I'm what most would consider a basketball nerd. Today, I was scanning through the NBADraft.net's 2009 mock draft when I noticed that there was one team whose name I kept seeing very early in the draft. That team was Arizona. It struck me as somewhat odd since I hadn't heard much about them among next year's contenders. The nerd in me forced itself to research this team. Turns out, not one expert has them ranked in the Top 25 of next season. Here are the three Arizona Wildcats that are all projected to go in the top 17 of next year's draft.
Brandon Jennings, 6-1, PG, Freshman: He appears to be a sure lottery pick while many have him in their top 5. Trust me when I say this, he is the best point guard the NBA draft will have since Chris Paul. He is a Kenny Anderson clone who can score in bunches while making everyone around him better. If he improves his defense, he will be able to wreak havoc on both ends of the floor with his quickness and speed.
Chase Budinger, 6-7, SG, Junior: Many compare this player to Grant Hill. Budinger is a freak athlete who is NBA-ready yet still shows much potential. You also can't forget that he has a 40-inch vertical which he uses to his advantage when he attacks the basket. Last season, Chase averaged 17 points, 5 rebounds, and 3 assists while shooting 38% from long range.
Jordan Hill, 6-10, PF, Junior: Another fantastic athlete that has the size to bang in the post. His wingspan allows him to play bigger than he really is as well. The only knock on him is his hustle and effort, which, at times, can be lackadaisical. Nonetheless, he is a great pick in the top 20 of next year's draft. As a sophomore last year, Hill averaged 13 points, 8 rebounds, and 2 blocks while shooting 68% from the field.
With two top ten picks in the backcourt, it leaves you to wonder how a team like Arizona could not be mentioned with next year's elite. Of course, Hill and Budinger were there last year with Jerryd Bayless. Somehow, someway, they managed to play lousy, going an average 19-15. What would make this year any different?
For one, Lute Olson will be back on the sidelines in Tuscon after a year-long hiatus from coaching. Also, they have a solid recruiting class. Joining the superstar Jennings will be Jeff Withey, a center ranked as the #35 overall recruit in the 2008 class. Jennings should make up for the void Bayless left when he forewent his last three years of eligibility to enter his name in the NBA Draft. The Oak Hill star will add a playmaking ability that was missing in Bayless's repertoire. Withey should also get some solid minutes on a team that lacked a true center last year.
Nic Wise, who played almost thirty minutes per game as a sophomore, will be returning and should help the backcourt when needed. Jamelle Horne should embrace his bigger role in the Wildcats' frontcourt this year, too. In fact, of the six players that received the most playing time last year, four are returning.
Quite frankly, I can't understand why there is no hype for this team. They have their Hall of Fame coach coming back as well as two first round draft picks to go along with the #1 point guard in the Class of 2008. Arizona has great potential in the upcoming season. Hopefully, come March, every one of those experts that skipped over them in the preseason will be kicking himself or herself. I'll be at my computer saying, "I told you so."
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