2016 NBA Draft
Kris Dunn, PG, Providence
16 points, 5-13 FG, 4-5 3FG, 4 rebounds, 4 assists
This wasn't one of Dunn's better games, but he stilled showed off plenty of the reason why he will be a top ten pick in June. Dunn was by far the best athlete on the floor. He was a blur handling the ball in transition and could blow by any player that was guarding him in the half court. He was too fast for his own good at times, which came back to hurt him late on some of the shots he took to try and help Providence win the game. His handle is fine but it gets shaky at times when he is going too fast. He still can get a little bit better at changing speeds and really getting full control of what's going on. He is a real threat, however, whenever he catches the ball, and he constantly has the defense on their heels trying to guess what his next move is.
Dunn's three point jumper was falling, but his mechanics are really inconsistent, leading me to believe that it won't always be that way. His body is contorted awkwardly and his release, while smooth, has an unconventional release to it. Give him credit for not being a afraid to shoot it and being ready to fire on the catch. That's half the battle with some people. Defensively, Dunn is one of the best on ball defenders in this class. He gambled off the ball a tad much and his over-agression led him to get into foul trouble. On ball, he scares the living day lights out of whoever is guarding him. He has great length and fast hands for a point guard. The only way I unfortunately see Dunn getting drafted in the top five is if one of the teams who need a point guard, like the Pelicans and 76ers, drop out of the top three. He could go as high as four but I definitely don't see him falling out of the top ten under any circumstance. One of the most elite athletes in this draft.
2017 NBA Draft
Ben Bentil, C, Providence
19 points, 7-21 FG, 1-6 3FG, 9 rebounds
Bentil definitely didn't have his greatest showing either. The best way I can describe Bentil is that literally everything he does comes in high volumes. His effort will be there for several possessions in a row on defense and he'll look like a stud and then he'll have a few possessions of hands on his knees. It isn't belligerent like DeMarcus Cousins, but you get the idea. Same can be said for his offensive game. When he gets the ball, you can count on it going up. He has a nice set shot that you think is going in when he releases it but you'd like to see him take shots in the flow of the offense more than forcing it like he does. He hit a couple step back jumpers and spot ups that made you think he could be a lottery pick one day.
It is hard to get a feel for Bentil's physical profile. He is 6-9 and a big 235 lbs., and sometimes he looks the part of a strong power forward. He caught the ball a few times and rose up quick for powerful dunks and then other times, he struggled to find the lift to finish at the rim. He moved his feet well in Providence's scheme, showing and hedging to stop the ball and then recovering back to his man at the right time. However, he struggled to contest shots at the rim and sometimes didn't give effort when guarding guys in the post. His arms look short on film and there isn't anywhere online that confirms that, but his wingspan may be why he has a hard time protecting the rim. Bentil was one of two players to play all 40 minutes in this game, so these things like consistent effort and questionable athleticism may be too much to ask for in a game like this. Bentil will be one of the best players in the Big East next year and could play himself into the first round if he improves the consistency of his game across the board.
Bennie Boatwright, PF, USC
11 points, 4-8 FG, 2-3 3FG, 3 rebounds
Boatwright is a name you will hear a bunch next year, assuming he comes back to USC as a Sophomore. Their team should be one of the best in the Pac 12 again and Boatwright will get plenty of shine. His jumper is smooth and he looks comfortable putting it on the deck for a one dribble pull-up at times. He is automatic from three and when the ball leaves his hands, you think it's going in every time. He at the very least is going to be an elite pick and pop four next year for the Trojans.
His athleticism is in serious question, however. He didn't finish well at the rim and after one or two dribbles, he had trouble creating separation or getting to the rim. He also isn't strong yet, despite having a 6-10, 220 lbs. frame. He had trouble boxing out or guarding Bentil in the post. He also didn't show off any high IQ stuff or offensive feel that would make you think he could fit in an NBA game. Regardless of all that, his jumper is too nice for him not to get some serious draft buzz next year if USC as a team improves.
Keep an eye on…
Jordan McLaughlin, PG, USC
15 points, 7-12 FG, 1-2 3FG, 5 rebounds, 5 assists, 4 steals, 4 turnovers
I came away from watching this game wondering why in the world nobody talks about how good Jordan McLaughlin is. He looked like the clear best point guard in the Pac 12, without question. His speed and shiftiness on both ends are NBA caliber right now. He kills in the pick and roll; rejecting screens, putting guys in jail, hitting floaters, passing to the open man, and hitting tough shots. He did everything in this game. Defensively, he was everywhere. He was poking balls out from behind for steals and also jumping into passing lanes out of nowhere. The only problems were that because of his size, he struggled to finish at the rim. He also, like Dunn, goes to fast sometimes and gets himself in trouble. But this kid is for sure an NBA player. Some team is going to snatch him up and he is going to wow people.
Rodney Bullock, SF, Providence
16 points, 6-11 FG, 2-4 3FG, 10 rebounds, 2 steals, 2 blocks
Bentil was one of two Providence players to play all 40 minutes. The other? Rodney Bullock. Bullock checks off all the boxes of an NBA wing. He has the size at 6-8, 225 lbs., the length, the jump shot, and good enough athleticism to pass on both ends. He doesn't beat you off the dribble but he is a floor spacer at the very least. He crashes the glass well from the wing and does his part to help wreak havoc defensively. There is no shortage of spots for guys like him in the league. If he gets on the right Summer League team and impresses the same way he did against USC, he will be able to make a team.
Chimezie Metu, C, USC
0 points, 0-1 FG, 2 rebounds, 1 block
Metu was a non factor in this game but still proved why scouts are intrigued by him. He is 6-9 with a 6-11 wingspan, 220 lbs., and 18 years old still. He moves really well for a big man, blocks shots, and does well in pick and roll coverages. While he is really raw offensively, you can see him developing into a pick and roll dive guy who sucks the defense in and creates space for others. Think Clint Capela. Hopefully he can get some more playing time next year, because he is the type of big man that would allow USC to play the way that Coach Enfield really wants to play; up tempo, spread pick and roll with McLaughlin and Metu with guys like Elijah Stewart, Boatwright, and Katin Reinhardt spotting up can be absolutely killer. Since Metu is so young, he can afford to stay at USC a few years and develop more.
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