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College Basketball: Top 10 2015 NBA draft prospects

By Bryce Olin

Jan 3, 2015; Durham, NC, USA; Duke Blue Devils guard Matt Jones (13) and center Jahlil Okafor (15) and guard Tyus Jones (5) and forward Justise Winslow (12) watch as teammate guard Quinn Cook (not pictured) shoots a technical foul shot in their game against the Boston College Eagles at Cameron Indoor Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark Dolejs-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 3, 2015; Durham, NC, USA; Duke Blue Devils guard Matt Jones (13) and center Jahlil Okafor (15) and guard Tyus Jones (5) and forward Justise Winslow (12) watch as teammate guard Quinn Cook (not pictured) shoots a technical foul shot in their game against the Boston College Eagles at Cameron Indoor Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark Dolejs-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 5, 2014; Lexington, KY, USA; Kentucky Wildcats forward Karl-Anthony Towns (12) celebrates during the game against Texas Longhorns forward Jonathan Holmes (10) in the second half at Rupp Arena. Kentucky defeated Texas 63-51. Mandatory Credit: Mark Zerof-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 5, 2014; Lexington, KY, USA; Kentucky Wildcats forward Karl-Anthony Towns (12) celebrates during the game against Texas Longhorns forward Jonathan Holmes (10) in the second half at Rupp Arena. Kentucky defeated Texas 63-51. Mandatory Credit: Mark Zerof-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Karl-Anthony Towns, Kentucky Wildcats

NBA Doppelganger: Andrew Bogut

Karl-Anthony Towns has yet to show what he can do when he’s the focus of the offense.

Towns is still trying to carve out space in Kentucky’s crowded frontcourt, and with the playmakers Kentucky has, Towns isn’t getting nearly enough touches per game to be as effective as he could be.

Season G MP FG FGA FG% TRB AST BLK PTS
2014-15 14 19.8 3.1 5.9 .518 6.6 1.0 2.2 8.4
Career 14 19.8 3.1 5.9 .518 6.6 1.0 2.2 8.4

Provided by Sports-Reference.com/CBB: View Original Table
Generated 1/8/2015.

If I had to compare Towns to anyone in the NBA, I’d say he most closely resembles Andrew Bogut of the Golden State Warriors. Towns is a big dude, like Bogut, and his good defense is his best quality. Towns isn’t going to be pushed around in the NBA once he gets a little stronger. You can tell he’s still trying to bulk up.

Towns already has a better offensive game than Bogut’s, which is basically just catching lobs for dunks.Towns has a good jumpshot, and he can shoot consistently around 15-feet and in. As he gets better and plays more, I expect Towns to get better by improving footwork and using his huge frame to get deeper positioning.

I think this is obvious, but I’ll point it out anyway; Towns is so much more athletic and skilled than Bogut is. Towns can run the floor, dribbling the ball, and finish over people in transition. That’s how talented Town is.

Towns is going to be a great NBA player and should be the key piece to an NBA defense in the near future.

Next: Jahlil Okafor