NBA Draft Rumors 2014: Is Julius Randle being overlooked?

Apr 5, 2014; Arlington, TX, USA; Kentucky Wildcats forward Julius Randle (30) celebrates after defeating the Wisconsin Badgers in the semifinals of the Final Four in the 2014 NCAA Mens Division I Championship tournament at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports /

At the top of the 2014 NBA Draft, there are former Kansas Jayhawks’ teammates, center Joel Embiid and forward Andre Wiggins, former Duke Blue Devils’ forward Jabari Parker and perhaps Australian point guard Dante Exum.

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After that, there are a few question marks. Former Indiana Hoosiers’ Noah Vonleh and former Arizona Wildcats’ power forward Aaron Gordon are very talented while Oklahoma State Cowboys’ point guard Marcus Smart had a very productive career. However, the most reliable player may be former Kentucky Wildcats’ power forward Julius Randle.

Alex Kennedy of Basketball Insiders believes Randle is being somewhat overlooked and talked to Randle about his strengths.

"“I think my versatility [separates me from other power forward prospects],” Randle said.“We’re all athletic and fast, but I think my versatility – being able to shoot the ball, handle the ball really well, having the intangibles to guard on the defensive end even and I’m still getting a lot better at that – I just think my versatility separates me from a lot of people.”Randle has the killer instinct and confidence that NBA talent evaluators love. That was obvious dating back to his high school days, and he confirmed it at Kentucky.“I want to be totally dominant on the court in every game,” Randle said in high school. “When I walk off the court, I want to be known as the best player.”"

Randle is ranked as the draft’s fourth-best prospect according to Jonathan Givony of Draft Express. Randle, who measured in at 6’9″ and 250 pounds with a wingspan of 7’0″ at the NBA’s Scouting Combine, put up 15.0 points, 10.4 rebounds and 1.8 assists per game.

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