The first 5X5 Player Ranking Report
Each week, I’ll list the top 5 players ranked by their likely NBA positions. The rankings are a result of watching players live, reviewing game tapes and discussing players and their NBA potential with dozens of scouts, player personal directors and general managers. The blended result of all this is the weekly top 5 players at the 5 positions, or the 5X5.
Weekly Top Player Rankings – The 5X5
Point Guards
Randy Foye Villanova Rajon Rondo Kentucky Ronnie Brewer Arkansas Sergio Rodriguez Spain Guillermo Diaz Miami
Foye has had an exceptional season to date, and Nova’s lofty ranking and impressive schedule has brought every one of the 30 NBA teams to their games. Randy is not a natural point, but that’s where he would have to play to make an NBA team – something most scouts have no problem with. Diaz is similar to Foye in that he is also a natural shooter, more of a combo guard, but his size dictates PG. Brewer can play the point, shooting guard or the 3: he’s that versatile, and it’s that versatility which increases his value.
Shooting Guards
Brandon Rush Kansas J.J. Redick Duke Rudy Fernandez Spain Rodney Carney Memphis Marko Belinelli Italy
Rush is listed by many mock draft services as a small forward, but recent comments I’ve heard indicate that shooting guard may best suit him in the NBA. Brandon was one of the top three players in last June’s Chicago Pre-Draft Camp (LaSalle’s Steven Smith and NY Knick rookie David Lee were the other two) and has already gotten better at Kansas, learning to play solid defense – perhaps the only legitimate criticism of his game. Carney plays a solid game for Memphis, but despite all his athleticism has up and down stretches of play, which often worries some NBA types.
Small Forwards
Adam Morrison Gonzaga Rudy Gay Connecticut Steve Smith LaSalle Shawne Williams Memphis Julian Wright Kansas
Gay has seen his stock drop of late. He has all the athletic ability of a top player, but all the inconsistency of a young player. Similar to last year’s small forward lottery hotshot Marvin Williams (UNC), Gay may struggle initially at the next level and his ranking so indicates that evaluation. Shawne Williams’ raw athleticism, coupled with intelligent play which belies his freshman status, has elevated his stock among the gang of 30 watching him.
Power Forwards
LaMarcus Aldridge Texas Shelden Williams Duke Andrea Bargani Italy Tiago Splitter Brazil Nick Fazekas Nevada
Aldridge is expected to be THE top pick in the draft – assuming he enters it. The most complete player in college ball, it’s amazing to consider all the kudos while we hear so much about the upside he still has. Williams is about as lightly regarded headed into this June’s draft as Dukie power predecessor Carlos Boozer was, and we all know how that turned out. Once he learns to limit the fouls, Williams will be an integral part of some team’s rotation.
Centers
Yemi Nicholson Denver Randolph Morris Kentucky C.J. Giles Kansas Predrag Samardziski Macedonia Hilton Armstrong Connecticut
Two surprise names occupy the top five, and none more obscure than Oregon native and international award-winning jazz saxophonist Nicholson. The one-time raw talent has mastered the art of agility rarely seen in a true center. He’s now able to drive to the hoop and is a strong finisher, excellent defender who blocks and rebounds quite well. In a center-poor draft he could elevate into the early-to-mid lottery with one good workout. Armstrong has gained minutes from the ineffective play of one-time lottery darling teammate Josh Boone, and he’s made the most of the opportunity. Hilton is a strong presence inside and excels at the defensive side of the ball. Between now and March’s Madness, Armstrong will have the chance to legitimize his first round possibilities.
And here’s a few weekly awards:
Best player EVERYBODY is jumping on the bandwagon of: Tyrus Thomas, LSU
The 6-9 freshman is immensely skilled but totally raw. While he will very possibly develop this season into a legit lottery candidate, isn’t it awfully early to label him “can’t miss?” We like him a lot, but want to see him show the skills with more consistency. After a full season of SEC play, we’ll revisit our opinion.
Best player no one knows about: Brion Rush Grambling State
Scores like mad, defends like no one else in the Bayou, and takes over games at crunch time. Rush can shoot it from anywhere – mid-range, long range, three-point range as well as the charity line. Big on steals and a nice rebounding PG, Rush plays anonymously for Grambling State in the SWAC. You may not have heard of him, but the gang of 30 are buying their airline tickets to Shreveport in a Rush!
