2011 NBA Draft: 10 Players That Have Bust Written All Over Them
We are just a few hours away from the tip of the true start to the 2011 NCAA Tournament and excitement is flying across the country.
Just in the last week alone I have engaged in endless debates on three of the nation's most promising players and now we may actually get a shot to see them all play in the tournament (Kyrie Irving being the third).
Jimmer Fredette has been on the radar all season.
Kemba Walker just completed one of the most improbable runs in NCAA history and hype continues to surround a number of players getting ready for tournament play.
Unfortunately, college brilliance does not always translate into success on the NBA court.
Here is a look at 10 of the best players in the nation that are just as likely to be a bust as they are a success.
10. F Terrence Jones - Kentucky
1 of 10
The freshman forward is one of the most versatile players in the country and has a solid all-around game.
He reportedly has over a 7' wingspan and combined with incredible athleticism, it makes him one awfully appealing prospect to NBA teams.
Naturally, with potential comes the bust ability.
He's been streaky and also has not shown up in some big games.
Jones is still very young and could learn plenty, but it will be interesting to see how high he gets drafted and if he can handle the hype.
Kentucky will play Princeton in the their first game as No. 4 seed in the East region.
9. F Kawhi Leonard - San Diego State
2 of 10
Leonard can certainly play basketball and has been a rock for one of the nation's best teams this season.
He can score from almost anywhere and can bang the boards as well.
Unfortunately, he lacks ideal height, still has a ways to go as a shooter and is not always dominant.
His overall offensive game still needs improving and if he gets over-drafted it could send the wrong message.
The Aztecs tip off as a No. 2 seed in West region against Northern Colorado.
8. PF Tristan Thompson - Texas
3 of 10
The Longhorn power forward is a tremendous athlete and always plays hard.
He's still developing an offensive game, especially any bit of a game from the outside.
Thompson lacks ideal height as well and could round out to small to make a truly effective impact.
Texas, a No. 4 seed, will tip off against an upset-minded Oakland team in the West region.
7. PF John Henson - North Carolina
4 of 10
Henson is a true wild card.
He's got incredible length and athleticism and is a solid defensive force both inside and out.
His offensive game though, is still extremely raw, and he is somewhere in between being able to post up (too weak) and shooting (not good enough).
Henson's also extremely thin and he will be drafted with the intention of developing an offensive game that may never come.
North Carolina is a No. 2 seed and will play Long Island in their first game of the East region.
6. SF Chris Singleton - Florida State
5 of 10
The Florida State forward is a fantastic defender and has good size for the NBA.
However, he is still developing offensively and is coming off an injury.
His fractured foot may keep him from playing Florida State's opening game against Texas A&M in the Southwest region.
If he were to come back, it could certainly help his team, but as for his career in the NBA, his offensive shortcomings could be his undoing.
5. F/C Mason Plumlee - Duke
6 of 10
The Duke big man has incredible athleticism and uses his hops to rebound and block shots easily.
Yet this season was supposed to be the breakout year for Plumlee and we still do not see it.
He has little low post game to speak of and is awfully raw.
His combination of size and athleticism will easily get him drafted very high, but it may not pay dividends for his team.
Duke will take their No. 1 seed in the West up against Hampton in the first game.
4. PG Kemba Walker - UConn
7 of 10
Hard to say anything against the nation's most exciting player right now, but his NBA future could have very little success in store for him.
He can score the basketball with the best of them and plays with heart that few players possess.
Crunch situations hardly phase this man; he has ice in his veins.
Walker's stature will be in question though (shorter than 6'?), and he may truly never be a point guard in the NBA.
He leads the Huskies against Bucknell in the first round of the West region as a No. 3 seed.
3. SF Harrison Barnes - North Carolina
8 of 10
The freshman phenom has had a lot of hype surrounding him the minute the preseason All-Amercan ballet came out.
He's a smooth wing player who can do everything and is especially good in the clutch.
Barnes hasn't completely lived up to the hype so far and a big tournament could certainly help him.
The NBA could force him to be more well-rounded in his decision making, so he's got to start going to the basket more.
His potential is so high though, and that is why his bust factor is as well.
UNC plays Long Island in the first round.
2. PF Jared Sullinger - Ohio State
9 of 10
I still do not know how I completely feel about Sullinger.
He's done everything right this season at Ohio State and they are the favorite to win it all in my mind.
Sullinger is only 6'9", though he's not as explosive as he needs to be for the NBA.
There is no telling what he will be like in the league and his conditioning could certainly be an issue.
A lot of potential but so much uncertainty.
Ohio State will play a 16 seed (play-in game tonight) in the first round.
1. PG Jimmer Fredette - BYU
10 of 10
THE JIMMER.
What is the Jimmer going to do in the NBA (other than score)?
He cannot play good enough defense to handle the point guards in the league, his passing is mediocre and there is no telling how long it would take for him to get acclimated.
He's only 6'2" and it will be tough for him to create his own shot all the time at the next level.
We all love the Jimmer, but his NBA prospects could end miserably.
He will lead his No. 3 BYU team against Wofford in the first round of the Southeast region.
