure scorer and is ‘basketball athletic,’ but will he be able to play the point guard position in the NBA or will he merely be an undersized shooting guard? His ability to create off the dribble is brilliant, but the ease of doing so will decline dramatically for Gordon when taller, more athletic guards defend him.
7. DeAndre Jordan
Center. Texas A&M

As it stands now, Jordan is a long ways away from being an effective professional basketball player, but his size and athleticism show a lot of promise. His motor isn’t as good as you’d like to see from a big like Jordan and is perhaps more of a concern than the severe lack of refinement in his game. For example, he is a 22.2 percent free throw shooter, but his form does not reflect such an appalling rate.

He is quick in transition and has good fundamentals in the post, already doing well to seal defenders. More than any other freshman, there will be a huge difference between the Jordan seen in December and the Jordan seen in March. Playing beside Joseph Jones, a junior with a really nice post game, will surely further his development.
8. Chase Budinger
Small Forward. Arizona

Budinger was of course a very good scorer last season as a freshman, but the gains he has made in regards to his ball-handling, defense (particularly help defense) and strength have been substantial. He is a far better all-around player now, though he still has a ways to go to make a sizeable impact when not scoring.
9. Nicolas Batum
Small Forward. France

With ample athleticism, an absurdly long wingspan and well-developed skills in nearly every aspect of the game, Batum could certainly develop into the best player on an NBA team. The questions regarding his motor and aggressiveness to dominate appear to be his biggest obstacle between being good and being great.

Batum has NBA range on his effective, albeit flawed jumper.
10. D.J. Augustin
Point Guard. Texas

Augustin is preposterously quick and nimble with the dribble, maintaining it effectively to create shots for himself and teammates with his gunslinger mentality. He would have struggled in the Derek Harper hand-check era, but he should be an effective NBA point guard in the way Tony Parker and Chris Paul have become All-Stars.

Despite being so short, Augustin is able to get shots over taller defenders and also has a superior perimeter shot than the two similar bodies NBA point guards just mentioned.
11. Darrell Arthur
Power Forward. Kansas

Arthur has a remarkable court awareness as he is almost always in an ideal position on both ends of the floor. He posts with purpose; constantly trying to seal his man and can finish well with either hand. Arthur is also a good passer out of the post and pretty much anywhere else on the floor. His ball-handling does need a great deal of more work.

He is very athletic, sprinting the floor with gusto, beating his man down the floor for easy transition buckets. His jump shot is far from developed, but shows nice promise.
12. Roy Hibbert
Center. Georgetown

Hibbert continues to be the country\'s premiere center after returning to Georgetown for his senior season. Hibbert\'s excellent ability to pass and even hit game-winning three-pointers have solidified his position in the lottery.
13. Ty Lawson
Point Guard. North Carolina

Like Augustin, his height restricts what he can do but his quickness is exceptional. His assist to turnover ratio is still not what it needs to be, but he has greatly improved his field goal percentage. Lawson\'s per 40 FIC easily beats Augustin and Rose.
14. Brook Lopez
Power Forward. Stanford

What makes him a special player is offensively, with his excellent touch to pair with his developing post moves.
15. Kevin Love
Power Forward. UCLA

Love is making an immediate impact on a very good UCLA team, but his future as an NBA player does not live up to the hype of his arrival out of high school. Running the full length of the floor is currently a struggle for Love, as his man consistently beats him to the other side. He will use his wide and strong frame to rebound, but his elevation is very lackluster.

Offensively, he seals off defenders and creates space exceptionally well and makes it a priority to catch the ball close to the bucket, allowing him to take those very high percentage shots. Love is also a brilliant passer and this aspect of his game will be one that separates him from other power forwards.
16. Danilo Gallinari
Small Forward. Italy

Gallinari is an improving shooter, but his feel for the lane and ability to handle the ball is exceptional. He would be a top-flight point guard prospect if he were 6-2. He has the ability and confidence to play multiple positions on the NBA level. With such pure instincts, he would fit in on any team, no matter if he improves his athleticism or not.
17. Darren Collison
Point Guard. UCLA

Collison has been a reluctant outside shooter, almost hesitant and lacking of confidence this season and has also sometimes been a second slow with the pass. As always, he is not turnover prone and does well at drawing help defenders in order to free up teammates.
18. Marreese Speights
Power Forward. Florida

