3 NBA prospects or 4?

[Discombobulated]

I keep reading that Marquette has 3 NBA prospects, but I think it's 4 because Hayward seems like an NBA player, too. He seems like a Quentin Richardson-type to me, with an ability to rebound, hit the three, and knock down open jumpers. I think he'll average at least 20 next yerar. Do scouts think Hayward has an NBA future, or is it James that won't get a look by the NBA?

[Tom Crean's Tanning Bed]

I don't think Hayward is quite an NBA player because he lacks the quickness to play the 2/3, and he's way too undersized to play the 4.  His shooting stroke will keep him in the conversation, but he's your quintessential good college player in a lot of respects.

James, despite all his shooting woes, will get an NBA look IMO.  The athleticism of a guy his size, his defensive ability, and his leadership on the floor will merit NBA consideration. 

[HoopsMalone]

Hayward is better than Rojer Powell from Illinois a few years ago because Haward can shoot the 3.  Hayward seems to have all of the intangibles about getting to loose balls and getting position on the boards.  I think he would be a nice game in the second round.  If Marquette does well in the tourney next year and he comes back as a senior and averages 20 and 10, he should get some really strong consideration.  The Big East will lose a ton of talent to graduation this year and some to the NBA, so Lazar has a chance to be a standout next year. 

James' free throw percentage hurts him, but he is exciting to watch and the NBA is a league about making money.  He would be a fan favorite if he can play a few minutes per game and get an ally-oop.  He has also shown that he can distribute the ball so hopefully James gets a look. 

[77ncaachamps]

I can say three: Jerel, Wes, Lazar.

Even as an MU fan, I refuse to think of DJ as an NBA prospect.

[bilsu]

I think Hayward will make the pros, but he will be a marginal pro player.

[MUhoops12]

As of now, the two NBA ready players are Jerel and Wes. Both have the tools to be very solid players at the next level. I can see DJ playing overseas or in the D-League until he improves his jump shot, but I do think he will eventually have the tools to contribute in the NBA. Although Lazar is stuck in between the 2/3 and the 4, I think developing one more year and improving his quickness will eventually land him a spot on a roster as a 3.

[77ncaachamps]

I think Hayward will make the pros, but he will be a marginal pro player.

Like Travis and Steve?

[Ellenson Guerrero]

2 NBA prospects: Wes and Jerel. IMO Wes has the better NBA future based on his size and strength. Jerel is definitely skilled enough to be on an NBA roster for another of years but I don't feel he could ever start do to his being a "tweener" without a good enough handle to run the point at the next level.

DJ has no shot. He has proven time and time again that he cannot consistently hit the outside shot. In the NBA a PG needs to be able to create for others (check for DJ), but also hit wide open threes at a high percentage. Right now if the Cavs drafted DJ and they doubled on LeBron, I'm not convinced DJ could make 40% with no one within ten feet of him.

Lazar is my favorite player on the team, but that doesn't make him an NBA player. He has a great combination of skills and is a matchup nightmare for college players. But to make it in the NBA you need to have offensive go-to moves and be able to guard your position. Now Lazar would have to play the 3 in the NBA (too slow for a 2 guard, too tiny for a 4). This would put him up against guys like Richard Jefferson, Caron Butler, Carmelo Anthony etc on a nightly basis. Now I love Lazar but there is no way that he could keep up with any of those guys on the defensive end, and I don't think he has the explosiveness on offensiveness to create for himself.

[ChicosBailBonds]

2 NBA prospects: Wes and Jerel. IMO Wes has the better NBA future based on his size and strength. Jerel is definitely skilled enough to be on an NBA roster for another of years but I don't feel he could ever start do to his being a "tweener" without a good enough handle to run the point at the next level.

DJ has no shot. He has proven time and time again that he cannot consistently hit the outside shot. In the NBA a PG needs to be able to create for others (check for DJ), but also hit wide open threes at a high percentage. Right now if the Cavs drafted DJ and they doubled on LeBron, I'm not convinced DJ could make 40% with no one within ten feet of him.

Lazar is my favorite player on the team, but that doesn't make him an NBA player. He has a great combination of skills and is a matchup nightmare for college players. But to make it in the NBA you need to have offensive go-to moves and be able to guard your position. Now Lazar would have to play the 3 in the NBA (too slow for a 2 guard, too tiny for a 4). This would put him up against guys like Richard Jefferson, Caron Butler, Carmelo Anthony etc on a nightly basis. Now I love Lazar but there is no way that he could keep up with any of those guys on the defensive end, and I don't think he has the explosiveness on offensiveness to create for himself.

Let's not forget that most people did not have Diener or Novak in the NBA after their junior years either.  Yet despite the worst coach ever to harbor a whistle, they both made it.  I doubt anyone thought Wes would make it but it looks like he will, too.

My guess is Lazar will look dynamite next year being "the man", playing as a senior, out of the Big Three's shadow.

[Marquette_g]

Jerel - Relatively long NBA career if he continues to play D.  He could end up being a contributer.

Wes - Bounces around for a couple of years, but really never more than an 11th or 12th man on the bench

Lazar - 2nd round pick, makes a roster, but doesn't stick.

DJ - Undrafted, tries to sign on as a FA but spends time in NBDL or Europe.