2001 Cs

[Zyme]

Top 5 2001 Centers:

Jermaine O'Neal: B+ C D B B B

The big man surprised many by taking his time and enjoying all five years as South Carolina. What surprised many more is just how well he used that time. From a scrawny high schooler has come one of the most balanced scorers that college had seen in a generation. He could hit it from mid with exceptional touch and could post up with the best. He walked away with Naismith trophy and led his team to the final four, losing to eventual champion Arizona. His defense is extremely mature and has enormous strength to anchor himself in the post. While he may be playing closer to his peak than many of the other prospects in this class, he should easily be considered a candidate for the top pick.

Kwame Brown B- D+ D+ C B- A

One of the more exciting High School prospects that we have seen for some time. While there was a battery of them in this class (Curry, Hayward, and others), the one that stood out at the combine was Brown. The young man out of Glynn Academy averaged over twenty point, ten assists, and nearly four blocks in his senior year and surprised noone when he declared for the draft. For a player of his size, his footwork on boards is extremely advances, easily holding his own against the other high schoolers. He struggles against some of the more tenacious college players like Randolph, but he should have the room to grow and fill in any deficiencies in time. On defense he was quite quick for a player of his size, getting clear of screens very effectively. He need to work on his early post work as he let his man get too deep of position on a frequent basis. He may be young but if he can put it all together this kid has all the tools to make and impression.

Eddie Curry B C- D C C A

The second man in the trio of young bloods in this year's post class. When Curry arrived at the combine, scouts were shocked how out of shape he looked. He was listed as 265 during the season but weighed in a 285. When he got outside the weigh-station and onto the court he again surprised scouts with just how well he could throw his weight around. Though not as polished as the 5th year seniors, Curry showed excellent footwork and the willingness to fight for ever step. When you throw in his very good touch on the baby hook and on the up and under moves, he scored against much more experienced defenders with ease. This focus on the offensive side comes at a price, he does not focus on any other part of this game than on offense. He doesn't get back, has been known to cherry pick, and his rebounding footwork was that of a freshman. Despite all this the scouts think that, provided he keeps his weight in check, he has all the potential to become a potent weapon.

Brenden Hayward C+ D D C+ C+ A

The young man out of North Carolina looked every part the 2nd team all ACC when he arrived at the combine. He showed bottomless strength when pushing himself into the post or keeping even Curry from backing down very well. Even when they do get into position he has solid timing on getting some part of himself in the way of the shot. He has top end footwork on the block and his motor on the boards is endless. He has an acceptable post game but he needs to work on getting establish lower or he will not be effective. Scouts love his frame and think that he has an extremely high ceiling.

DeSagana Diop C+ F- D- B- C+ A

Of all the center prospects, the one that scouts are convinced has the highest ceiling on his defensive game is Diop. His footwork is excellent, his ability to create block top shelf, the speed of his hands, great, and his ability to get off screen is a thing of grace and skill. Scouts are convinced he is loaded with potential, to an extent largely unrivaled amongst his fellow post men. He might be the perfect post candidate and a possible 1st overall candidate if it were not for the elephant in the room. His inability to hit free-throws weighs him down like a millstone around his neck. If he can in any way correct this shortcoming, nothing can stop him.

Other Center prospects:

Mehmet Okur C+ B- C- C C+ B

Very good outside shooter from Turkey. Your classic eurocenter.

Steven Hunter C D+ D- C+ C+ B

Very mature post game and solid timing on the backboard

Jerron Collins C+ C- D+ B- C+ D

Very mature player for his age, but probably as mature as he is going to get

Loren Woods C C- D B C+ B

Pro-ready prospect with some of the best post defense you will see with a player coming out of the draft. Not great on offense.

Denis Ershov B- D F+ D+ C A

Hulking 7'+ monster that has a great feel around the basket, severely lacking in nearly every other part of his game.