2009 NBA Draft Stocks - March Madness can Make or Break Players
by Tim Furious
The Big Dance is upon us, and if certain youngsters can perform beyond themselves, then they’ll realize their big dream in a big way. Just ask Mario Chalmers, the former Kansas Jayhawk clutch man who won the NCAA Title for the Jayhakws last year and jumped up to the 34th overall pick as the fourth pick in round two.
So who needs big performances this year, and who is poised to make some noise amongst the NBA 2009 Draft boards that NBA teams are compiling for June? The March Madness betting Tournament isn’t just about the NCAA title, your bracket busters or your former college. This is about these kids prepping for the future.
Tyler Hansbrough – UNC Tar Heels (-250 to win ACC)
Not many Tar Heels get to say that they went the full four years undefeated against Duke. Still, Hansbrough, the energetic momentum swinger who starts for UNC has his critics. He’s considered vastly unathletic and undersized for the NBA at the power-forward position. What remains to be seen is how driven Hansbrough can be in pushing the Tar Heels to the Championship. This may be his only shot at glory as a starter, and while I believe Hansbrough can contribute at the NBA level, it’s the league executives that need more convincing.
Willie Warren – Oklahoma Sooners (+150 to win Big 12)
While Blake Griffin steals the main stage, it’s Willie Warren who does the majority of the work for Oklahoma. Warren is a bonafide scoring threat, who can take over a game when necessary. A 6-foot-4 point guard with scoring versatile and a nose for the basket is certainly attractive to many scouts. He’s moved in to the top-10, along with Griffin who stands as the consensus first choice, and can be serviceable as a scoring dynamo on a team that needs some backcourt help (Toronto, anyone?).
Tyler Smith – Tennessee Volunteers (+275 to win Southeastern)
On the best team in the competitive Southeastern Conference, Smith has to be the man. Too bad his performance this season has been nothing short of disappointing. Smith has averaged a solid 17.1 points per game, but his rebounds and shooting percentages have tumbled since his breakout season last year. Smith opened as a top-15 lottery pick but has tailed off in to the second round. He needs to remind the league just how dangerous he can be, and certainly has the talent to do so. He just has to make the most of it.
DeJuan Blair – Pittsburgh Panthers
Blair put himself on the map with a huge game against Hasheem Thabeet of UConn, one of the top-ranked players in the country. Blair rocked the rim for 22 points and 23 boards in that game, and suddenly stole the attention of NBA scouts. Although he’s considered undersized, his arms have the wingspan of a pterodactyl (7-foot-3) and his energy and power down low are all bringing him a positive look from GM’s looking for a motor guy. Blair has entered the lottery sweepstake, and could certainly make some noise with some more 20-15 performances as Pittsburgh makes a push for the NCAA Title.
Nick Calathes – Florida Gators (+450 to win Southeastern)
There’s a new great white hype in town folks, and his name is Nick Calathes! Naturally, the white guy from Florida lacks speed, strength and agility. But his basketball IQ has people raving. As a sophomore, Calathes has averaged 17-6-5, which stand as promising numbers from a guy many consider to be holding the short end of the athletic stick. But as a backup point guard in a league surprisingly devoid of them (why else would Boston try to get Marbury?), Calathes has a ton of value. He has great 3-point range, and can light up from the field while getting his teammates involved and even grabbing boards. He can boost his draft stock tremendously with an underdog showing from the Florida Gators.
BetUS is going to be bringing you Bracket Buster contests, the best March Madness bracket buster contests!