Speights has been a monster for Florida, breaking out as he has gone from a 5 minute per game player to a 22 minute per game player. He has an amazing 23.0 per 40 FIC this season.
19. DeVon Hardin
Center. California

Hardin has all the tools of a great defensive big man, but he remains foul prone and has yet to substantially improve his offensive game.
20. Davon Jefferson
Combo Forward. USC

Jefferson is a long 6-8 who has shown a host of skills that make him an excellent prospect. His offensive game is varied, as he is adept at scoring off the dribble as well as having an effective mid-range jumper. But what is most notable about Jefferson is his tremendously instinctive knack to be perfectly positioned on put-backs. He will have an excellent offensive/defensive rebounding ratio on the NBA level, giving his team many very valuable second chance points.
21. Serge Ibaka
Power Forward. TAU Vitoria

The Congo native is as fluid and skilled as he is athletic and he appears to have barely hit the surface of his potential. He has excellent touch from a variety of ranges and also glides through the air to block shots.
22. Jordan Hill
Power Forward. Arizona

Hill is one of the best rebounders in college basketball, particularly on the offensive end. He gets into space ahead of shots to anticipate put back slams. On the defensive end, he boxes out well by feeling for his man without taking his eyes off the ball. He excels at intercepting passes due to his leaping ability and exceptional hands.

Still raw offensively but Hill\'s array of moves with the ball has improved leaps and bounds since last season and even over the course of this year. Hill has a very nice up and under move but can also dribble into the defender before hitting a turnaround fadeaway shot.
23. Wayne Ellington
Shooting Guard. North Carolina

Ellington has built upon a very good freshman season where he primarily was a spot-up shooter by showing a vastly improved handle. He is beginning to shoot the mid-range jumper well off the dribble really well and is also doing a better job of moving into open space without the ball. Defensively, he has been more aggressive and is using his long arms to block/alter shots on the perimeter.
24. Kosta Koufos
Center. Ohio State

He shoots the ball from anywhere with ease, confidence and very good form, especially for such a young 7-footer. Koufos sees the court well but he can’t physically complete some of the passes he recognizes, but that will progress in time. He takes too long to collect himself to finish a dunk, which puts the ball in danger of being blocked. He is a decent athlete and his quick to ball on offensive rebounds, but his lateral movements are unquestionably on the slow side. He easily could be a lottery pick in 2009, but clearly needs more fine-tuning.
25. Hasheem Thabeet
Center. Connecticut

Thabeet has improved dramatically in his scoring efficiency from his freshman season.
26. Richard Hendrix
Power Forward. Alabama

Hendrix has gone from an 18.9 per 40 FIC player to a 23.7 per 40 player as a junior as he has become a stronger rebounder and an even better scorer.
27. Bill Walker
Small Forward. Kansas State

Walker is healthy and playing with so much more poise and confidence than he was earlier in the season. He is extremely explosive and has also been showing a nice perimeter game. As was the case when he was growing up playing beside Mayo, Walker will get a ton of looks from scouts by default playing with Beasley.
28. DaJuan Summers
Power Forward. Georgetown

Summers has taken a big step from his freshman season, but he still needs to become a more efficient scorer. With his size and feel for all aspects of the game, Summers
29. Johnny Flynn
Point Guard. Syracuse

Flynn is a fearless freshman who can score and create offense in a variety of ways despite being a small six-footer. He can shoot the 3 and also hit floaters and the mid-range jumper. He would greatly benefit from a sophomore season in college, but he has shown enough already to warrant consideration as a late first rounder in 2008.
30. Jamont Gordon
Shooting Guard. Mississippi State

Gordon is as strong in traffic as he is left-handed. He is a throwback point guard because of his width and he also has a really nice touch on his perimeter shot.

