2011 NBA Draft: Comparing the Top Positional Matchups for All NCAA Prospects

In recent NBA draft's, "one and done" players have routinely been selected at the top of the draft.  In 2008 the first three picks were all freshman, and also ten freshman were drafted in the first round. 

This draft looks no different: Kyrie Irving, Harrison Barnes, Jared Sullinger... Many of the nation's most talented players and top potential draft picks are freshman. 

Although there is no "sure thing" player in this draft like a Blake Griffin or John Wall, there are many talented young players who could develop into future All-Stars.

Position by position, here is an analysis of the top prospects in this year's draft.   

PG: Kyrie Irving Vs. Brandon Knight

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TAMPA, FL - MARCH 19: Brandon Knight #12 of the Kentucky Wildcats attempts a shot against the West Virginia Mountaineers during the third round of the 2011 NCAA men's basketball tournament at St. Pete Times Forum on March 19, 2011 in Tampa, Florida. Kent

Irving: In this weak class, Irving is considered by many to be the top prospect.  He "has a chance to be special" according to NBA draft scout Aran Smith. 

He is a gifted scorer who already has mastered his jump shoot and can drive to the lane almost at will. 

Irving already does everything you expect of a great PG—he plays passing lanes well (1.5 steals per game), doesn't turn the ball over, and is leader on and off the floor. 

There's no question Duke was a different team with him on the floor.  Durability is his only concern—he played in only 11 games for Duke this season.  

Knight: Knight is the next great PG coached by Calipari, and although not the caliber of a Derrick Rose or John Wall, Knight is an excellent player in his own right.

He has already hit two game-winning shots in the tournament, and is one of the fastest players in the country.

He is not the passer Irving is, and he needs to be more consistent in his scoring as he can be a little streaky.  

Conclusion: Knight will be a top-ten pick, but is outclassed by Irving, who will likely be the top pick should he decide to enter the draft.   

SG: Jimmer Fredette Vs. Alec Burks

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NEW ORLEANS, LA - MARCH 24: Jimmer Fredette #32 of the Brigham Young Cougars shoots over Chandler Parsons #25 of the Florida Gators in the second half during the Southeast regional of the 2011 NCAA men's basketball tournament at New Orleans Arena on Marc

Fredette: Jimmer may be the best scorer in this year's draft.  With almost unlimited range from three, the ability to use either hand and his wide array of off-balance shoots and floaters in the lane, he is very difficult to guard. 

However, he has a long list of negatives.  He will almost certainly have to play PG in the NBA, so his court awareness must improve, and he must cut down on his turnovers. 

He is also not very athletic and his ball-handling is average at best. 

Burks: Burks is not a well-known prospect, but he did average 20 points per game this season for Colorado.  

He is a gifted scorer who is much more athletic than Jimmer, but not as great a shooter.  He still has a lot of untapped potential, and has drawn comparisons to Evan Turner, the No. 2 pick in last year's draft. 

Conclusion: While not the better known player, Burks has a chance of going in the top five and has much more upside than Jimmer.  Fredette will likely be a late lottery pick.

SF: Harrison Barnes Vs. Derrick Williams

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ANAHEIM, CA - MARCH 24: Derrick Williams #23 of the Arizona Wildcats reacts after defeating the Duke Blue Devils during the west regional semifinal of the 2011 NCAA men's basketball tournament at the Honda Center on March 24, 2011 in Anaheim, California.

Williams: Williams is perhaps the most difficult player to guard in the country: At 6'9", he is able to post-up smaller players and yet can still stroke the three. 

His athleticism and intangibles are also top-notch.  He is a smart offensive player who is always trying to drive to the lane and get easy buckets or foul shots—he averaged 7.5 attempts per game from the free throw line this past season. 

At the NBA level, he is not a pure enough shooter to be a SF, so he may be a little undersized at the PF position.  But other than that, there are little holes in his game. 

Barnes: Barnes is perhaps the most athletic player in this year's draft, standing at 6'8" with a seven foot wingspan.  

The pressure of being named to the Pre-Season All-American team seemed to get to Barnes, as he struggled in the early part of the season. 

But he has turned it on since, showing many why he was the No. 1 recruit coming out of high school. 

He does a variety of things well, although he is not great in any one area.  He is a natural scorer who still has a lot of upside. 

Conclusion: Both should be top five picks, but Williams is the more diverse player and safer pick.  

PF: Jared Sullinger Vs. Perry Jones

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CLEVELAND, OH - MARCH 20: Jared Sullinger #0 of the Ohio State Buckeyes claps from the bench late in the game against the George Mason Patriots during the third of the 2011 NCAA men's basketball tournament at Quicken Loans Arena on March 20, 2011 in Cleve

Sullinger: Sullinger is a throwback player who uses his size and bulk to bully opponents in the post.  He is an excellent passer for a a big man, and has decent touch from 15 feet and under. 

However, he is not overly athletic and is rather slow.  He may need to develop some more polished post moves to be effective against NBA talent. 

He could turn into a All-Star, but is a risky pick. 

Jones: Jones is the more athletic player and also has great height at 6'11".  He is very fast for a big and does a great job of running the floor. 

However, his small frame and lack of toughness may result in him being pushed around at the next level.

Scouts also question his work ethic after he fell sort of the high expectations set for him coming out of high school.  He was also suspended the final part of the season for accepting improper benefits. 

Conclusion: Both these players do the exact opposite things well. Sullinger is a bigger, traditional post-up player, while Jones is quicker, leaner and more athletic.  

Both should be top ten picks, but this is a weak PF class, and neither is guaranteed success in the NBA.

C: Enes Kanter Vs. Marcus Morris

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TULSA, OK - MARCH 18: Marcus Morris #22 of the Kansas Jayhawks drives with the ball against Dom Morris #15 of the Boston University Terriers during the second round of the 2011 NCAA men's basketball tournament at BOK Center on March 18, 2011 in Tulsa, Ok

Kanter: Kanter would have been playing for the Kentucky Wildcats this season, but was declared ineligible for accepting improper benefits from his Turkish club team. 

He has brute strength, a good variety of post moves and soft hands.  He is considered a top five prospect despite not playing a game this season. 

However, durability is a concern, as Kanter had a variety of knee issues in his international career. Again, there is also the threat of Kanter not adjusting to the NBA game after playing European ball for so long. 

Morris: Morris is a difficult big to defend because of his great jump shot. he is very effective from inside 15 feet and shoots the three at a high level as well. 

He is a high motor player who doesn't take bad shots and does a lot of different things well.  

However, he is not a great shot blocker and has slow feet.  His upside may be limited in the NBA. 

Conclusion: Kanter is the better player, although he is a bit of a risky pick.  Morris should have a good NBA career, but more as a top-tier bench player.