2016 NBA Draft
Jamal Murray, SG, Kentucky
16 points, 7-18 FG, 1-9 3FG, 7 rebounds, 4 assists
Much like their first round game against Stony Brook, Murray struggled to get his shot going, shooting 1-9 from three. It's tough for Kentucky to win when he isn't hitting shots. He forced some shots but for the most part, he did well creating for himself and others like we are used to seeing. The officiating was horrible, with a few terrible calls going against Murray on offense for push offs and charges that were poorly called. Murray just couldn't get in the rhythm he wanted to. I personally thought he did fine creating stuff off the dribble against the long players that Indiana has.
Defensively, he had flashes of good stops one on one. He is still unaware off the ball and gets to jumpy sometimes. His head is constantly spinning and trying to figure out where to go instead of just staying on a swivel and seeing both man and ball at the same time. His defensive potential is what limits his ceiling, but he is way to talented of an offensive player not to be taken with a top seven pick. He might be the best shooter in the country with how quick his release is and the precision of his footwork spotting up, on the move, and coming off screens. Two poor shooting games shouldn't deter anyone from thinking he is elite in that regard.
Defensively, he had flashes of good stops one on one. He is still unaware off the ball and gets to jumpy sometimes. His head is constantly spinning and trying to figure out where to go instead of just staying on a swivel and seeing both man and ball at the same time. His defensive potential is what limits his ceiling, but he is way to talented of an offensive player not to be taken with a top seven pick. He might be the best shooter in the country with how quick his release is and the precision of his footwork spotting up, on the move, and coming off screens. Two poor shooting games shouldn't deter anyone from thinking he is elite in that regard.
Skal Labissiere, C, Kentucky
4 points, 2-6 FG, 5 rebounds
After an impressive first game against Stony Brook's post up behemoth Jameel Warney, Skal disappeared and reverted back to the player we were all disappointed in most of the season. He struggled scoring over Indiana's length and largely couldn't establish position on a stronger Thomas Bryant inside. He also didn't do well maneuvering in pick and roll coverages, often showing up late to contest or being to slow to get back to his man. Indiana was able to exploit that at times throughout the game.
His jumper wasn't falling and he wasn't protecting the paint the way he is capable of. If he isn't doing those things, he is pretty unplayable. People feel that he has the potential to play power forward and switch out onto perimeter players but he is too slow to do that. His best bet is going to be at center in the NBA alongside a four man like Ryan Anderson who is strong, can crash the glass, and guard four men. The team that drafts Skal will have to have big men he can fit well next to otherwise he will struggle.
His jumper wasn't falling and he wasn't protecting the paint the way he is capable of. If he isn't doing those things, he is pretty unplayable. People feel that he has the potential to play power forward and switch out onto perimeter players but he is too slow to do that. His best bet is going to be at center in the NBA alongside a four man like Ryan Anderson who is strong, can crash the glass, and guard four men. The team that drafts Skal will have to have big men he can fit well next to otherwise he will struggle.
Tyler Ulis, PG, Kentucky
27 points, 10-20 FG, 3-6 3FG, 3 assists, 2 turnovers, 4 turnovers
Ulis' last game as a Wildcat might be one of his best in blue. He was everything for the Wildcats and carried them throughout the majority of the game. He once again killed in the pick and roll. He is a master at snaking into the lane, hitting step back J's, floaters, or firing pin point passes to open players on the perimeter. Whenever he gets into the lane he just freezes the rest of the defense in terror of what his next move is going to be. He forced his shots down the stretch when UK got down, and he didn't look so good doing that. He didn't finish well at the rim when trying to do this and couldn't create the necessary separation when IU knew he was going to be the guy to shoot it.
For the most part, however, he gets great elevation on his jumper and can get his release off quick which is huge for a guy his size. He once again dominated defensively, frustrating Yogi Ferrell for the majority of the game. Ferrell was visibly in a funk in this game because Ulis made him so uncomfortable. Yogi got the best of him a few times, but Tyler won that matchup. Ferrell couldn't stop Tyler and Tyler largely held him in check. Ulis couldn't have improved his stock any more than he did in this NCAA tournament. He is going to be a steal no matter where he is drafted. Definitely one of the five best players in college basketball this season. Size doesn't matter when you play as hard and with as much passion as Ulis does.
