Duke Basketball: Top Blue Devil Prospects For The 2011 NBA Draft
Watching Duke decimate the Oregon Ducks, live at the Rose Garden this past weekend, it was readily apparent that the Blue Devils have a plethora of potential NBA talent.
With as much talent as they have, and more depth than their NCAA title winning team last year, it will be a shock if they don’t repeat this year.
There is a chance that three of their players could be selected in the 2011 Lottery, with a total of four players taken in the first round. SwishScout.com ranks Duke’s Top Five major prospects with a chance to be taken in the 2011 Draft.
To read more about each prospect in greater detail, click their name linked to their respective scouting report.
5. Seth Curry
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Seth Curry (Sophomore SG, 6’1”, 175 lb.s)
A Talented transfer from Liberty, where he led all freshman in scoring with 20.2 points for the Flames.
Seth has an extremely similar game to his older brother, Stephen Curry, of the Golden State Warriors.
The mark of his game is his jumper and ability to knock down the three. He has the ability to create his own shot and get to the basket, but has taken on a reluctant offensive role at Duke, and is confined to mostly being a shooter.
Unlikely to enter in 2011, but will have a chance to raise his stock in coming years.
Natural talent with NBA three point range and great feel for the game, but has to prove he can play in the ACC without being the center of the offense on a talented Duke team.
Projected Draft Stock: Mid-Late 2nd Round
4. Nolan Smith
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Nolan Smith (Senior G, 6’2”, 185 lb.s)
Mature, all-around player who shows great veteran leadership on the court with his play.
Smith has a complete game that will work well for an NBA team that needs a solid role player at guard.
He can run the point as a secondary handler, although he turns it over frequently under duress.
Has developed ankle breaking dribble moves during his time in college and can get to the rim, or pull up on command.
Great basketball IQ and ability to create, along with being a proven winner while demonstrating he can be a complimentary player alongside brighter stars.
May not have a great upside like other prospects, but a solid, underrated player who could have a nice career in the league.
Projected Draft Stock: Mid-Late 1st Round
3. Mason Plumlee
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Mason Plumlee (Sophomore PF, 6’10”, 230 lb.s)-
Intriguing prospect because of his combination of size, length, and athleticism.
Has arguably the most of upside and potential of any player at Duke right now, and easily the most athletic big man Coach K has ever had.
Plumlee is an outstanding rebounder on both ends of the court and exceptional shot blocker who turns away shot attempts at a good rate.
Disruptive defensive force in the paint, but needs to learn how to play in there offensively. Doesn’t position himself well enough right now, partially due to lack of strength, nor does he really have any post moves.
More of a natural SF, but will refine his interior game in due time. An offensive project right now, but is ready to go on the defensive end with his shot blocking and rebounding.
Projected Draft Stock: Late Lottery
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2. Kyle Singler
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Kyle Singler (Senior SF, 6’8”, 230 lb.s)
The Most Outstanding Player of The Final Four has a smooth game and high basketball IQ that will translate well to the league.
While he may never be a star, his game is fit to start in the NBA because of his playmaking ability on both ends of the court, and knack for routinely making the smart play.
Great jump shooter with developing NBA three-point range, but more importantly, a reliable scorer who shows up every night.
Proven he can be a great defender and hustle player, despite not being an impressive athlete.
Maybe not a great deal of upside like his counterparts, but has proven he knows how to play at a high level, and can contribute multiple ways for a team on a nightly basis.
Projected Draft Stock: Late Lottery
1. Kyrie Irving
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Kyrie Irving (Freshman PG, 6’2”, 175 lb.s)
Complete PG prospect that does everything you would want, along with having great upside.
Superb defender with top notch defensive instincts for getting steals, but also has the ability to shutdown his man on defense.
Can get down the court in a flash, and frequently drives coast to coast for easy baskets in transition.
Has a capable jumper and can knock down the three, but does need to improve his shooting consistency.
Playmaking ability and creating skills are superb.
’Shoot first’ point guard in high school, but is becoming more of a true ‘pass first’ guard at Duke, where he has the skills to be an excellent assist man.
Doesn’t have great size, but his feel for the game is unbelievable, and has potential to be a star running the show for an NBA team.
Projected Draft Stock: Top 5 Pick
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