A solid contributor at Richmond throughout his career, power forward Justin Harper has taken a big step forward as a senior. Harper has proven himself as one of the nation's most skilled big men and perimeter shooters, developing into a legitimate NBA prospect along the way. Now, as Richmond begins its conference schedule, scouts will be watching to see if Harper can maintain his efficient scoring and heady play and finish off the season on a positive note.

At 6'10, Harper has excellent size for the power forward position, but he could still stand to add strength to his 225-pound frame, particularly to his lower body. He is an above average athlete, as well, with decent quickness in the open floor and good explosiveness around the basket.

Harper has improved significantly on the offense end, where he averages 23.1 points per 40 minutes pace adjusted. He is most effective spotting up around the perimeter, where he finds over a quarter of his possessions, and shoots a blistering 50.8% on 4.2 attempts per game.

Though he does not get much elevation on his shot, he has a lightning quick release and a consistent, fluid shooting motion. His range extends well past the NBA three-point line, as well, and he shows very good potential as a pick-and-pop threat. Clearly this will be his calling card as an NBA prospect.

His scoring abilities around the basket have improved, as well, where he displays improving footwork and a developing arsenal of moves. Though he likely lacks the strength to carve out position at the next level, his touch around the basket is solid and he has become more comfortable attacking the rim as a senior.

He does have a tendency to shy away from contact, however, preferring to fall away from the basket instead of going straight up with the ball.

This lack of aggressiveness results in a subpar 3.2 free throw attempts per 40 minutes pace adjusted, which is disappointing given his size, athleticism, and skill. His ball handling also limits his effectiveness as an inside scorer, as he rarely uses his left hand or exploits his above-average first step.

Harper shows a solid basketball IQ, and clearly knows his role as a senior. Even though he's averaging slightly less touches than he did as a junior, he is putting up career highs in almost every category, and is doing so in an efficient manner at that.

Furthermore, he turns the ball over just 1.7 times per 40 minutes pace adjusted, a career low and indicative of his overall court awareness and passing ability. Harper is a savvy player, rarely playing outside of his strengths and seemingly knowing his limitations, looking more than capable of finding a role at the next level.

Never known as the toughest or most active player throughout his career, Harper is just an average rebounder at best, collecting an unspectacular 9.4 rebounds per 40 minutes pace adjusted. While occasionally he will crash the offensive glass, he does not have great fundamentals and oftentimes finds himself out of position on the perimeter.

On defense, Harper displays just average lateral quickness and could struggle guarding perimeter oriented power forwards at the next level. He is not the most consistent defender either, particularly inside where his lack of strength does him few favors, but where he also fails to contest every shot.

He will have to prove to scouts that he can play with intensity and consistency against interior and perimeter oriented big men, as this is not something he's been known for in his four years at Richmond.

Scouts will be watching nonetheless to see if Harper can continue to prove himself against quality opponents in the Atlantic-10 portion of Richmond's schedule. At this point it is not difficult to imagine him in a Channing Frye or Matt Bonner-type role, spotting up around the perimeter and knocking down shots.

With that said, he must continue to show effort and consistency on the defensive end and on the boards, proving to scouts that he can compete with the much higher level big men he'd potentially be facing every night in the NBA.

Garnering zero draft buzz up until now, Harper is a bit of sleeper at this stage, and is well worth watching as the season continues. Not only is he a late bloomer, but he doesn't turn 22 until late September, giving him quite a bit more upside than your typical college senior.

Players with his size, athleticism skill-set are difficult to come by, and if he can finish the season as strongly as he started, and ride that momentum into the pre-draft process, he'll definitely have a chance to hear his name called on draft night.

From DraftExpress.com http://www.draftexpress.com/article/Trending-Prospects-162011--3608/#ixzz1AIfMxuaL
http://www.draftexpress.com

With the potential loss of Chandler, this would be a nice replacement from the draft.

I have my other guards Nolan Smith Jimmer Freddette Charles Jenkins and my big Jordan Williams from Maryland. I like faried too but we wont pick him.

JohnWallace44 wrote:You like Nolan Smith huh Briggs? What do you see in him? He seems like a ship without a rudder most of the time when I watch Duke.

Nolan Smith is easily one of the most under rated players in the nation right now. Since he slipped back into the starting PG role hes been the best player int he nation in an all around game with good size and athletic ability for the position.

Also forgot about Marshon Brooks from Providence as well--another absolute sleeper who plays the way we want guys to play.

So you are looking at some really good choices later in the draft--wouldnt mind having two picks in this one. If we drafted a combination of a Williams one of these excellent guards that will be available--wed secure big and small depth for years to come.

JohnWallace44 wrote:You like Nolan Smith huh Briggs? What do you see in him? He seems like a ship without a rudder most of the time when I watch Duke.

Jordan Williams is a beast--how could he not be high on these mock draft boards?

I agree with BRIGGS on Nolan Smith - I definitely think he will be a solid player in the league...at least as good as TD but most likely better.

BRIGGS wrote:My sleeper for the Knicks is Klay Thompson. Hes a long 2 guard with a very quick release from 3.

I have my other guards Nolan Smith Jimmer Freddette Charles Jenkins and my big Jordan Williams from Maryland. I like faried too but we wont pick him.

The more I watch him--the more I think he's an excellent pick for us. We really do not have a two guard. He's athletic he can handle the ball like a 1--an excellent outside shooter great passer and rebounder from his position good defender good size for the position--what a sleeper. This kid is BETTER than Landry fields--mark this post.(Klay Thompson) Landry is limited because of his handle and rigid game--this kid is much more fluid with a much higher offensive upside.

JohnWallace44 wrote:Briggs, you would probably look like an NBA prospect against Indiana-Purdue-Ft.Wayne. Kid looks like he has a nice jumper, but I have to see him play d in a live game.

Ive seen Klay now 6-7 times over the last two years. He reminds me of a more athletic Rip hamilton with more range and better handle. he also looks a bit more muscular this year compared to last. Very high IQ basketball player as well.

If we do get Caremlo--we made need a couple of more guys who can stretch the floor but at higher % with more abilities. Something like Freddette and Thompson for back up 1-2 Guards and concentrate on the big man with our MLE