For the most part, however, he gets great elevation on his jumper and can get his release off quick which is huge for a guy his size. He once again dominated defensively, frustrating Yogi Ferrell for the majority of the game. Ferrell was visibly in a funk in this game because Ulis made him so uncomfortable. Yogi got the best of him a few times, but Tyler won that matchup. Ferrell couldn't stop Tyler and Tyler largely held him in check. Ulis couldn't have improved his stock any more than he did in this NCAA tournament. He is going to be a steal no matter where he is drafted. Definitely one of the five best players in college basketball this season. Size doesn't matter when you play as hard and with as much passion as Ulis does.
Alex Poythress, PF, Kentucky
6 points, 1-5 FG, 6 rebounds
Poythress once again struggled and tried to do things out of his comfort zone on offense. Almost every single one of his many post ups ended in a missed shot or turnover. Dribbling and making any sort of moves isn't his strong suit. If an NBA team can turn him into a pick and roll dive guy as a four man, then he could be able to make a team. He can't shoot or dribble, so being a wing isn't much of an option. He can guard positions one through four and even small ball fives, which bodes well for his NBA future. Still think he will be late second round to undrafted, likely in the D-League next season.
Yogi Ferrell, PG, Indiana
18 points, 6-13 FG, 1-4 3FG, 5 rebounds, 4 assists
This game was a great test for Yogi and he didn't quite deliver the way you would've wanted, even though his team did win. The second half was much better for him as he really struggled against Ulis in the first half. Ferrell was visibly frustrated by the pressure Ulis was putting on him, which makes me wonder what he will be like when he faces longer NBA players. Despite not shooting it well, Ferrell still got into the lane and made plays for his teammates, moving the ball and creating open shots for others. He just wasn't the dominant offensive force we saw during Big Ten play.
Ulis ate him on offense, which brought back the questions of whether Ferrell can pass on defense to stick in the league. He is small and quick, but his awareness isn't great and he often died when he was screened. Ulis was able to do whatever he wanted out there when Yogi was guarding him. Ferrell has played better than this, but playing like that against a team full of NBA prospects didn't leave you feeling good about Yogi's future as a point guard in the league. He can still hear his name called on draft night, but it wouldn't shock me if he went undrafted and spent his rookie year in the D-League.
Ulis ate him on offense, which brought back the questions of whether Ferrell can pass on defense to stick in the league. He is small and quick, but his awareness isn't great and he often died when he was screened. Ulis was able to do whatever he wanted out there when Yogi was guarding him. Ferrell has played better than this, but playing like that against a team full of NBA prospects didn't leave you feeling good about Yogi's future as a point guard in the league. He can still hear his name called on draft night, but it wouldn't shock me if he went undrafted and spent his rookie year in the D-League.
2017 NBA Draft
Isaiah Briscoe, PG, Kentucky
7 points, 2-3 FG, 3 rebounds
Briscoe was a force on defense once again in this game. He often guarded Troy Williams, which wasn't that hard of a task given how wild of a game Williams had. It isn't hard to force Williams into tough shots because he will naturally take them himself, but he still played a part. He also did well guarding Yogi down the stretch, using his strength and length to frustrate him. His instincts are second to none on that end.
He played better offensively and even confidently hit a jumper. His mechanics still aren't sound but you'd rather have him take that shot with confidence than pass it up. Briscoe is just a tough player, using his big, physical stature to back down Ferrell in the post, get in the lane, take contact, and finish. He would probably be a second round pick if he went out this year, and with the talent that UK brings in every year, he might get recruited over and end up being the same next year. He is an interesting case to watch this spring.
He played better offensively and even confidently hit a jumper. His mechanics still aren't sound but you'd rather have him take that shot with confidence than pass it up. Briscoe is just a tough player, using his big, physical stature to back down Ferrell in the post, get in the lane, take contact, and finish. He would probably be a second round pick if he went out this year, and with the talent that UK brings in every year, he might get recruited over and end up being the same next year. He is an interesting case to watch this spring.
Troy Williams, SF, Indiana
13 points, 4-12 FG, 0-3 3FG, 4 rebounds, 3 assists, 4 turnovers
Williams probably had one of his worst games as a Hoosier on both ends. He was so wild offensively that he constantly killed his team. He can't shoot and he made wild drives to the rim that either ended in a terrible shot or turnover. Every once in a while he would make a nice pass to an open man but his head was buried going towards the hoop most of the time. He is crazy athletic and bouncy, he just needs to learn to control that on the offensive end.
