93 Centers

[Zyme]

Top 5 1993 Centers:

Shaquille Rashaun O'Neal: A+ D+ D- C+ B- A

Where as the Zo machine got all the plaudits last year, with him entering the draft last year left O'Neal as the only real candidate for the Naismith Award. Shaq broke every single SEC record there is for points, rebound, blocks, and turnovers. He doesn't move the best but is easily one of the strongest players that has entered the league for a long time. Nobody could stand in his way. Easy 1st pick and you can almost start engraving his plaque for the HOF right now. While his drawl may be interpreted to some as he is unintelligent, he graduated with a degree in Criminal Justice. He has already commented that he plans to apply to be a reserve officer in whatever city selects him and has expressed a desire to one day attain a doctorate and even attend law school.

Erving Johnson: C+ D+ D+ C- B- A

Ervin Johnson Jr. is a small school prospect out of the university of New Orleans. He lead his conference in rebounding, and by a big margin. He didn't take care of the ball as well as most would like, given his competition, but still walked away with the conference player of the year. Despite his weak competition, scouts love his frame and think that if he can hit the weights he could really fill in.

Mike Peplowski: B- D+ D- C+ C+ C

Mike was the man in the middle for the Spartans of Michigan State. He was very solid and scouts love what he can do around the basket and posted a nearly .550 shooting percentage but was really overshadowed by their in state neighbors. The Spartains didn't post the best record, but Mike had a great season and acquitted himself well at the combine. Scouts worry that while his post moves should serve him well at the next level, they question his drive to get better, they agree he has the potential to be great, but may not have the drive to get there.

Marcelo Nicola: C+ D+ D+ B- C+ A

A little South American flavour this year out of Rafaela, Argentina. Nicola accepted the invitation for the combine, and while his tape was not that impressive, he showed up ready to ball. While Shaq ate the competition physically, the eyes were on Nicola as his detail in his footwork and positioning and skill work for his craft really endeared him to many of the scouts. He does all the little things and has a prototypical frame for a F/C and his work ethic is first rate.

Richard Petruska:C+ C D+ C C+ B

A product of Loyola Marymount, when he got into a disagreement about the pace of play, he bolted for UCLA the last couple of years. Very complete game, he has a very mature set of skills around the basket (and one would hope for a 24 year old 5th year senior). His maturity extends to his commitment to the defensive end, but he really struggles to keep his feet moving properly at times and has difficulty when he gets put into transition. Scouts are torn as they worry about his maturity after his very public falling out with his first coach led to a transfer, though he was a model of consistency and poise upon reaching UCLA and became the day 1 starter upon becoming eligible.

Other 93 Center prospects:
[In progress]
Ed Stokes: B- D+ C C B- C
Scott Haskins: C C- D- C+ C+ A
Geert Hammink: B- D+ D+ C B- B
Evers Burns C D D- B- C+ A
Luther Wright C+ C- F+ C+ C+ A