While people talk about this draft as the best since 2003, I can't believe how much people overrate the draft in general. It is great to get guys like Tim hardaway jr. Late in the first round, some solid role players in the 2nd round too, but to withhold picks for proven young stars, starters, whatever, can be a big mistake. Look at what comparisons scouts are making in this article. Could wiggins or Parker be the next great star, of course, but the likelihood is you are drafting the next Glenn Robinson, zach Randolph, Rudy gay etc. is that really what every team wants to build around?
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One NBA executive thinks Jabari Parker is comparable to Glenn Robinson.
Each week we release the Freshman Tracker, and each week there are new names and plenty of movement.
Last week we went through the weaknesses of each player in the top 10. This week we give you an NBA comparison for each guy.
Check back each week as we’ll have updates on how they did on the floor and give you the rundown on the top first-year players in the country, in a season in which the young guys have taken center stage.
1. Jabari Parker, F, Duke Blue Devils
6-foot-8, 235 pounds
The Blue Devils had the week off.
Comparison: Glenn Robinson. “He’s a less athletic version of the Big Dog. Can score in so many different ways.” -- NBA executive
This week: Monday vs. Gardner Webb; Thursday vs. UCLA at Madison Square Garden Stats: 22.1 PPG, 7.8 RPG, 47 percent 3-point shooting | Previous rank: 1
2. Julius Randle, PF, Kentucky Wildcats
6-9, 250 pounds
Randle had another double-double in the Wildcats' win against Boise with 17 points and 11 boards, but struggled in their loss against North Carolina, finishing with just 11 points and five rebounds.
Comparison: Zach Randolph. “Julius has some small forward skills and is more athletic. They are both strong and tough, and both lefties. Both are aggressive scoring the ball.” -- NBA executive
This week: Saturday vs. Belmont
Stats: 17.2 PPG, 11.4 RPG, 2.3 APG | Previous rank: 2
3. Aaron Gordon, F, Arizona Wildcats
6-9, 225 pounds
Gordon’s numbers aren’t quite indicative of his play this season. He had 11 points and four boards in a win over New Mexico State and was terrific on both ends in Arizona's win at Michigan. He finished with 14 points and five rebounds, but also locked down Glenn Robinson III defensively in the second half.
Comparison: Kenneth Faried. “I’m not sure this is who Gordon wants to be, but this is who he needs to be. He’s a tremendous athlete who brings toughness and energy -- and could be a terrific rebounder at our level.” -- NBA executive
This week: Thursday vs. Southern University
Stats: 12.1 PPG, 8.2 RPG | Previous rank: 3
4. Andrew Wiggins, SF, Kansas Jayhawks
6-8, 200 pounds
Wiggins was tremendous in the Jayhawks' loss in Gainesville, going for a career-high 26 points and grabbing 11 rebounds. However, he was a nonfactor in their victory over New Mexico, finishing with 11 points on 3-of-11 shooting.
Comparison: Rudy Gay. “He’s a long, athletic wing who is a decent shooter, but doesn’t have that killer instinct. Rudy’s never been a star, and I could see that being the case with this kid as well.” -- NBA executive
This week: Saturday vs. Georgetown
Stats: 15.9 PPG, 5.9 RPG | Previous rank: 4
5. Tyler Ennis, PG, Syracuse Orange
6-2, 180 pounds
The Canadian point guard and the Orange had the week off.
Comparison: Andre Miller. “He’s not quite as big, but he’s got an old-school game, knows how to run a team and picks his spots when he scores.” -- NBA executive
This week: Sunday at St. John’s; Friday vs. High Point
Stats: 11.3 PPG, 4.9 APG, 3.2 RPG | Previous rank: 6
12/15/2013 3:16 PM
