Learn more about the players who currently stand among Kings fans’ top selections in the 2012 Draft. Plus, rank your top 40 prospects daily through June 27!
The 2012 NBA Draft, which is set to begin at 4 p.m. (ESPN) on June 28, is being lauded by many analysts for having one of the deepest Draft classes in years. And, with No. 5 and 36 picks in this year’s proceedings, the Kings are in great position to select talented prospects.
Leading up to the Draft Day excitement, get to know more about the players Kings fans currently have slated as the top 10 prospects on Kings.com’s Offseason Central Draft Board. (*Below listed position and height via ESPN.com)
Anthony Davis, Forward, Freshman, Kentucky – 6-foot-10
The most celebrated prospect in this year’s Draft, the 6-foot-10 Davis set the NCAA Division I record for blocks in a season en route to leading the Wildcats to their 8th NCAA National Championship. Davis won six national player of the year awards, was named NABC Freshman of the Year, 2012 NABC National Defensive Player of the Year and Most Outstanding Player at the 2012 NCAA Final Four. Praised as an excellent defender who is also a great shooter (62.3 FG% at Kentucky), Davis has drawn comparisons to Kevin Garnett.
Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, Forward, Freshman, Kentucky – 6-foot-7
Considered by Coach John Calipari to be the leader of and hardest working player on the national champion Wildcats, Michael Kidd-Gilchrist has been rated as one of the elite prospects in this year’s Draft. Often referred to as “MKG,” he has been lauded as an excellent passer, one who moves well off the ball and a force in transition. The athletic Kidd-Gilchrist has been compared to Rudy Gay.
Thomas Robinson, Forward, Junior, Kansas – 6-foot-10
The 6-foot-10 Robinson shot up pundits’ mock Draft boards after his impressive junior season at Kansas, where he was named Big 12 Player of the Year and finished second nationally in rebounds per game (11.9) while leading the Jayhawks to the NCAA National Championship Game. The AP First-Team All-American is known as a high-energy player with a great post and mid-range game, and has drawn comparisons to Luol Deng.
Harrison Barnes, Forward, Sophomore, North Carolina – 6-foot-8
A First-Team All-ACC talent, the 6-foot-8 Barnes has been regarded by scouts as one of the top small forwards in this year’s Draft class. The Ames, Iowa, native led the Tar Heels to two Elite 8 appearances and averaged 16.3 points and 5.5 rebounds in two seasons at Chapel Hill. Scouts have compared the former national high school player of the year to Glen Rice and Michael Finley.
Bradley Beal, Guard, Freshman, Florida – 6-foot-3
Considered to be among the top three-point shooters available in the 2012 Draft, Bradley Beal ranked among the elite two-guards in the country during his freshman year at Florida. The First Team All-SEC selection is regarded as a playmaker with solid ball-handling skills. The St. Louis, Mo., native has been noted to have a similar build and playing style as Ray Allen.
Andre Drummond, Center, Freshman, Connecticut – 6-foot-10
Formerly rated as one of the top high school prospects in the country, Andre Drummond averaged 10 points and 7.6 rebounds in his lone season in Storrs. Numerous scouts have said the New York native’s potential is off the charts, as he has drawn comparisons to Dwight Howard and Andrew Bynum.
Jared Sullinger, Forward, Sophomore, Ohio State – 6-foot-9
The 6-foot-9 power forward did not disappoint in his sophomore season in Columbus, where he averaged 17.5 points and 9.2 rebounds en route to leading Ohio State to their 11th Final Four in school history. The two-time All-American has shown the ability to score with his back to and facing the basket and reminds his college coach, Thad Matta, of Indiana Pacers forward David West.
Kendall Marshall, Guard, Sophomore, North Carolina – 6-foot-4
Touted as an outstanding passer, Marshall finished second in the nation in assists with 9.8 per game while shattering the ACC record for assists in a season (351). The 6-foot-4 Tar Heel’s dishing prowess nabbed him the 2012 Bob Cousy Award for his excellence at point guard. The Third-Team All American’s distribution ability has been compared by some to Rajon Rondo.
Perry Jones, Forward, Sophomore, Baylor – 6-foot-11
After opting not to enter the 2011 NBA Draft following his freshman season, Jones returned to Waco, where he averaged 13.5 points and 7.6 rebounds for the Bears. Although scouts have cited room for his game to grow, the AP All-American Honorable Mention forward’s incredible athleticism and stature have many believing he has the potential to be a future All-Star.
Austin Rivers, Guard, Freshman, Duke – 6-foot-4
If there is a player in the 2012 Draft class who is familiar with NBA life, it’s Austin Rivers. The son of former NBA player and current Boston Celtics Head Coach Doc Rivers has made a name for himself after a strong freshman season at Duke, which was highlighted by a buzzer-beating three-pointer to beat archrival North Carolina on the road. Known for his athleticism, deft ball-handling and ability to create his own shot, the guard has drawn comparisons to Ben Gordon.
And One
Stay tuned, as The Kings Blog will take a look at the next set of top 2012 prospects as ranked by Kings fans on Kings.com’s Offseason Central Draft Board. Rank your top 40 daily – Click Here.
