ACC Conference: Top NBA ProspectsBy:

 

By Michael DeStefano

After a down year draft wise, the ACC is back. After producing just one first rounder in 2008 (JJ Hickson), (and 4 picks overall) the Atlantic Coast Conference figures to get 5-6 players in the first round in 2009.

Just four ACC teams made the tourney last year and outside of UNC, the conference was considerably weak. This year things should get back to normal. North Carolina returns four starters (3 are on this list) and comes into the season as the heavy favorite
to win the National Championship. Duke is (top 5) good, a veteran team with
a Hall-of-Fame coach that brought respect back to USA Basketball in Beijing
this summer. Wake Forest is on the verge of great things thanks to three talented
underclassmen, and Miami has the talent to make some noise as well. Clemson
won’t surprise anyone like they did last year and might struggle with
significant senior losses, but don’t count them out.

Aside from having the best teams in the country, the ACC also has the most NBA
talent. Many players in this conference will find themselves on an NBA roster
within the next few years; however, it’s doubtful that more that a few
of them will ever find themselves in an NBA starting lineup. While these players
have the skills to play at the next level, this conference lacks the superstar
talent of some of the other conferences. Some of these players will be lottery
picks, but becoming an All-Star down the road seems unrealistic for most of
these players.


Top 5 Prospects:

	Gerald Henderson

1. Gerald
   Henderson (Duke) – He’s got good size and strength for an
   NBA 2-guard. He’s one of the most athletic players in the country and
   he’ll be an excellent defender in the NBA from Day 1. Nevertheless,
   Henderson needs to improve his jump shot and ball-handling if he wants to
   become anything more than a defensive specialist in the pros. A solid season
   against ACC competition will draw Henderson consideration toward the end of
   the lottery.

2. Gani Lawal (Georgia
   Tech) – The former McDonald’s All-American averaged only about
   seventeen minutes per game this past season. Furthermore, scouts are hesitant
   when dealing with 6’8 power forwards and the dreaded “undersized”
   label. None of that matters when discussing Lawal, whose wingspan (7’1)
   and strength makes up for any lack of size. Right now, his defense is ahead
   of his offense, but his great work ethic and attitude show that he has the
   right mindset to improve on his weaknesses. Even with his limited playing
   time, he led the Yellow Jackets in blocks and field goal percentage and looks
   to break out in his second year after an impressive summer of putting on much
   needed muscle. He’ll likely need more development after this year, but
   expect to hear Lawal’s name called within the first ten picks in 2010.

3. Wayne Ellington
   (UNC) – Of the two guards, Ellington is as refined as they come.
   Scouts quickly fall in love with his smooth jump shot and deadly mid-range
   game, but questions remain about his ability to overcome his lack of standout
   athletic ability and size. He measured very well in Orlando: 6’5 with a 6’7
   wingspan which is probably bigger than Gerald Henderson. His quickness and
   agility is very good, and with the success of a number of smaller 2-guards,
   Ellington finds himself in solid standing. Although his teammates receive
   more hoopla, Ellington has the most NBA potential of anyone on the top team
   in the nation.

4. Ty
   Lawson (UNC) – Detractors have been saying the same things about
   Lawson’s game for years. He’s a liability on defense because of
   his lack of height. He’s a liability on offense because of his lack
   of a consistent jump shot. Now, the rebuttals: He makes up for his small stature
   with incredible strength, which will make it difficult for bigger NBA guards
   to post him up. And his jump shot is good enough. Rajon Rondo started at the
   point for the defending NBA champions with a suspect jump shot, so there’s
   no reason to believe the same can’t happen for Lawson. He is a fast
   break waiting to happen with incredible speed and vision. His court awareness
   and passing ability make him effective in the half court and terrifying in
   transition. He’ll go toward the end of the first round, probably to
   a run-and-gun team that fits his preferred style of play.

5. Tyler Hansbrough
   (UNC) – It seems absurd that the man who swept the National Player
   of the Year awards and led the ACC in both scoring and rebounding is last
   on this list. But when you watch Tyler Hansbrough, he just doesn’t look
   like an NBA player. He’s not a great athlete, he’s undersized
   at 6’8, with short arms, and his game looks extremely awkward at times.
   The possibility of becoming a solid rotational player in the NBA is there;
   he shoots free throws extremely well for a big man (80% last year), which
   is good because he gets there a lot. He is a beast on the glass and plays
   every game like it’s his last. Potential superstar? Not quite. Potential
   future Sixth Man of the Year? You never know. His heart and production will
   be enough for some team to come calling in the final third of the first round.
   
   

Others receiving consideration: Kyle
Singler (Duke), Nolan Smith
(Duke), Jeff Teague (Wake Forest),
James Johnson (Wake Forest),
Tony Woods (Wake Forest), Grievis
Vasquez (Maryland), Jack
McClinton (Miami), Dwayne
Collins (Miami), Brandon
Costner (NC State)

Top Newcomer: Al-Farouq
Aminu (Wake Forest) – The best NBA prospect in the conference, Aminu makes
Wake Forest a legitimate threat in the ACC alongside sophomores Jeff Teague
and James Johnson. Physically, he’s got a long wingspan, above-average
athleticism, and great agility for someone his size. Adding muscle would be
a plus, but it’s not as vital for Aminu as it is for other potential lottery
picks. In terms of basketball skills, there isn’t anything this kid doesn’t
do. He has beautiful form on his jump shot, and he has great moves around the
basket. He can handle the ball like a guard but rebounds like a seven-footer.
And what every coach and scout loves to hear: he works hard and plays with great
focus and intensity. He showed his immense talent on national television last
year, outplaying fellow All-American Greg Monroe on ESPN. Those skills will
be on display on a nightly basis this year. Wake Forest goes from a nice surprise
to one of the best teams in the ACC, and Aminu becomes a top five pick in the
2009 NBA Draft.