Avery Bradley's Stock Soars
Some scouts simply take into account how well a prospect plays in practices and games, while others place more of an emphasis on how well a prospect measures out, both physically and athletically.
For Avery Bradley, one of the top incoming freshman this past season, he stock varied throughout the year due to his up-and-down season. He would score 20+ points one night, and follow that performance up with a dismal shooting outing with less than five points. While the 29 point outburst against Colorado and 25 point game against Nebraska are swell, the 4-for-17 shooting in two games against Baylor and 3-point game against Kansas have scouts scratching their heads which Bradley they will draft in the 1st Round of the 2010 NBA Draft. Of course, some front offices have the former-Longhorn guard higher than others based on his versatility (some feel he can play some point at the next level), while others have him as an undersized 2-guard. Either way, Bradley offers terrific athleticism, good scoring instincts and he served as one of the, if not the best perimeter defenders in college basketball this past season.
He could see his stock climb even higher from the mid-1st Round where we had Bradley rated based on his measurements in Las Vegas this week. He measured out as expected height-wise, at 6'3" in shoes, but wowed everyone with a 6'7" wingspan and topped that off by boasting a lightning-quick 3.03 three-quarter court sprint and a 37 ˝" vertical jump. On top of this, Bradley has been playing some excellent ball in the offseason, showing off his ability to shoot from NBA 3-point range and score the ball from seemingly anywhere on the court, while also displaying a nice handle and above-average court vision. While he may not project as a pure point guard, Bradley could certainly handle the main role in a backcourt for extended periods of time.
Right now, Bradley's stock is steadily climbing up from the mid-1st Round to the late lottery.
By Corey Ruff - President- 5-14-10
