This is obviously several days late, but I beat the clock by getting it in before the next workouts begin. With only one pick in this draft, their options appear to be limited at the moment. However, there is always a lot of movement on NBA Draft Day, so things could be a bit unpredictable.
Callistus Eziukwu FC 6'10 220 Senior Grand Valley State
According to Draft.net and DX, Eziukwu doesn't even exist. He plays for a very small school, but I can give you what the Sixers' website says about him. He was All-Conference and All-Defense in his conference for two straight seasons, due to his athletic ability and shot blocking skills. I'll be shocked if he gets drafted, and I have to give credit to the Sixers for even knowing he exists.
C.J. Giles FC 6'10 225 Junior Oregon State
It's a bit surprising that Giles already hired an agent. He only played in 10 games last season with about 18 minutes per game, and he's skipping his senior season. Draft.net and DX don't have him in their mocks, so it could turn out to be a poor choice to come out early. He's had some off-court issues that caused him to get kicked off of Kansas before he landed at OSU. Problems aside, he's still a pretty raw player. He's a good athlete and good shot blocker, which is the kind of thing the Sixers are looking for.
JaVale McGee C 7'0 241 Sophomore Nevada
McGee is probably the player the Sixers brought in that's most highly thought of by scouts. He's probably going to be a mid-first round pick, and since he's already hired an agent, he's locked in. He comes from a basketball playing family, and he has a lot of potential to grow. Like the previous two players, athleticism is the key word when describing his game. If he gets stronger, he's going to become a good low post defender with shot blocking ability. He's young, so his offensive game is a bit of a work in progress. For a big guy, he has surprising range on his jump shot.
If you can learn anything from the first day of workouts, which you can't, the Sixers are looking for big, athletic shot blockers. That fits in with their defensive system, and they would love to add depth to the front court.
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2 comments:
Callistus Eziukwu has been very much heard of. This guy along with Jason Jamerson helped Division II Grand Valley State go to two trips to the Elite Eight in the last two years. He is a monster on defense and offense. Since his 2004-2005 year he has garnered so many awards it is uncanny that noone has heard of him. Google his name. He got freshman of the year in the GLIAC, had the highest shooting percentage in the nation (Div. II), 2nd or 3rd most blocks in a season, and many more awards in just his freshman year. He is no slacker. Two years straight, 2006-2007 and 2007-2008, he got regional MVP during the regional tournaments. This past year in an exhibition game they are the team that beat Michigan State. He doesn't choke under pressure either. He is very cool, calm, and collected. His senior year he got named first team All-American on two of the three All-American squads. He went to the Collegiate Basketball Invitational (Best seniors in the nation for Div II) and was referred to as "chairman of the boards" for his rebounding prowess. On many other board on the net he has been compared to Tayshaun Prince, Ben Wallace (from Div II), and Amarie Stoudamire.
The only reason he has been overlooked is because of the Division II title. This kid is great and would be a great addition to any team in the NBA.
There's no denying he was a very productive player for a couple of very good teams. If he proves himself in workouts, which is entirely possible, he could definitely rise up draft boards.
You're right in that not every good player comes from a big program. Sorry if it seemed like I shortchanged the guy a bit.
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