[PaintTouches]Going pro: Ranking the current roster on NBA potential

[Silkk the Shaka]

So you think all of these players will be drafted?  Jamail Jones???

I think the only one I see drafted on this team is Jamil.  Not sure about DJO...

Okay fine, I WANT it to happen more than I THINK it will happen.  I do think he has the highest ceiling of anyone in that class though, and I think he'll be a star for us as a junior/senior.

[Ari Gold]

I think there is a real great chance DJO will be drafted late 1st early 2nd.
I agree with the board in saying Jamil has a chance and Vander if he improves could play in the NBA. Most other players are solid European/NBADL guys. 

I believe that Wes Matthews not being drafted has helped MU get players in the NBA . His success may have made some teams more likely to draft an MU player for fear of missing out on the "next Wes Matthews." I definately think thats what pushed Lazar into the first round. Maybe by this point, Wes is too removed from the program, but I think he really turned some NBA heads and shined a light on to Marquette.

[DomJamesToTheBasket]

"Wilson is already lightyears ahead of where Butler was at the same age."

When you use "lightyears ahead" in a statement,  you better be ultra confident you are right.  The fact is, that in all likelihood, Jimmy Butler was light years ahead at the same age. Jamil is one year younger than Jimmy.  He would be the #1 pick in the draft if he performs light years better than Jimmy did last season.

[Ellenson Guerrero]

I don't believe any of our guys will be playing big minutes in the Association in the future... and thats not because there won't be an association. I think most of our guys either are or are going to be solid to good college basketball players, but nobody has the complete package for the next level. Wes has made it because he fits the mold of the NBA 2 guard; our best players right now just don't have a position at the next level. But that being said, here is my take.

1) Wilson: He's the one guy who you look at and can think of an NBA  talent. He's got the height and athleticism. He has three years so he definitely should be good enough by the time he is done at MU... the only problem is he'll be too old by then to be considered to have much of a ceiling left.

2) DJO: if a team needs a backup SG who can shoot, DJO may find a place in the league. It'd have to be a perfect fit tho; he can't guard an NBA 1 or 2 for more than 10 minutes a game. Anyone thinking DJO is a first rounder this year is crazy; the draft is going to be stacked.

3) Vander: obviously has a long way to go, but if he can somehow develop a shot, he has the body to be a smaller NBA 2 and the defensive capability to guard at the next level.

4) Anderson: he can handle the ball and has the height. If he can get considerably stronger he might just turn into a poor man's Tayshaun Prince.

5) Crowder: Too late for Crowder to make a real push. Should have some opportunities to play professionally though.

6) Otule: Way too far down on the Paint Touches list. None of these guys from this point forward have a real shot, so being 6'11 gives Chris the edge.

7)  Cadougan: Every team needs a third string point. I think he'll probably get a try in the NBDL.

8)  Mellow: He's a strong kid and can shoot the 3. Let's wait and see if he can break into MU's rotation first.

9)  Gardner: He's big... but slow and can't jump. No amount of post moves will get over the 7 footers in the paint in the NBA.

10)  Mayo: Hopefully he can be a starter by the time his Junior year rolls around.

11)  Wilson: At least his brain isn't going to get bashed in playing football. I'm hopeful he can turn into a solid backup point for the next four years.

12)  Thomas: Not Jimmer Fredette and white. 

[strotty]

"Wilson is already lightyears ahead of where Butler was at the same age."

When you use "lightyears ahead" in a statement,  you better be ultra confident you are right.  The fact is, that in all likelihood, Jimmy Butler was light years ahead at the same age. Jamil is one year younger than Jimmy.  He would be the #1 pick in the draft if he performs light years better than Jimmy did last season.

The point of that post (my post) in Paint Touches, is that Wilson still has sophomore eligibility. Butler was awful the first half of his sophomore season, and the fact that multiple sources claimed Wilson was the best player in practice last season leads me to believe he IS light years ahead of Butler.

Much of this feature was speculating (it has to be...how can anyone project this stuff) on what COULD be. Wilson, with three years left, has a much better skill set than sophomore Butler and is more athletic. Who's to say he won't flourish under Buzz? I know I said same "age," but the fact that he has three years left puts him in a better position.

[Benny B]

Despite having two knee injuries, Blair was a quick jumper and I suspect had very long arms. I saw him grab many rebounds that he had no business getting. To me Gardner is like Brain Wardle. A tough kid, who was a very good college player, but physically was not pro material.

DG probably is a quick jumper... it's just that he gets to the basket faster for the rebound-putback when he doesn't jump.

[MerrittsMustache]

DG probably is a quick jumper... it's just that he gets to the basket faster for the rebound-putback when he doesn't jump.

Sometimes Ox jumps and lands so quickly it's almost as if he didn't even leave the ground!