Chad Ford's Mock Draft

[UConn990411]

I'm not saying taking 15 shots is a prerequisite for getting drafted, but it certainly helps, especially when you're a junior like DeAndre who doesn't have the one noticeable NBA skill players generally need to stick around in the league.

Wing players don't need one noticeable skill to stick around - that's a more accurate description for tweeners/guys who don't have a noticeable position.

DeAndre's strength is in his ability to play multiple positions, which is crucial these days in an NBA where positions are becoming less and less defined. And with a legit mid-range/perimeter game, he'll pose matchup problems for defenders, whether he's playing small or power forward.

I have no idea right now where DD will get drafted, but it's completely reasonable to think that - with a good season - he could easily be a 1st round pick.

 

[champs99and04]

Wing players don't need one noticeable skill to stick around - that's a more accurate description for tweeners/guys who don't have a noticeable position.

DeAndre's strength is in his ability to play multiple positions, which is crucial these days in an NBA where positions are becoming less and less defined. And with a legit mid-range/perimeter game, he'll pose matchup problems for defenders, whether he's playing small or power forward.

I have no idea right now where DD will get drafted, but it's completely reasonable to think that - with a good season - he could easily be a 1st round pick.

I don't know. Can you imagine DeAndre trying to guard David West or Zack Randolph in the post? Granted, those guys are more the exception to the rule these days, but even the newer "small ball" power forwards like Carmelo, LeBron, Pierce, Kawhi Leonard, etc. are significantly stronger than DeAndre. The other question is, is he quick enough to guard threes? And is he a good enough ball-handler/slasher to beat quicker defenders off the dribble? I'm skeptical. He's a very versatile offensive player and can score in a variety of ways, I just don't think his body type is conducive to playing at the next level.

Of course, I could be completely wrong and he could become a poor/homeless man's Kevin Durant, but I just don't see it happening. I'd love to be proven wrong.

 

[CL82]

DD has to explode onto the national scene this year to end up a lottery pick. He averaged like 20-10 his last four games now he has to prove it wasnt a fluke and do that game in game out from game 1. i think he`ll be more a 16-7 guy but he could surprise me which would be great. The guy im really looking forward to seeing this year is Omar. I think he could be big time this year. Hopefully he worked on his ball handling all summer.

Considering what Omar did all beat up last year, I am excited to see what he do when healthy.

 

[PradaMane]

17 ppg and 5 rebounds a game. Making it past the first round of the ncaa and he is lotto no questions asked. anything less than 15 ppg is a failure

 

[huskyharry]

17 ppg and 5 rebounds a game. Making it past the first round of the ncaa and he is lotto no questions asked. anything less than 15 ppg is a failure

That is exactly the focus that could derail this team. Team play will be the heart of UConn's success. If any player starts focusing more on increasing their personal stats at the expense of the team, we will be DOOMED for sure!

 

[upstater]

That is exactly the focus that could derail this team. Team play will be the heart of UConn's success. If any player starts focusing more on increasing their personal stats at the expense of the team, we will be DOOMED for sure!

The players should think in terms of Derrick Williams at Arizona. He was not a big national name until the NCAA tourney. He was a candidate for player of the year, true, but all the affirmation came during the tourney. In other words, there is no platform like the NCAA tourney. For a player like Napier, for instance, the lack of a tourney allows people to not even rate him in the top 10 of PGs.

 

[joober jones]

I see Daniels as a late first round pick in 2015. As much as I like Boatright, I can't see him being drafted regardless of when he declares. That being said, I hope he makes me eat those words.

 

[sparky]

DD is a good player, but needs strength, handling, and more consistent play to be a top 15. I think Bazz doesn't get enough props and will be a serviceable pro. Boat needs to harness his speed and show more leadership on the floor. He may choose to leave, but his pro career will be in Europe.