He also has a nice handle and somewhat decent passing ability. He won't ever be able to shoot, but he can overcome that with his playmaking and secondary ball handling. That is if he can control himself when he has the ball. The erratic nature he has also came out on the defensive end, often blowing coverages and getting to happy of feet to stay solid when guarding his man. There are times, however, where you watch him and see the makings of a lockdown defender. He could be a second round pick this year and has the type of athletic profile that will wow people in workouts. More than likely, he comes back for another year and hopefully improves. He has first round talent if he can just chill out.
He also has a nice handle and somewhat decent passing ability. He won't ever be able to shoot, but he can overcome that with his playmaking and secondary ball handling. That is if he can control himself when he has the ball. The erratic nature he has also came out on the defensive end, often blowing coverages and getting to happy of feet to stay solid when guarding his man. There are times, however, where you watch him and see the makings of a lockdown defender. He could be a second round pick this year and has the type of athletic profile that will wow people in workouts. More than likely, he comes back for another year and hopefully improves. He has first round talent if he can just chill out.
Thomas Bryant, C, Indiana
19 points, 6-8 FG, 0-2 3FG, 5 rebounds
This was the best I've ever seen Bryant play. He still has a ways to go if he is going to be the lottery type talent some believe he can be, but the makings and foundation are there. His feel just isn't great at the moment. He doesn't know where to go on offense and will run into his teammates several times in a game. He has a huge frame that is great for screening but he doesn't move well when diving to the rim or catching the ball in the post. He is confident in his own jump shot, making a few mid rangers and missing a few threes. I like the confidence if he can get to a point where he can consistently knock that shot down.
Defensively, Bryant is still a work in progress. He is slow moving on both ends, and it really sticks out defensively. Indiana likes to have their bigs hedge out far and Bryant simply can't execute that type of scheme effectively. He is long so he could be good dropping him back into the paint but the awareness will still be an issue. He needs to come up with more rebounds as well, and that might be an indicator of his lack of strength and upward athleticism. Most of Bryant's biggest flaws are with just his overall feel of the game, which can improve if he comes back another year at Indiana.
Defensively, Bryant is still a work in progress. He is slow moving on both ends, and it really sticks out defensively. Indiana likes to have their bigs hedge out far and Bryant simply can't execute that type of scheme effectively. He is long so he could be good dropping him back into the paint but the awareness will still be an issue. He needs to come up with more rebounds as well, and that might be an indicator of his lack of strength and upward athleticism. Most of Bryant's biggest flaws are with just his overall feel of the game, which can improve if he comes back another year at Indiana.
Keep an eye on…
Marcus Lee, C, Kentucky
4 points, 2-3 FG, 4 rebounds, 2 blocks
Lee was a non factor in the first game but gave Kentucky solid minutes in this one. He was their best big man on both ends simply by doing what he is good at; jumping high in the air. He does well setting screens and rolling to the rim, running very fast and fluidly. He at times looks like a monster weak side shot blocker and he made several good one on one defensive plays. I doubt he goes out this year, but there is potential there for a solid role player at the back end of a roster. He is the type of player who could come out of nowhere to dominate the D-League, put huge numbers, and get some call ups.
OG Onunoby, PF, Indiana
7 points, 3-4 FG, 1-2 3FG, 3 rebounds, 2 steals, 3 blocks
I'm going to be completely honest and say that I had no clue who this kid was before this game and he wowed me. Like he might've been the second or third best prospect in this game. Onunoby is long, athletic, fast, and has great instincts. He looks like he could be a defensive juggernaut all on his own. He switched out and guarded any Kentucky player and shut them down. He gave Ulis fits and made Murray work for everything, contesting all of his shots. He crashed the glass, ran the floor, and wreaked absolute havoc on defense. His jump shot isn't great but it isn't broken either. The ceiling on Onunoby is extremely high. He can be a star for Indiana if he sticks around another year or two.
I'm going to be completely honest and say that I had no clue who this kid was before this game and he wowed me. Like he might've been the second or third best prospect in this game. Onunoby is long, athletic, fast, and has great instincts. He looks like he could be a defensive juggernaut all on his own. He switched out and guarded any Kentucky player and shut them down. He gave Ulis fits and made Murray work for everything, contesting all of his shots. He crashed the glass, ran the floor, and wreaked absolute havoc on defense. His jump shot isn't great but it isn't broken either. The ceiling on Onunoby is extremely high. He can be a star for Indiana if he sticks around another year or two.
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