Grover's prospect breakdowns
posted: Wednesday, May 31, 2006 | Feedback

CHICAGO -- Every year Tim Grover of A.T.T.A.C.K. Athletics takes a handful of top college prospects and molds them into NBA players. Grover uses a combination of strength training, diet and basketball drills to get players ready for NBA workouts.

His success has been undeniable. His first NBA client was Michael Jordan, and from there he has trained Dwyane Wade, Dwight Howard, Elton Brand, Andre Iguodala, Shaun Livingston, Corey Maggette, Larry Hughes, Michael Finley, Devin Harris and many other players.

Last year, Grover trained a number of top prospects -- including Channing Frye, Raymond Felton and Hakim Warrick -- along with a big group of lesser-known prospects who surprised observers and worked their way into the league: Jason Maxiell, Von Wafer, Robert Whaley, and Louis Williams were all drafted higher than observers expected; two other clients, Alan Anderson and Rawle Marshall, made the league.

I asked Grover to give a rundown of the prospects in his gym this year. He's got several potential first-round picks and nine players who will play in the Orlando pre-draft camp.

Here are Grover's evaluations, in his words:

Rajon Rondo, Kentucky: "He's extremely fast, very long, has big hands and has great ball-handling skills and court vision. His jump shot is improving. He has the ability to make a contribution on both ends of the floor. Extremely coachable. He's a gym rat. He loves to play. He asks a lot of questions. Is always trying to get better. I think he's one of the top two point guards in the draft and his workouts have shown that."

Shannon Brown, Michigan State: "He could be the best athlete in the draft. He has enormous hands. He has great elevation on his jump shot. He can get to the basket at any time. He has a pro body and really knows how to create space. His jump shot has improved and his ball handling has gotten much better. He has the ability to bring the ball up under pressure."

Paul Davis, Michigan State: "He has great footwork in the paint. He shoots the ball very well for a big man. He has the ability to score facing and with his back to the basket. He has become more explosive over the course the last month. He's got a very strong work ethic."

Brad Newley, Australia: "He's an above-average athlete. He's great attacking the basket. Don't let his frail body fool you, he loves contact. He's very tough and won't back down. His form needs work, but he can shoot the 3 with NBA range. Laterally he has the ability to stay in front of his man on the defensive end."

Dee Brown, Illinois: "The extra year at Illinois has really helped. He's a great on-the-ball, pressure defender. He knows how to circle the defender. His workouts have shown that he can really, really shoot the ball. He has a pro body and pro speed. He can take contact and finish. He shoots the floater very well. He's one of the toughest kids I've ever met. He's NBA ready. He could come to a team and help them right away."

Will Blalock, Iowa State: "He's extremely athletic. His jump shot is better than advertised. His ball-handling skills are exceptional. He has a pro body. Very explosive. He can finish among the trees. He's going to surprise a lot of people in Orlando."

Denham Brown, Connecticut: "He has NBA-3 range on his jumper. He can finish with either hand. He has a great work ethic. He's a very good on-the-ball defender. He rebounds the ball very well."

P.J. Tucker, Texas: "He's got a pro body. He loves contact. He's a great rebounder for his size. Has an improved jump shot."

Mike Hall, George Washington: "He has a high basketball IQ. He can put the ball on the floor. Great defender. Can score facing or with his back to the basket. He shoots the ball extremely well. Great personality to have on the team. He doesn't do one thing exceptionally well, but he does a lot of things above average."

David Noel, North Carolina: "He's a superior athlete. High basketball IQ. Finishes strong around the basket. A much improved jump shot."

Justin Williams, Wyoming: "Excellent shot blocker. Great second jump. Runs the floor very well. Offensive skills improving."

Marcellus Sommerville, Bradley: "He's made tremendous progress since joining our program. He's made the transition from playing the four in college to playing the three. He's got a great work ethic, a pro body and a great midrange game. He's a sleeper in the draft."

Nik Caner-Medley, Maryland: "He's an excellent shooter. He's able to initiate contact and finish. Explosive finisher. A better athlete than advertised. Has the ability to finish with either hand. He's a very hard worker."

Dwayne Mitchell, Louisiana Lafayette: "Pro body. Can jump to the moon. Above average ball handling skills."

Mustafa Shakur , Arizona: "He's still working on his jump shooting form. He has the ability to finish around the basket. He sees the floor very well. He's an above average rebounder for a point guard. "

Taquan Dean, Louisville: "He's an unbelievable conditioned athlete. He has excellent lateral movement. He can score with the best of them. He has a great first step. He's capable of making the transition to point guard at the next level."

Frans Steyn, Oklahoma State: "A legit 7-footer. Extremely physical and strong. He's only been playing basketball for four years. He's a quick learner. He can get up and down the floor very well for a big guy."

Vincent Grier, Minnesota: "He has a great ability to get to the basket at any time. He can guard one, twos or threes. He's a great athlete. His jump shot is improving. Great on-the-ball defender. Above-average footwork."

David Moss, Indiana State: "Superior athleticism. Great wingspan. Unlimited range on his jump shot."

Cameron Betterman, North Carolina State: "Good athlete. Very explosive. He shoots the ball well coming off screens. Not afraid of contact."

vincent grier is a guy who may not be drafted but might be able to impress on a summer league team. hes got some dwayne wade qualities

Grover likes big hands.