2011 NBA Draft: Power Ranking Jared Sullinger and the Top Forward Prospects
As the NBA season marches ahead to the playoffs, there will surely be some dazzling dunks, buzzer-beaters, and trash-talking.
We at Bleacher Report here love that kind of stuff.
But as some teams rise to the playoffs, others are simply hoping the season will finish and they can get to the important business of deciding who they will select in the upcoming 2011 NBA Draft.
There are a lot of fantastic choices out there, including two freshman forwards that are creating some serious buzz, one of them being Ohio State's Jared Sullinger.
Here are 24 of the top forward prospects as of now that are widely projected to be selected in the first round of the draft.
Look for them in March Madness, they will surely be making some headlines.
24. Tyler Honeycutt, SF, UCLA
1 of 24
Projection: Mid to late first found
Stats: 12.8 ppg, 7.4 rebounds, 2.0 blocks
The Player: Not only is Tyler Honeycutt a solid athlete, he's also a threat to score, rebound, and block, in addition to being a very good passer. But what really makes him a big-time sleeper is his basketball IQ, which is outstanding.
23. Jeff Taylor, SF, Vanderbilt
2 of 24
Projection: Late lottery to mid first round
Stats: 14.5 ppg, 5.5 rebounds
The Player: Explosive and athletic, Jeff Taylor is always a threat to slash to the hoop, not to mention is an excellent defender. He started off his 2010-2011 campaign by exploding for 27 points against Presbyterian.
22. Kyle Singler, SF, Duke
3 of 24
Projection: Mid to late first round
Stats: 17.4 ppg, 6.5 rebounds
The Player: Kyle Singler's versatile, has long arms and good size, has a pretty jumper and is a solid rebounder. And like most Mike Krzyzewski disciples, he has a very high basketball IQ.
21. JaJuan Johnson, PF, Purdue
4 of 24
Projection: late first to early second round
Stats: 20.4 ppg, 8.1 rebounds, 2.4 blocks
The Player: JaJuan Johnson's long, athletic, can run the floor well for a big man, and he's explosive in the air on both offense and defense. There are questions about his basketball IQ, but that won't stop teams for selecting him early. Remember when DeJuan Blair fell to the San Antonio Spurs in the 2009 draft? Let's hope Johnson doesn't fall to the Spurs this time around for the sake of league-wide competition.
20. Trey Thompkins, PF, Georgia
5 of 24
Projection: Mid to late first round
Stats: 16.1 ppg, 7.6 rebounds, 1.2 steals, 1.8 blocks
The Player: Just looking at Trey Thompkins' stats, you can tell he's developing as an all-around player. He can play inside and out, has 3-point range, he's a good rebounder and a solid ball handler for his size.
19. C.J. Leslie, PF, NC State
6 of 24
Projection: Late first round
Stats: 11.4 ppg, 7.3 rebounds, 1.4 blocks
The Player: C.J. Leslie is not only explosive, he's incredibly fast for his size. He's one of the most athletic players at his position and his emerging perimeter game has teams licking their chops at a chance to grab him in the draft.
18. Chris Singleton, SF, Florida State
7 of 24
Projection: Mid to late first round
Stats: 13.8 ppg, 7.1 rebounds, 1.6 blocks
The Player: Chris Singleton is not someone you want to see barreling down the floor on a fast break as a defender. He finishes strong, he's a blur in transition, and he can also pull up nicely for the jumper. He has the ability to hit the 3-pointer, but he's streaky in this regard.
17. Marcus Morris, PF, Kansas
8 of 24
Projection: Mid to late first round
Stats: 17.3 ppg, 6.9 rebounds
The Player: Marcus Morris, one of the star Morrises for the Jayhawks, is versatile, is relentless when he attacks the rim, can handle the ball well, and has great stamina. He's not the most explosive player, but he makes up for it in game and heart.
16. Markieff Morris, PF, Kansas
9 of 24
Projection: Mid to late first round
Stats: 13.6 ppg, 8.4 rebounds, 1.2 blocks
The Player: There's not a whole lot not to like about Markieff Morris. He's long, athletic, explosive, a good defender, a solid rebounder, and he's developing some range for his jumper. A little turnover prone, but that's just nitpicking.
15. Tristan Thompson, PF, Texas
10 of 24
Projection: Mid to late first round
Stats: 13.3 ppg, 7.6 rebounds, 2.2 blocks
The Player: Tristan Thompson is long and athletic, has a big wingspan that reeks havoc on driving offensive players, has good handles, a neverending motor and is a versatile scorer. His best attribute is showing NBA potential in all of them.
14. Mason Plumlee, PF, Duke
11 of 24
Projection: Late lottery to mid first round
Stats: 7.3 ppg, 8.8 rebounds, 1.6 blocks
The Player: Mason Plumlee's stats won't jump out at you, but he's a solid rebounder that can run the floor well as a big man. He also has very good NBA potential as a blocker and has a solid midrange jumper away from the hoop. His passion is also, ahem, evident...
13. Kenneth Faried, PF, Morehead State
12 of 24
Projection: Mid to late first round
Stats: 17.6 ppg, 14.3 rebounds, 2.1 blocks
The Player: Kenneth Faried's explosive game, huge wingspan, and great work ethic not only makes him a fearsome shot blocker and scorer, it also makes him one of the best rebounders in the nation. You want rebounds? Take Faried and be done with it.
