NBA Mock Draft 2011: The 5 Best Dunkers and Their First-Round Prospects

Sean MerrimanJun 23, 2011

The 2011 NBA Draft is fast approaching, and while this year's class may not be considered as strong as past draft classes, there are certainly a number of high flyers who should hear their names called tonight.

We all saw first hand how electrifying Blake Griffin was in his rookie season, but are there any players in this year's draft who can throw down like Griffin?

The NBA dunk contest seems to be littered with young, high-flying players. So, is the next dunk contest champion coming out of this draft class?

Let's take a look at the top five dunkers who will be rocking the rims in their rookie season and whether or not they will be selected in the first round the NBA Draft.

Josh Selby, Kansas

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Josh Selby did not have the type of freshman season that most expected of him at Kansas. But, what Selby did do was show off superior athleticism, which should help him transition nicely to the NBA game.

Kansas did not play the type of up-tempo game that suits Selby's style of play. This kid is fast, athletic and loves to play above the rim.

Selby took home first-place honors at the McDonald's All-American dunk contest during his senior year in high school. He then put on a show during the game itself.

This is rare to say, but look for Selby to have a much better NBA career than he did in college.

Durrell Summers, Michigan State

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You heard it here first: Durrell Summers is the best dunker to come out of college since Blake Griffin.

This kid loves to play above the rim. That became more than evident during Michigan State's Final Four run in 2009, when Summers posterized Connecticut's Stanley Robinson in what became known as the dunk of the year in college basketball.

The 6'5" Michigan State product did not have the type of senior season that most expected, and in return, he has seen his draft stock plummet this year.

But, look for some team to take a chance on this guy based on his freakish athleticism alone.

Travis Leslie, Georgia

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Travis Leslie is one of those freakish athletes that doesn't come around all that often.

The 6'4" shooting guard never averaged more than 15 points per game during his time at Georgia, but it seemed like he put on a dunking clinic whenever he took the court.

Leslie's explosive leaping ability and superior finishes around the rim could lead to him being a first-round selection, but more than likely, he should fall somewhere in the second round. Look for a team like Atlanta or New Orleans to take a shot at this high-flying human highlight film.

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Scotty Hopson, Tennessee

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When it comes to superior athletes, Hopson is one of the best in this year's draft class, and he certainly has a swag about his game.

The 6'7" guard has great size for his position and he loves to play above the rim. He sports a 6'10" wingspan, which is gigantic for someone his size.

Hopson was one of the top players in high school during his senior year, and like Selby, he also put on a dunking show at the McDonald's All American game. Look for him to do much the same at the NBA level. He should be a mid- to late second-round draft choice.

Derrick Williams, Arizona

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Not only is Derrick Williams the best athlete in this year's NBA Draft, but he is also one of the best dunkers in this class.

Williams was a human highlight film during his two years at Arizona. He was a staple on SportsCenter's Top 10 plays during the college basketball season.

Right now, it looks like Williams should be the No. 2 overall pick in this draft to Minnesota. He will provide the highlight dunks while Kevin Love does the dirty work down low. Looks like a pretty good combination in Minnesota.