NBA Mock Draft:10 High School Seniors Who Would Rather Play in the NBA Next Year

With the NBA’s collective bargaining agreement up for adjustment this coming summer, the structure of NCAA basketball and making the jump to the league could change.  Some high school seniors are already getting considerable looks from NBA for next year’s draft. 

Last summer we attended—along with about half the NBA’s team scouts—the Nike Global Challenge in Portland, Ore., a tournament loaded with the 2011 prep class’ top talent. In theory, if these players were able to make the jump, about a handful of them probably would. 

That said, SwishScout.com brings you ‘10 High School Seniors Who Would Rather Play in the NBA Next Year.’

To read more and get the full scouting report on any of these players, click on their names to get an extensive look at their respective games.

10. Adonis Thomas

Adonis Thomas (Memphis Commit): 6’6”, 210 lbs

Comparison: Tyreke Evans at Memphis

Even though he’s at the bottom of this list, make no mistake: Adonis has serious game. 

Thomas has an outstanding basketball IQ and an NBA build.  He knows how to get involved in a game and make an impact without the ball in his hands.  He needs to work on his jumper and defensive discipline, but he will make a splash at Memphis as a freshman.

9. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope

Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (Georgia Commit): 6’4”, 190 lbs

Comparison: JR Smith

Kentavious has one of the least gun-shy attitudes of any player in the 2011 prep class. 

He will pull up for three whenever he feels like it. Whether it is in transition or closely guarded, any look is a good one for him.  He does a great job of playing passing lanes and getting steals at a very high rate. Pope is a very athletic guard with great agility, but doesn’t get to the basket much because he insists on launching from long range. 

Nonetheless, he's an outstanding shooter with great upside that will enhance his game.  

8. Bradley Beal

Bradley Beal (Florida Commit): 6’3”, 180 lbs

Comparison: James Harden

Beal is a pure scorer who can put up points in a variety ways.  He mirrors the ‘old man’ game of James Harden from the Oklahoma City Thunder, but he also has an explosive side that allows him to score points in bunches.

The ‘Real Deal’ is very good from beyond the arc and plays very heads-up, following his own shots and taking only good looks from the field.  He doesn’t have great size or athleticism, but he brings instant offense and scoring to any team.  

7. Rakeem Christmas

Rakeem Christmas (Syracuse Commit): 6’9”, 220 lbs

Comparison: JJ Hickson

Christmas is one of the best pure athletes in this class, with exceptional defensive instincts and shot-blocking ability.  He still is very raw and undisciplined, but has as much potential as anyone in 2011. 

His postgame and perimeter game are significantly lacking currently, but he has shown progress.  Rakeem has a great ability to finish in transition and shows good tenacity on the boards.  He might be a project of sorts, but it’s one that could pay great dividends if handled correctly. 

6. James McAdoo

James McAdoo (North Carolina Commit): 6’8”, 220 lbs

Comparison: Gerald Henderson

The nephew of former NBA great Bob McAdoo, James is a specimen who looks destined for the league.  The strength of his game is in his rebounding ability and great defense in the post. 

James has great athleticism, motor and the ability to be involved in virtually every play.  However, his free throws and perimeter shooting touch need a great deal of work.  McAdoo is one of the more naturally talented players as a "tweener" forward and can make an impact player wherever he goes.

5. Quincy Miller

Quincy Miller (Baylor Commit): 6’9”, 210 lbs

Comparison: Kevin Durant

The Baylor commit is a very similar type player to Kevin Durant in almost every facet of his game.  Miller is a marksman from the perimeter with a smooth shooting touch that kills defenses if they give him even a shade of daylight.  He is an adept dribbler who can change pace and crossover defenders to get to the basket with ease. 

However, Quincy is very scrawny for his size, needs to refine his shooting mechanics and tends to take some errant shots.  In addition, he is also sidelined the rest of the 2011 prep season with an ACL tear.

4. Marquis Teague

Marquis Teague (Kentucky Commit): 6’2”, 175 lbs

Comparison: Ty Lawson meets John Wall

The younger brother of Atlanta Hawks guard Jeff Teague, Marquis is the elite point guard of the 2011 class. 

His skill set and upside make him a valued piece for any team, as he looks to be next in the line of Calipari’s great point guards.  Teague is an exceptional ball handler who can stop on a dime and change pace, breaking down defenders to get to the rim and finish with authority. 

The big knock on his game is hitting the three and depth on his jumper.  Marquis is very highly rated among NBA scouts and will be a top pick whenever he is draft eligible.    

3. Michael Gilchrist

Michael Gilchrist (Kentucky Commit): 6’7”, 210 lbs

Comparison: Jerry Stackhouse meets Trevor Ariza

Gilchrist is routinely mentioned at the top of 2011 ladder and for good reason.  Mike has great toughness and explosive athleticism that few in his class possess. 

He has the look of a prototypical NBA forward, and he has the ability to rebound and get to the basket like one.  The most noticeable weakness in his game is shooting consistency and mechanics, but that is usually the easiest for a player to improve on.  Gilchrist is a very good defender and playmaker as well, reminiscent of Trevor Ariza defensively.

2. Austin Rivers

Austin Rivers (Duke Commit): 6’4”, 190 lbs

Comparison: Stephen Curry

The son of former NBA player and current Boston Celtics coach Doc Rivers, Austin has been among the top prep players throughout his high school career.  The mark of his game is his hot shooting and ability to score almost at will. 

He has an immaculate ability to create space and his own shot off the dribble.  Rivers has a seemingly identical game to Stephen Curry, minus the passing aspect.  Austin doesn’t use his left hand often or have much strength, but he is a top five pick in the near future.  

1. Anthony Davis

Anthony Davis (Kentucky Commit): 6’10”, 200 lbs

Comparison: Chris Bosh

Davis is the cream of the crop—in our opinion—in 2011. 

Not only will he be an outstanding NCAA player, but he has the makeup and complete game to be successful in the NBA.  Anthony was a late bloomer on the recruiting scene this past year and has grown 10 inches in the past couple seasons.  Davis has intimidating size and length, even with the absence of muscle.  He can shoot the ball, score in the post, D up in the paint and run the floor in transition. 

Davis has great awareness on the court and a very good basketball IQ.  The black cloud over his game is allegations that his family asked for money from universities in a ‘pay for play’ deal surrounding his recruitment, a reason he would want to skip the NCAA altogether. 

Davis has the game to be a more physical Chris Bosh, and an absolute star on any level.