Second Round

31. J.J. Hickson
Power Forward. N.C. State


32. Tyler Smith
Shooting Guard. Tennessee


33. Ryan Anderson
Small Forward. California


34. Josh Carter
Shooting Guard. Texas A&M


35. L.R. Mbah a Moute
Small Forward. UCLA


36. Jason Thompson
Power Forward. Rider


37. Brandon Rush
Shooting Guard. Kansas


38. Derrick Caracter
Power Forward. Louisville


39. Robert Dozier
Power Forward. Memphis


40. Andrew Oglivy
Center. Vanderbilt


41. Sam Young
Small Forward. Pittsburgh


42. Chris Douglas-Roberts
Point Guard. Memphis


43. Earl Clark
Small Forward. Louisville


44. Taj Gibson
Power Forward. USC


45. D.J. White
Power Forward. Indiana



46. Tyrese Rice
Point Guard. Boston College


47. James Gist
Power Forward. Maryland


48. Joey Dorsey
Power Forward. Memphis


49. DeMarcus Nelson
Point Guard. Duke


50. Josh Shipp
Shooting Guard. UCLA


51. Greivis Vasquez
Shooting Guard. Maryland


52. Damion James
Small Forward. Texas


53. Richard Roby
Shooting Guard. Colorado


54. Marcelus Kemp
Shooting Guard. Nevada


55. Deon Thompson
Power Forward. North Carolina


56. Eric Maynor
Point Guard. Virginia Commonwealth


57. Joseph Jones
Power Forward. Texas A&M


58. Longar Longar
Center. Oklahoma


59. Kyle Weaver
Combo Guard. Washington State


60. Bryce Taylor
Shooting Guard. Oregon

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For example, he is a 22.2 percent free throw shooter, but his form does not reflect such an appalling rate.

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Too old to even merit discussion.

He may well leave and if he does I wish him well. I have to agree with Jon Sunvold's opinion during the telecast saturday that if he leaves he'll be buried on a bench for years. If he leaves and you want to see DJ on a basketball court do it now. He won't see PT for a very long time.

Can I get a Torbush on that?

You guys are idiots!

Whether you like it or not, DJ is gone next year. He will certainly be a lottery pick even if he doesn't score a point the rest of the year. He has the height and athleticism. The NBA will teach him post moves. If they don't, he still will be pulling in rebounds and making putbacks.

And if you say that the one year rule hurts, imagine this: WE WOULD HAVE NEVER HAD HIM!

The guy is NBA material. He has the most potential of anyone in the draft and that includes Rose and Gordon.

Let it go. Stop being homers.

He will be able to improve his game better at the pro level than if he stayed at A&M. He can devote all his time to his game and they have enough assistants for a lot more one on one work. Oh and the whole class thing doesn't get in the way.

I have no clue as to what DJ will do. I do know that as NBA GM I would label him a high risk pick.

Anyone heard of Kevin Cato!? Only the serious NBA fan. Well that's who DJ reminds me of now!

He is athletic and that's about it.

Every time he gets the ball and is more then 5 ft from the basket I cringe. He has trouble scoring as post up player with one college defender on him. NBA players are going to eat him alive.

Now he already has had a big decline in his game since Big XII started, he has shown signs of improvement but he is not every starting now, He was when this draft analysis came out.

He has no game right now over all. He is getting better defensively but has shown no ability to take a game over, even in the Big 12 that has a general dearth of quality centers!

He has a lot of maturing today.

If he wants to be a basketball player and not just get a contract, it's in his best interest to stay one more year. Bryan Davis is a better player right now PERIOD, in every way! Griffin is better there are bunch that are just better.

If DJ goes next year he just may not be able to make the transition and become a huge bust!

I think DJ knows this, colleg has been a real eye opener for him and I think he knows the league would be an even greater one.

I know I wouldn't draft him with an lotto pick. To many other good players out there with out the risk and questions.

I agree with hoya 100%. There is no reason why he should stay...Every scout sees the potential in him and they may never have the early first round pick that they may have in this years draft to be able to pick up an athletic 7 foot player. And on Deandre's side, he is guranteed the money if he leaves, if he stays one more year and has a freak accident, and can't ever walk again he won't ever play in the NBA. If a teams GM tells him they will take him in the early first round...you have to go!!!

As many posters have already stated, if DeAndre is a top 5 pick, he has to go. You never leave that kind of money on the table.

Even if he sits at the end of the bench and is a "bust", he will still re-up after his rookie deal for a minimum of $50 to $60 million. The NBA is littered with big men who are less physically gifted than Jordan and have cashed in on massive contracts that didn't reflect what they showed on the court.

An NBA team picking in the top 10 this year who is looking for an athletic big man is going to look at Roy Hibbert, Hasheem Thabeet, and DeAndre Jordan and rank those three guys. DeAndre was ahead of those guys earlier this season, not so sure now. If the NBA collectively looks at him as 3rd among that group you could look at him not being a lock even for the top 10. If so no way he comes out this year.