12. Thomas Robinson, PF, Kansas
13 of 24
Projection: Late first to early second round
Stats: 8.5 ppg, 6.3 rebounds
The Player: Thomas Robinson doesn't get many minutes being on a team like Kansas, but his potential is astronomical. He's an excellent rebounder and leaper, has a body fit for the banging down in the post that he'll be faced with in the NBA, and he's a very tough, physical player both on offense and defense.
11. Jan Vesely, PF, Czech Republic
14 of 24
Projection: Early first round
Stats: Not available
The Player: Jan Vesely of the Czech Republic could be your next foreign star, folks. Comparable to Dirk Nowitzki's game in that he can shoot from long range and has a smooth jump shot. He also runs the floor well for a big man, can handle, and is a good finisher in traffic. Needs to add a little bulk, but as far as his game goes he projects well to the next level.
10. Kawhi Leonard, SF, San Diego State
15 of 24
Projection: Mid first round
Stats: 15.3 ppg, 10.8 rebounds, 1.5 steals
The Player: An explosive leaper with scary long arms, San Diego State's Kawhi Leonard is the main reason the Aztecs have soared into the rankings this year. He's a great rebounder, his motor never stops running, and he's fit to play with the big boys on pure athleticism. If his offensive game can continue to improve, he could be a regular double-double guy in the NBA in due time.
9. Donatas Motiejunas, PF, Lithuania
16 of 24
Projection: Late lottery pick to mid first round
Stats: Not available
The Player: Donatas Motiejunas is not only an extremely aggressive scorer, able to push people down low, he also is a very good passer for someone his size. His quickness at 7 feet tall is alarming, and is a main reason why he excels in the post. Having great footwork helps, too. Did I mention he also has a sweet mid range game?
8. John Henson, PF, North Carolina
17 of 24
Projection: Late lottery to mid first round
Stats: 11.1 ppg, 9.5 rebounds, 3.2 blocks
The Player: Any stat there jump out to you? John Henson can not only score in a variety of ways, he uses his athleticism to his utmost potential. 3.2 blocks? Looks like we've got another JaVale McGee on our hands.
7. Jordan Hamilton, SF, Texas
18 of 24
Projection: Late lottery to mid first round
Stats: 18.7 ppg, 7.5 rebounds
The Player: Texas' Jordan Hamilton is not only an excellent scorer, he also has a very polished offensive game, which translates to: he could be a star soon. He can handle the ball well, is a good rebounder and he goes after all loose balls on the floor.
6. Jonas Valanciunas, PF, Lithuania
19 of 24
Projection: Late lottery to mid first round
Stats: Not available
The Player: Just put this guy under the hoop and watch him go to work. Jonas Valanciunas rebounds, blocks, has soft touch on his shots for a big man, and he already exhibits exceptional knowledge of the game. Could be a scary player in the NBA.
5. Harrison Barnes, SF, North Carolina
20 of 24
Projection: Early first round
Stats: 13.8 ppg, 5.7 rebounds
The Player: Harrison Barnes can not only score from virtually anywhere on the floor, he's basketball IQ is off the charts and he rarely makes any mental mistakes. He's got a great midrange jumper, he's smooth and quick off the dribble, and he rarely gets rattled. He also seems like a good kid (no character issues here).
4. Terrence Jones, SF, Kentucky
21 of 24
Projection: Late lottery to mid first round
Stats: 17.3 ppg, 9.1 rebounds, 1.2 steals, 2.0 blocks
The Player: One of the most versatile players in college basketball, Terrence Jones does it all for you: score from various areas on the floor, rebound at a high rate, play good defense, handle the ball like a point guard, pass with the best of the big men, and block like crazy. Has starry potential.
3. Derrick Williams, SF, Arizona
22 of 24
Projection: Top 10
Stats: 19.1 ppg, 8.1 rebounds
The Player: Derrick Williams is an absolutely explosive scorer, being able to drop shots from inside and out. He knows the game, is versatile, and a very good rebounder. His athletic ability is up near the tops, too. One of the next potential stars of the NBA.
2. Jared Sullinger, PF, Ohio State
23 of 24
Projection: Top 10
Stats: 17.4 ppg, 9.8 rebounds
The Player: Seriously, this guy's just a freshman? Jared Sullinger's potential is through the roof. He's a physically dominating player, as well as a gifted one. He can post up or face you and dominate either way. And he's a relentless competitor with a strong basketball IQ. It's scary what he could become if he continues to develop at this rate.
1. Perry Jones, PF, Baylor
24 of 24
Projection: Top 3
Stats: 14.2 ppg, 7.1 rebounds
The Player: Perry Jones, another freshman, may have even more potential than Jared Sullinger, and that's saying quite a bit. He has excellent size and athleticism, is beyond versatile, has top-of-the-class leaping ability, and he runs his speed on the floor is scary combined with his explosiveness. He's also a solid rebounder. The one qualm I have with him is he can be a little passive sometimes, not commanding the ball. But he's been picking this up lately and showing more aggressiveness. He will soon learn the more aggressive he is, the more of a nightmare he will be for opposing defenses.
