Pre-Draft Camp – Day One
ORLANDO, Fla. – The Orlando Pre-draft camp kicked off in its new digs with three games on Tuesday. Among the most notable items on the docket are who not here.
For many who handicap such things as the NBA Draft the feeling is that the entire first round may have no representation here.
But for those who did come to play – play they did.
In the first game Team Five was beaten by Team Six. Nik Caner-Medley scored 22 points and Yemi Nicholson added 13 to pace the winners while Kenny Adeleke dropped 9 points to go with his 14 rebounds for Team Six.
The second game saw Team One squeak by Team Two 73-72. The winners were paced by Terence Dials 13 points with support from Allen Ray (12 points) and Steve Novak (11 points).
The day’s final contest was a winning effort for Team Four as they took the measure of Team Three 91-78 behind Gerry McNamara’s 16 points and contributions from Tedric Hill (14 points), and Michael Southall (9 rebounds, 2 blocks). For Team Three, Mustafa Shakur’s 13 points led the way and Justin Williams and Steven Smith each added 10 points. James Augustine stood tall with the camp’s first double-double, 11 points and 11 rebounds.
The first day showed little in the way of players locking into the first round. What I feel was evident was the following:
Gerry McNamara, when healthy, is a difference-making basketball player. He controlled tempo, defended intently and showed (yet again) his ability to keep defenses honest with his perimeter game. Rajon Rondo may be a more romantic pick in the upcoming draft, but with all the holes in his game, wouldn’t a more consistent player be of greater value running a team’s offense?
Jordan Farmar may be a tad overmatched here this year, but with one more season of college ball, he could be the first PG drafted and go in the top 8. Right now, he has the upside to warrant a first round selection, but he can be oh, so much better with another year of UCLA ball.
Kenny Adeleke has a motor that never seems to shut off. His play here is a carbon copy of his Portsmouth effort in April, and while I don’t hear anyone talking first round for him, I truly believe he’ll make a team and make a contribution. He just never stops, and has the ability to alter the result of opposing possessions.
Blake Schilb has great, not good, great basketball IQ. He passes well, runs the floor swiftly and can defend out on the perimeter and inside. His shot is good, and his hustle is outstanding. Hopefully he returns to college for a statement season.
A few players who may have been given too much attention and merit it no more:
- Morris Almond: Does nothing especially well enough to make a team, let alone be drafted.
- Nik Caner-Medley: The next time he plays unselfish ball will be his first time. Enough said.
- Marco Killingsworth: And what position might he possibly play in the NBA? None!
- Carl Krauser: Enough already. It seems like he’s been “camping” forever. He’s just not that good.
- Dwayne Mitchell: He STILL can’t shoot it from the perimeter.
- Bobby Brown: And why would someone draft an undersized NBA PG who looks to shoot it too much?
A few kids who may have a shot, but must have a good camp:
- Michael Southall: PLEASE get in shape. The whole rest of your game is so good.
- Solomon Jones: Great ups, but please put on some weight.
- Justin Williams: Just keep it up
- Steven Smith: He’s here again, and looking every bit like he’s ready to play NBA ball.
Thursday offers up a 2nd tripleheader and we will continue to keep you up-to-date on all the happenings from Pre-Draft Camp.
