NBA Draft Stock Report

Stock UP:

Jabari Parker SF/Duke- Parker has been unbelievable.  While his draft spot on the Big Board has remained relatively constant (moved from 5 to 4), he is now given a similar grade of 90 as Julius Randle.  I still give a slight edge to Randle, but at this point the difference in draft slot between the two could come down to positional needs.  Look for Parker to keep up his hot play.

Gary Harris SG/Michigan State- Like Parker, Harris has not seen much of a bump on the board, as he has moved up one spot from 10 to 9.  Harris has been impressive this season in showing more facets to his game than were apparent last season.  Harris is knows for his stellar outside shooting, and has kept that up this year to an extent (his percentage is down, but will rebound).  What is more impressive are the increases in his rebounding and assist totals, which have doubled in both categories despite seeing one 3 more mpg thus far.  Keep an eye on Harris, as he could wind up being a rich man's JJ Redick.

Noah Vonleh PF/Indiana- Wow did I underrate Vonleh.  I was expecting him to put up solid totals in blocks and rebounds with modest scoring.  I did not expect him to come out of the gate with four straight double doubles.  Julius Randle, deservedly, has earned a lot of praise for his streak of double doubles at the start of the season, while Vonleh- a fellow HS All-American in his own right- has gone fairly unnoticed.  If he can develop a more consistent mid-range jump shot, he can fill Cody Zeller's departed role more than adequately.  I have moved Vonleh into the first round picture, but expect his big board ranking to continue to rise

3 others who have impressed thus far:  Spencer Dinwiddie, Dwight Powell, Johnny O'Bryant III

Stock EVEN:

Andrew Wiggins SF/Kansas- After the mega-bowl in Chicago (this would have been a better name for the tournament!) everything heard on cable sports channels was the emergence of Parker, and how he may be surpassing Wiggins on some draft boards.  To that, I say stop overreacting.  Parker was absolutely more polished coming into the season, and his effectiveness, while impressive, still does not overshadow the potential that Wiggins has.  In two games, Wiggins is averaging 19 points and 5.5 rebounds per game.  Given the room he still has to grow, especially in converting his outside shot, Kansas will end the season with the best player in college basketball and the first overall pick.  His grade stays constant at 96.

Stock DOWN:

Patric Young C/Florida- How are we still talking about Young as a potentially draftable player?  His statistics have dipped across the board while playing only 2 minutes less per game.  There is plenty of time to turn it around, but the 4th option on a Florida team that won't contend for much this year is nothing to get excited about.  Young will have to drastically improve his play, and his motor, if he wants to remain in the draft picture.

Andrew and Aaron Harrison G's/Kentucky- I can't say I am surprised the twins have struggled for the most part, but they need to pick up the slack to keep Kentucky in the national picture and to remain as lottery pick candidates.  Andrew, supposedly the more sought after guard due to has ball handling abilities at 6'5", has struggled most, and is averaging only 3 assists per game.  Given the talent around him, I am surprised to see the number so low.  Aaron finally had a breakout performance against Robert Morris, scoring 28, but his struggles were more than noticeable against Michigan State.  It is a bad omen if the twins continue to struggle in big games.  Baylor, North Carolina and Louisville still remain on the non-conference schedule, as well as an underrated Belmont team that knocked off North Carolina yesterday.  There is still time for the Harrison's to show they can hang with the best competition. 

Damyean Dotson SG/Oregon- Dotson was an underdog pick of mine before the season, but has failed to live up to the hype (I may be the only one creating it...) so far.  He has struggled shooting the ball in two games at a shade under 27% overall.  He did have 8 rebounds against Georgetown, which could be important to the Ducks as the season progresses, but has not had much other impact.  Especially with PG Dominic Artis suspended, Dotson needs to elevate his game.

3 others who have failed to impress:  Isaiah Austin, Demetrius Jackson, LaQuinton Ross