ACC Basketball: What will ACC prospects bring to their NBA teams?
By James Bowers
SG Jerome Robinson, Los Angeles Clippers
School: Boston College
Pick: 13th overall
Height/Weight/Age: 6-5/190/21
It’s impossible to hear Jerome Robinson’s name without a “swish” sound occurring in the brain. Robinson’s scoring during a breakout junior season is the stuff of legend. He averaged 20.7 points with a high of 46 during a losing effort against Notre Dame. This point total was good for second in the conference. Robinson had a 38.1% 3-point percentage during his career in Chestnut Hill. His play has earned the admiration of Jay Bilas, who called the Raleigh, NC native “the most comprehensive offensive player in the draft.” The same cannot be said for his ability as a defender. His scoring prowess will be appreciated by a Clipper team that eeked out a 42-40 season last year.
Along with pick-and-roll sensation Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Robinson will give the Clippers a scoring punch that matches that brought by the departed Chris Paul. The Clippers could be a Western Conference threat if the two rookies hit their stride.
SG Lonnie Walker IV, San Antonio Spurs
School: Miami
Pick:18th Overall
Height/Weight/Age: 6-4/192/19
Lonnie Walker’s sole season with the Canes was slightly hindered by summertime injuries that delayed its start, but the kid recovered to put together an impressive stat pack. Walker averaged 11.5 PPG and 2.6 rebounds. Walker’s jumper and upside are key weapons that increase his value greatly. While work must be done on more technical skills like advanced reads, his physicality makes him a good pickup for Coach Pop.
The drama surrounding Kawahi Leonard and the uncertainty of his status creates a lot of questions for San Antonio. Where Walker fits in the club’s attack may be determined later. Regardless, the nifty chunk of change the 19-year-old product will receive will be life-changing. As he put it on his quote sheet: “At least me and Mom won’t have to share cheeseburgers anymore.