New Army lives at Reed Arena

[This message has been edited by JJxvi (edited 2/11/2008 12:50p).]

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If he gets drafted by Seattle he'll probably play right away and just get a ton of rebounds and put-backs from Durant's missed 3-pointers.

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dj is such a raw talent right now, he might not see the floor at all his first year. it doesn't really matter who seattle has, its a safe bet that right now they are all better than dj.

the guy can't even start in college, you really think he'll get significant minute in the league next year?

he isnt even the best player on the team

Seattle has both Kurt Thomas and Nick Collison who are great bigs and would get PT over DeAndre without a second thought. That being said, he has the size to be a big in the pros and has become more aggressive on the offensive glass as of late, everything else can be taught to him. I don't think that there is any way he stays, even if his mom says that he will.

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he isnt even the best player on the team

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See Marvin Williams. The draft is all about untapped potential.

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I have no clue as to what DJ will do. I do know that as NBA GM I would label him a high risk pick.

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You're NBA GM? Sweet!

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I see better players than him all over the place.

I realize that they draft on potential but it seems like his potential would take a hit after getting pushed around and out played by so many players.

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You keep saying the word 'potential' but I do not think it means what you think it means.

Unless he gets much better I think he stays next year.

While his game may not be considered "Top 3" worthy, if he is projected to be picked in the Top 5 of the Draft you don't think about it. You put your Name in the hat, get drafted, get paid, and you can get coached, developed and trained with an NBA team.

Now if he feels he prefers the college game/life then more power to him. Stay and develop. But when you are a projected lottery and you stay, sometimes you can do more harm than good, i.e. draft status, injury, etc.

A final note, DJ Augustine will be a Top 15 pick for sure. If not, someone is doing a horrible job of scouting for their respective teams, especially if you need a PG.

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and has good fundamentals in the post, already doing well to seal defenders.

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whoever wrote this analysis has not watched him play at all. he has no fundamentals in the post, and hardly if ever seals defenders. his footwork is so bad, i don't know that he could seal anyone even if he ever worked hard enough to get position.

Jordan did go number 3. Sam Perkins and Hakeem went 1 and 2.

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Jordan did go number 3. Sam Bowie and Hakeem went 1 and 2.

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fify

oops.

Old news, still a ridiculous ranking/pick

Psycho T isn't on any of these mock drafts?

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they do, but they might send you to the rookie league or w/e its called. id rather be ready and on top of my game before going to the nba.

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I used to agree with this opinion. I played with c.j. miles for 4 or 5 years in aau/bci summer ball. When he passed on his scholarship to texas to go to the draft I thought he was a moron following this same logic. I thought if he went to texas for a few years he could have really improved his game. He ended up getting drafted 34th I think, and played in the D-League most of his rookie/sophomore season. I thought he might be off to europe but the jazz resigned him and has been starting on a pretty good basketball club.

That said, I think it depends on the personality and work ethic of the player. What advantages does a few more years of college have over getting drafted, signing with a team, and learning their system?

There are obviously arguments for both sides, but I think jordan will be fine either way. However, I WANT HIM TO STAY!

He is Kevin Cato right now.

Somebody here tell me one thing about his game that is any where close to NBA ready, let alone Big XII ready other then his hieght?!

Post moves?

Shooting touch?

Footwork?

Defensive prowess?

Shoot blocking?

Rebounding on either side of the floor technique?

Basketball IQ?

Emotional maturity and toughness?

Free throw shooting?

Physical strenght and endurance?

I mean really name one of these areas he is even remotely NBA ready!

May be the last one! That is the only one as old coach that I would even come close to checking off as NBA ready. Most get a big no and a few get question mark. The only sure + is his height.

I mean I am not trying rag on him. So glad he is here however lets just evaluate him as a basketball player at this time! HE HAS A LONG WAY TO GO AND IF HE JUMPS To EARlY HE MIGHT DIE ON THE VINE>

As I said somebody tell me how I am wrong here in comparing his to Kevin Cato or even Stromile Swift. Shoot Swift has more skills then Jordan does!

I'm no NBA expert, but I do know a few. I worked (in a non basketball role) for an NBA franchise for nearly 7 years and still know and keep in touch with many of the guys there. So I know one GM who thinks DJ shouldn't come out - but would certainly take him if he did and he was on the board when his team picked.

Hey the Suns just traded and got Shaq. Proves there are some pretty stupid General managers out there.

not a chance