2010 Big Board Update

A lot has changed since our last update on November 23rd.

2010 Big Board (Top 100 Prospects)

Hassan Whiteside has moved all the way up to #2 on the most recent update. While still extremely raw, the bigman from Marshall is averaging 7.2 blocks over his last 5 games. He leads the contry at 5.6 bpg in just 24 mpg. He’s also averaging 12.5 ppg and 9.4 rpg in his freshman season.

With amazing length and athleticism, scouts feel he has more potential than anyone in college not named John Wall and could be a top 5 pick in THIS year’s draft if he decides to leave early.

He has moved up to the #1 pick on the 2011 mock draft.

Other movers include:

Colorado freshman Alec Burks was a virtual unknown coming out of high school but is quickly making a name for himself with his smooth and mature game. He also possesses a lot of room for improvement. He debuts on the big board at #24.

DeMarcus Cousins moved up 29 spots to number 14. While questions linger about his work ethic and attitude, his upside is undeniable and even if he fails to fully maximize his potential, he figures to be a solid pro for years to come due to his size, strength and skills. He’s one of the most productive bigmen in the country in his freshman year and playing just 20 minutes per game.

Cousins teammate Eric Bledsoe also made a big leap climbing 25 spots to number 26. Bledsoe’s 25 point effort recently against Florida showed that he’s not just a speed merchant but also possesses a high level of basketball skills and potential.

Nevada point guard Armon Johnson moved from being unlisted to the 21st position. He’s in an excellent position with so few quality point guards available in this year’s draft. Right now, he figures to be the second point guard taken after John Wall.

Texas bigman Dexter Pittman has moved up 32 spots to #29. He’s always had a good deal of potential, but actually turning that into productivity has been a challenge. His cardio is still a work in progress and something keeping him from reaching his full potential, but has progressed.

Another newcomer to the board is Elias Harris who has been taking names on the West Coast, moving all the way up to #32 on the latest update. Harris, from Germany, is one of the most emphatic dunkers on the college level, routinely making highlight reels.

UConn power forward Alex Oriakhi moves up to #36 after being unranked. He needs time but displays a great deal of upside with his combination of strength, agility and length. Playing at UConn, look for him to develop into a top flight power forward over the next 2-3 seasons.

St. Louis sophomore power forward Willie Reed went from unlisted to the 50th spot on the big board. Reed is a physical specimen with tremendous length and upside and just needs time and physical development. He has also moved onto the 2011 mock draft.

Georgia bigman Howard Thompkins debuts on the big board at number 44. Scouts are enamored with his skill level for such a young player as he shows face up and post ability.

Baylor bigman Ekpe Udoh has shown tremendous improvement from his Michigan days. He’s always been a tremendous shot blocker but has added an offensive repertoire making him a complete player, jumping (+59) to #42 from being unlisted.

Ultra athletic junior power forward JuJuan Johnson jumps 26 spots to number 37. The power forward lacks strength but with such great length and athleticism, he’s able to overcome his lack of strength.

Fresno State bigman Greg Smith combines a strong work ethic with excellent physical strength and solid athleticism. He moved to #41 from being unlisted.

Others who have made big jumps: Aubrey Coleman (+43), Art Parakhouski (+41), Aaric Murray (+38), Dominique Jones (+37), Marquis Gilstrap (+33), Derrick Williams (+29), Dwayne Collins (+20), Bryan Davis (+22).