Under The Radar Prospects: Week 2
Through week two of the NCAA season, we have identified a few prospects to keep a keen eye on. Right now, they are flying under the radar, but could break out with some more consistent, high-level performances.
Jordan Adams, UCLA: The least heralded of Ben Howland's star-studded freshman class, Adams has been the team's biggest contributor thus far. He has scored at least 21 points in all four Bruins' games, netting 22 in Shabazz Muhammed's first game with the team. Granted it took him 20 shots to do so versus the 11 shots per game he was averaging in the prior three, but Adams could be flying under the radar all season long.
Jordan Bachynski, Arizona State: Bachinski is operating like a future first-round pick. The 7'2" junior center has, simply put, dominated in his first two games played for the Sun Devils. His size is quite imposing, impossible to game plan against. Right now, he is averaging 15.5 points, 10.5 rebounds and 7.5 blocks per game for the 2-0 Aztecs.
Victor Oladipo, Indiana: Despite being 6'5", 215 pounds and possessing excellent quickness and athleticism, Oladipo is often overlooked for the top-ranked Hoosiers; he's the fourth leading scorer at 10 points and third leading rebounder at 7 rebounds per game, but he is really a defensive stopper. Guarding 1s, 2s and 3s anywhere on the court, Oladipo is making a strong case for himself as a future 2-guard in the NBA.
Kadeem Batts, Providence: The Friars are primarily known for their guard-oriented attack, especially with two high-profile freshman waiting to hit the court , along with last season's star point guard to return from injury. But in the meantime, 6'9", 245 pound senior, Kadeem Batts is quietly averaging 18 points and 10 rebounds on .545 percent shooting from the field. If anything, Batts would be a fringe second-round prospect if he kept this up. The up-tempo offense rarely allows Batts to operate in the low blocks, an area where he definitely needs to develop his game further. And Batts could stand to improve his body, cutting up and increasing lean muscle to become a more explosive athlete- he is averaging just .4 blocks per game.
Travis McKie, Wake Forest: McKie recieves very little hype playing for recent ACC bottom-dwellar Wake Forest, but his production and versatility is outstanding. More of an undersized power forward at 6'7", McKie has spent the last two offseasons chiseling down his frame, cutting body fat and adding athleticism to his game and developing his perimeter jumper; he shot nearly 38 percent from distance as a sophomore to go along with his 16 points and 7 rebounds per game. This season, through four games, he is averaging 16 points, 10 rebounds and 1.5 steals per game.
By NBA-DRAFT.com Staff Writer - 11 -21 - 12
