Mandatory Credit: Mary Langenfeld-USA TODAY Sports
Who is the best prospect in the B1G?
Andrew Ford (@AndrewFord22): Sam Dekker. His versatility alone makes him incredibly interesting as a prospect. At 6-foot-9 with a muscular frame, he’s able to overpower fellow small forwards but he also possesses ample agility to go right around plodding power forwards. Defensively, he’s able to guard the two, three, and four positions, which is valuable to every NBA team. I’m not in love with the Wisconsin small forward because I don’t think he will be able to score using his sheer strength as he has done so often in his college career, but he has too many things going for him that will likely make him a lottery pick.
Stephen Shepperd (@ShepHoops): Sam Dekker should be the first pick coming out of the B1G in this year’s draft. I’m in love with his athleticism and ability to aggressively take it to the rim off the dribble. Currently, I don’t think his strength is exactly where pro teams want it, but that’s an easy fix for any training staff. Dekker’s skills are a perfect foundation for whatever team picks him up after this season, and can be expected to build on his already solid skill set.
Spencer Layman (@nba_spen): Sam Dekker, hands down. His positional versatility, intangibles and length make him attractive to any NBA team. He can guard multiple positions, get buckets and he plays smart. He may not be a super-star or even an all-star at the next level but he is a great fit for any team and will help contribute right away. And I swear to baby Jesus if he ends up on the Spurs next year…
Who is the most underrated prospect in the B1G?
Andrew Ford (@AndrewFord22): Frank Kaminsky. He has limited upside because he lacks athleticism, but he might be one of the safest picks in the draft if there is such a thing. His game is already well defined, and you sort of know what he’s going to be. He possesses a great arsenal of post moves, and he positions himself spectacularly to enable him to score over bigger opponents down low despite his lack of elite strength. Where much of his value to NBA teams lies is in his ability to stretch the floor as a true seven-footer. His shooting range extends to the three-point line, and he’s able to take defenders off the bounce when they close out too hard on him. If he can prove he won’t be a defensive sieve in the NBA, he will be a great get for the team that picks him.
Stephen Shepperd (@ShepHoops): It’s not that I think that Branden Dawson out of Michigan State is underrated as much as I think he will gain a lot more attention from pro scouts this season. He hasn’t been incredibly impressive so far in college, but a lot of that comes from Dawson not truly being comfortable in his role on the team. Sure, he hasn’t hit a three-pointer since being in college – which for a wing player is kind of a thing they need to be able to do – but scouts see that and are still interested in him for one huge reason: potential. There is so much innate ability present in him and I think if he makes even small strides in his outside shooting ability, scouts’ ears will perk up about Dawson.
Spencer Layman (@nba_spen): I think I’ll go with Terran Petteway on this one. After leading the B10 in scoring last year in his first year with Nebraska, I think he is poised to have another big season. He had twelve 20-plus scoring games and scored 30 points or more twice last year. He’s a 6-f00t-6 wing player that knows how to put the ball in the hoop. He will turn heads by the end of the year.
Who is the most overrated prospect in the B1G?
Andrew Ford (@AndrewFord22): Caris LeVert. Levert is a prolific three-point shooter that must be accounted for by the defense at all times, but his slight frame will make it difficult for him to do much more at the NBA level. Of course he can put on muscle, but even then I’m not sure he will be able to play decent enough defense to keep him on the court. Additionally, I think his ability off the dribble is overrated, and I don’t think he’s shown that ability consistently enough at Michigan to make me believe he will be able to do anything other than shoot threes with consistency in the Association.
Stephen Shepperd (@ShepHoops): Will America hate me if I don’t think Frank Kaminsky will be able to carry his game over from college to the pros? I know he’s somewhat of an American treasure, but I’m allowed to not be as optimistic about his future in the NBA, right? It’s not that I don’t like him; I really do. Let’s put it this way: I love him, but I’m not IN love with him. I don’t see Kaminski’s game transitioning very fluidly. I don’t think he’s strong enough to compete with NBA bigs down low, and he’s not athletic or consistent enough to be a stretch-four against professional defenses either. I’m afraid that we may have already seen the peak of Frank “The Tank’s” basketball potential.
Spencer Layman (@nba_spen): Every year, we all hold onto hope that A.J. Hammons is finally going to do something with the size and ‘talent’ he was given. But until then, he will remain my most overrated prospect in the B1G. Maybe his game isn’t fit for college but he has not shown me anything that makes me think he can succeed in the NBA.
Is there a long-term prospect you like for the 2016 or 2017 draft?
Andrew Ford (@AndrewFord22): Deyonta Davis. Davis is a class of 2015 power forward committed to Michigan State. He’s a lanky, athletic big man that can play all over the court on both ends. His mid-range jumper allows him to stretch the floor a little already, and his quickness and length allow him to guard both the post and perimeter with ease. If he can develop a quality back to the basket post game, he will be a highly-coveted prospect after a single season in Lansing.
Stephen Shepperd (@ShepHoops): I think Nebraska’s Terran Petteway will probably return for his senior season and wait to enter the 2016 NBA Draft, which could put him at the top of the B1G prospect’s list next year. His game reminds me of James Harden’s in that he’s a true shooting guard whom the offense runs through, along with his ability to draw shooting fouls at a consistent rate. Not too many players in the country will be used by their team more than Petteway, which will give him quite a few opportunities to showcase how many points he can create.
Spencer Layman (@nba_spen): Oh man, I’m going to go with the freshman out of Ohio State, D’Angelo Russell. This is one kid I think could potentially make the jump after one season. He will probably win B1G freshman of the year and will probably lead Ohio State in scoring (and maybe even assists). He is a big combo guard that can shoot. He isn’t incredibly athletic but he is super quick and can get around his defenders with ease. If Thad Matta lets him play with reckless abandon, he is going to put up some monster stats.