Hasheem Thabeet 7’3” Junior UCONN( Tanzania)
Labeled as the rawest of raw projects coming out of the Houston area; Thabeet’s game has improved immensely during his three years at UCONN. Thabeet put up respectable numbers on the offensive end this past season, he has a good shooting stroke, is an above average shooting big man with a soft touch around the basket. Defensively he is the ultimate shot blocking force and is deceptively strong defending the post. Thabeet will be a work in progress on the offensive end in the NBA but will make an immediate impact defensively. He is a rare combination of size and athleticism and has a huge upside.
Projection:
2nd overall pick
Alade Aminu 6’10 Senior Georgia Tech(Nigeria)
When most basketball experts hear the name Aminu they likely think of Alade's younger brother Al-Farouq. However, the older Aminu brother has worked his way onto various team’s draft radars after his impressive showing at the Portsmouth pre-draft camp where he made the first team. Georgia Tech’s 6th man is a very good finisher at the rim and is able to alter shots on the defensive end. At just 21, Aminu has huge upside and whichever team drafts him or signs him as a free agent may find a hidden gem.
Projection: Late Second Round to undrafted
Josh Akognon 6’1 Senior Cal State Fullerton(Nigeria
If the Nigerian International guard were a few inches taller he would likely either already be plying his trade in the NBA or be a sure first round pick in this draft. However, at 6’1 no one questions his scoring ability but since he was not the primary ball handler at Cal State Fullerton there are questions about his ability to run a team from the PG position. Akognon will likely have to play PG and he will have to prove to his team that he can play that position in summer camp.
Projection: Late Second Round
Chinemelu Elonu 6’10 Junior Texas A&M(Nigeria)
Elonu and two of his Texas A&M teammates declared for the draft in April presumably to get a feel of what they needed to work on for the 2010 draft. Elonu surprised draft experts by not removing his name from draft consideration by the June 15th deadline. He has impressed teams in workouts with his high energy, ‘NBA size’ and is a solid shot blocker.
Projection: Undrafted
Rudy Mbemba 5-11 Frankfurt Skyliners Sweden (Congolese Descent)
Mbemba is a lightning fast, excellent ball handler who is aggressive going to the basket; he also has tremendous leaping ability and good shooting range. On the downside Mbemba has a tendency to shoot too many three pointers and is turnover prone.
Projection: Undrafted
Christian Eyenga 6-6 DKV Joventut DR Congo
Eyenga is a defensive-minded superb athlete who'll be turning 20 two days before the draft and is a raw talent. Eyenga uses his athleticism to make spectacular defensive plays and is able to defend multiple positions. If he is drafted he will likely remain in Europe for a few years to polish his game.
Projection: late Second Round to undrafted
The 2010 NBA Draft will likely see three Nigerians chosen in the lottery as we expect top prospects Solomon Alabi, Florida State; Gani Lawal, Georgia Tech; and Al-Farouq Aminu to declare for the draft
Don Palacas
1 comment:
Wow the NBA has so much talent it's Banana's...great to see African Players making moves!
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