2015 NBA Draft Big Board Top 10, Week Six
By Jacob Rude
10. Rondae-Hollis Jefferson, Forward, Arizona Wildcats
One of multiple Wildcat forwards on this list, Jefferson is the 2nd leading scorer on the Wildcats behind someone else we’ll see on this list. While he’s averaging 12.5 points and 6.6 rebounds, it’s the defensive side of the ball that has scouts and GMs excited. He’s developed into a lock-down defender. At 6’7″ with a 7’1″ wingspan, that size will translate into the NBA quite nicely.
Coming into the season, RHJ was seen as an elite athlete without a refined game. This year, while he’s still a work in progress, he looks much improved from last season on the offensive end. He’s always a menace on the boards, grabbing at least six rebounds in all but one game this year, another skill that will translate nicely into the NBA.
9. Kevon Looney, Forward, UCLA Bruins
Talk about shooting up draft boards, Looney is doing just that. While not as heralded a freshman as Okafor, Towns, or Myles Turner, Looney has shown his worth for the Bruins this year. He’s third on the team in scoring (13.9) and leads the team in rebounding (10.9).
At 6’9″, Looney can play the small forward role and create match-up nightmares. He has a power forward body with a small forward game. He handles the ball way and is developing into a nice playmaker on the court. However, as with many players his size, Looney is projected as a tweener. He’s not big enough to be a power forward, but can’t shoot well enough to play small forward. Right now, he’s shooting just 20% from three-point range.
However, he is still just 18 years old and can still develop even more to his game.