NBA Combine 2016: Prospects Who Boosted Their Stock After Thursday's Drills
The NBA Draft Combine is just getting started, but a number of players have already taken advantage of the spotlight with strong showings on Thursday.
While scouts have already formed their opinions on many of the prospects in this year's class, this week in Chicago can change a lot. Between measurements, interviews, athletic testing and five-on-five scrimmages, there are plenty of opportunities to rise (or fall) on draft boards.
It took only one day of real action for a handful of players to improve their stock with impressive performances in one or more of these areas. These prospects are the ones who especially separated themselves from the pack and will benefit in June.
Robert Carter Jr., PF, Maryland
A productive yet inconsistent career at Georgia Tech and Maryland has made Robert Carter Jr. an intriguing prospect. However, Jonathan Wasserman of Bleacher Report doesn't have any doubt the forward will hear his name called on June 23 after his showing Thursday:
Carter was the best player on the floor in the first half of his scrimmage, scoring 19 points on 7-of-11 shooting, including 2-of-2 from three-point range. He finished the day with 22 points, seven rebounds and a plus/minus of plus-13, all of which were game highs in the first exhibition.
Beyond the numbers, Carter showed a lot of versatility as a scorer and was a solid defender no matter who he matched up against.
While there were some questions about his shape after he weighed in at 250.6 pounds with 12.45 percent body fat, his performance showed he can be successful playing at this size. The measurements also worked in his favor with an impressive 7'3 ¼" wingspan for his 6'8 ½" frame.
Kay Felder, PG, Oakland
Although he didn't put up huge scoring numbers during his scrimmage, Kay Felder proved he belonged against some of the top competition in the class. This was a big question mark after he spent his career in the Horizon League with Oakland.
However, Felder's big moment of the day came when he posted a max vertical jump of 44 inches, the best mark of anyone on Day 1. This earned the attention of at least one NBA All-Star:
Felder is coming off an outstanding season where he averaged 24.4 points per game and an NCAA-best 9.3 assists per game. This is all despite measuring at just 5'9 ½" in shoes, making him the shortest player at the combine.
Despite the lack of height, it's clear the athleticism will take Felder a long way.
Cheick Diallo, C, Kansas
It's hard to evaluate Cheick Diallo based on his freshman season. Despite coming into the year with plenty of potential, he got a late start because of an NCAA suspension and then struggled to fit into the rotation at Kansas.
He did take advantage of his chance to play at the combine, though, tallying 18 points and four blocked shots. Considering he didn't reach double digits in any game over the last three months of the season with the Jayhawks, this was a bit of a surprise.
ESPN's Jay Bilas joked about the situation:
With good athleticism, a high motor and a 7'4 ½" wingspan, there are plenty of reasons for NBA scouts to be excited about Diallo's potential. After his showing in the scrimmage, this could equal a first-round draft pick.
DeAndre' Bembry, SF, Saint Joseph's
As one of the late risers on draft boards toward the end of the college basketball season, DeAndre' Bembry continues to see his stock soar after a strong day in Chicago.
Bembry was part of a blowout win in Game 2, where his team earned a 109-69 victory. While the score doesn't matter much, the Atlantic 10 Player of the Year had 18 points on 8-of-12 shooting.
Scott Phillips of NBC Sports had high praise for Bembry's all-around play:
"DeAndre Bembry has been tremendous this afternoon. Scoring, doing some distributing and defending at a high level.
— Scott Phillips (@phillipshoops) May 12, 2016"
The Saint Joseph's star doesn't need these games as much as the rest of the field, mostly full of fringe second-round prospects. However, he showed why he should be safely in Round 1 with a dominant performance against quality competition.
Demetrius Jackson, PG, Notre Dame
Unlike the others on this list, Demetrius Jackson didn't participate in the five-on-five scrimmages. The potential lottery pick doesn't need to prove he can play. However, he still had a big day even without playing in a game.
Jackson proved to be one of the most explosive players in the class with a standing vertical of 37 ½ inches and a max vert of 43 ½ inches. His 2.87-second shuttle run was also among the best of the day.
His athleticism and quickness are what make him such a solid prospect, although the guard has other things he wants to prove to teams.
"The biggest thing is character," Jackson said of his meeting with teams, per Tom Noie of the South Bend Tribune. "I want to show them who I am as a person and that I’m genuine. Character is the biggest thing, and then heart and effort. I’m giving my all every single day."
Jackson barely had to work up a sweat and still had one of the best performances of the day.
Note: Athletic tests and measurements courtesy of NBA.com.
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