NBA Combine Results 2016: Players Who Made Biggest Impression
The 2016 NBA Draft Combine remains as important as its past iterations, though opinions vary on what portion is most critical in the minds of front offices around the Association.
Some say that the on-court performances mean the most, which is perhaps true for lesser-known prospects. Others likely prefer the interview process, as years and years of film already say enough about a player's on-court ability but not him as a person.
All would agree on the importance of medical exams.
Alas, all of these parts forge a whole about each prospect before organizations make their all-important decisions on draft day. As a way to review, let's take a look at some of the biggest winners of the process thus far.
Full athletic tests and measurements available from NBA.com.
Players Who Made Biggest Impression
Georges Niang, F, Iowa State Cyclones
Going into the combine, when it came to forwards, most thought of big names such as Dragan Bender, Henry Ellenson and more.
Georges Niang made sure that his name resonated in all circles with strong performances.
Niang didn't put on a show when it came to measurements, but as the ever-evolving Association shows each year, measurements are far from the only things that matter. So while it may sound like Niang has a terrible standing vertical leap of 25 inches, it didn't matter much on the court.
In live game action, Niang put on an absolute show, scoring 20 points and simply out-hustling others. Rave reviews poured in, as Mike Hlas of the Cedar Rapids Gazette and Jonathan Givony of DraftExpress.com illustrated:
Niang playing well on the court shouldn't come as a surprise, not after he played significant time over the course of four seasons at Iowa State. He most recently posted averages of 20.5 points and 6.2 rebounds per game in the 2015-16 season.
Detractors will point out Niang's lack of upside because he's already 22 years old, but he posted a major statement at the combine. He's pro ready and going to contribute for a long time in the NBA, a rare reassurance in a draft process littered with potholes.
Demetrius Jackson, PG, Notre Dame Fighting Irish
Notre Dame Fighting Irish's Demetrius Jackson is one of those guys who didn't need to show much from an on-court perspective at the combine.
A three-year player at Notre Dame, the junior just averaged 15.8 points, 3.5 rebounds and 4.7 assists per game while shooting 45 percent from the floor in 2015-16.
Classified as an explosive athlete before the event, Jackson exceeded expectations in a major way by making a bit of history for himself, according to NBA Draft:
While point guards such as Kris Dunn and Tyler Ulis arguably boast higher stock than Jackson, the Notre Dame product is much more than a jump machine.
A floor general with elite vision, the NBA would have probably made Jackson a late first-round pick one year ago. Guys with a nice mixture of pro-ready traits and a high ceiling don't come around often, and it's a tandem making him a great fit for most any team in the middle of the first round.
Zhou Qi, F, China
Say hello to one of the 2016 draft's most polarizing players, especially after a dominant showing at the combine.
Zhou Qi out of China classified as a prospect needing to add some bulk going into the combine, which makes sense thanks to a frame of 7'2" and 218 pounds.
Despite the lack of bulk, on film, Qi pops as a low-post player with plenty of offensive moves, an elite ability as a passer and a strong rim protector on the defensive end of the court.
Then the measurements happened, with a note by NBA Draft saying it all:
It's one thing to see a prospect on film, it's quite another to get official numbers and see them dwarf everyone else in attendance.
As for Qi himself, he only had a few words for those who questioned if he's ready to make the jump, according to Sean Deveney of SportingNews.com:
The definition of a project, it will be interesting to see how Qi's arrival and testing at the combine impact his stock on draft day. If a team buys into the idea that his frame will fill out nicely over the next few years, then said team might have a steal on its hands.
As the combine confirmed, everything is there for Qi except the weight. And it only takes one team to fall in love to pull off a shocker on draft day.
Honorable Mentions
| Cheick Diallo | C, Kansas Jayhawks |
| Kay Felder | PG, Oakland Golden Grizzlies |
| Robert Carter Jr. | PF, Maryland Terrapins |
| Ben Bentil | F, Providence Friars |
| Malcolm Brogdon | G, Virginia Cavaliers |
All stats and info via ESPN.com, unless otherwise specified.
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