2011 NBA Draft: Derrick Williams and the Top 15 NCAA Power Forward Prospects
The power forward position is one of the more plentiful and promising spots for the 2011 NBA draft. There are a number of proven NCAA players who translate well to the league and some freshman phenoms who could prove their worth if a team is patient.
Some of these forwards are more natural post players than others, but most have the ability to play out on the wing at small forward if called upon. There are numerous "tweener" forwards on this list, but they are classified as PF for the purpose of this list.
That said, SwishScout.com presents “Derrick Williams and the Top 15 NCAA Power Forward Prospects.”
Note: On most players, you can click their name or school to take you to a more detailed profile for a more extensive scouting report on the respective prospect.
15. Renardo Sidney
1 of 15
6’10”, 275-lb. Sophomore
If not for violations and team trouble, Sidney might be much higher on this list. Despite his problems, the hefty forward has displayed his natural talent and potential for the Bulldogs in 10 games and could be a second-round steal if he enters.
14. Markieff Morris
2 of 15
Markieff Morris (Kansas)
6’10”, 245-lb. Junior
The "other" Morris brother is no slouch on the court, as he is averaging over 13 points, eight rebounds and a block per game. He is a little bit bigger than Marcus, more of a natural post player and a better defender than his sibling.
13. Patric Young
3 of 15
6’9”, 245-lb. Freshman
It’s all about potential when it comes to Young, and there is no denying that he has it. He’s struggled to find court time this season, but he is a gifted athlete with raw talent that will intrigue some teams late in the first round if he leaves Florida.
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12. Tristan Thompson
4 of 15
6’8”, 225-lb. Freshman
Thompson is doing a wonderful job anchoring the post this year for the Longhorns, averaging over seven rebounds and two blocks. He has great athleticism and post quickness but is unable to step away from the paint without a reliable jumper.
11. C.J. Leslie
5 of 15
6’8”, 205-lb. Freshman
C.J. entered the season rated highly on most draft boards but has struggled in ACC play and is putting up unimpressive numbers for a player of his caliber. He still possesses excellent athleticism, length and quickness on the floor but is still very raw.
10. Trey Thompkins
6 of 15
6’9”, 250-lb. Junior
The star of the Bulldogs attack has secured Georgia as a threat in the SEC, and it’s easy to see when Thompkins shows up averaging 16.7 points, 7.4 rebounds, 1.6 blocks and 1.1 steals. He is slightly undersized but has a nice inside-out game that leaves few in doubt about his ability to contribute in the league.
9. Marcus Morris
7 of 15
6’9”, 235-lb. Junior
The leading scorer for the Jayhawks is a versatile forward who can play the post, but he prefers to step out and hit the jumper. Morris has a nice build and great motor, but he is not one of the more impressive athletes at the position.
8. Kenneth Faried
8 of 15
6’8”, 230-lb. Senior
Faried is arguably the best player for a mid-major in NCAA basketball, as the Ohio Valley standout player is a defensive stud who averages over 14 rebounds, two blocks and two steals per game. He has a very raw offensive game and lacks size, but his athleticism and great energy make him an NBA-ready contributor in the post defensively.
7. JaJuan Johnson
9 of 15
6’10”, 220-lb. Senior
Johnson is one of the more refined yet undervalued forwards who is flying under the radar in this year's draft. His post game is proven, his jumper is solid and his defensive instincts are legit (2.2 blocks per game), but some question his ability to add muscle and guard bigger NBA post players.
6. Mason Plumlee
10 of 15
6’10”, 230-lb. Sophomore
Mason is the most athletically gifted of the three Plumlee brothers, and his length and motor only fuel his rising draft stock as an NBA prospect. His offensive contributions are limited, but the lanky forward can run the floor and sky above the rim and has a great nose for rebounding.
5. Derrick Williams
11 of 15
6’8”, 240-lb. Sophomore
Depending on whom you ask, Williams could be arguably higher on this list because his inside-out game is among the elite in the draft. The major knock on his game is that he is undersized, but he is a crafty, physical player with a great motor and basketball IQ that will make his impact felt in the NBA.
4. John Henson
12 of 15
6’10”, 210-lb. Sophomore
The length, defensive presence and upside of the sophomore is just scary, as he is averaging 11.1 points and 8.5 rebounds and turning away three shots per game. Henson has a budding post game and decent jumper, but if he can add muscle, don’t be surprised if he ends up rising just a bit higher on this list.
3. Terrence Jones
13 of 15
6’8”, 245-lb. Freshman
Having seen TJ play as a freshman at Jefferson High School and watching his game develop light years in terms of skill, his potential and improvement are definitely going to rise in the next few years.
He has the overall, game, body and length to be an impact player in the NBA, but the question has always been whether he can play within the team game and improve his basketball IQ.
2. Perry Jones
14 of 15
6’10”, 220-lb. Freshman
Perry is putting up some nice numbers in Waco, but the draft hype surrounding his game is fueled by his immaculate combination of length and athleticism. He has a developing game, but he’s a little bit too raw in my opinion to warrant a higher pick over some of the more refined players. That said, Jones literally has all the potential in the world.
1. Jared Sullinger
15 of 15
6’9”, 280-lb. Freshman
The top player on the top team in the nation is a gamer who’s a physical force in the post. Sullinger is a bit undersized at 6’9” and not great athletically, but he makes up for it by dominating the paint with his big body and strength.
Jared is a top five pick whose stock is continuing to rise, as he is the premier player on an undefeated team that could challenge for the NCAA title this season.
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