95 Centers

[Zyme]

Top 5 1995 Centers:

Shawn Bradley: C+ D+ D- B+ B- C

From all reports, his mission trip to Uganda was a smashing success. He made peace and even converted a local warlord to the faith with went far to improve the situation at large in the area. There were some talk of a compatriout names Arnold making a fuss but it seems Bradley got out of the situation before any of that hilarity ensued. His two years off seems to have done nothing to harm his basketball technique. He is still huge and moves really well, despite his 7'6" frame. He defines a rim protector and rarely does a shot go up around him uncontested. At the combine, Bradely showed good quick hands. Most of his matchups outside of the top finishers who dared challenge him ended with the ball either stripped or blocked. Scouts are worried that his age and his time away may have stunted this previously assumed superstar status, but even still he should be a very good player for along time. Most polished day 1 player in the draft.

Antonio McDyess:

B- C- C- C+ B- B

He may be undersized but one should never count out the sparkplug that is Antonio McDyess. He never stops, never gives up on any play. He finds ways to score againt much taller opposition and even ostertag had difficulty keeping him boxed out for putbacks. While he does not have the blocking like Bradley, and few do, he does get his fair share of rejections. His ability to defend the post is well developed for an underclassmen but his lack of leverage really does play against him at times on both ends of the floor. Scout think that he has solid upside and has the potential to be very productive at either the 4 or 5 if he puts his mind to it.

Gary Trent:
C+ D C+ C+ C A

Trent is a small-school prospect out of the University of Ohio. He is similar to McDyess in that he is an undersized, yet tireless, athlete. For someone his size at 6'8", 250, there are some feats that just should not be possible. He is built like a lineman but runs like a receiver. At the combine he was all over the court and, despite his size, was excellent at holding his position in the post. He love to play above the rim, as his midrange game is a work in progress. Solid lateral movement, and while he plays a little raw at times, scouts drool over what a kid like him could do if he can put it all together.

Erick Dampier:
D+ C- D C+ B+ B

If brick wall ever defined a player, that would be Erick Dampier. He follows a growing trend of the SEC putting out absolute beasts on the low block. At 6'11" 265, Dampier has prototypical size for his position and the attitude to match. He boasted the highest reps in the bench press at this year's combine and showed an uncanny ability to beat screens and play off switches. Not the best of the class, but very polished on the boards. While his rebounding and defense is top shelf, he leave a lot to be desired at the offensive end. He has just never showed desire to get stuck in and finish strong, he plays like he is saving everything for the defensive end. Scouts love his prospects and should find a home in this league for the next decade plus.

Greg Ostertag: C D+ C- C+ B- A

While Roy Williams and Kansas can thank a plucky Virginia squad for launching them in the sweet 16, the loss can hardly be laid on Ostertag. He finished the game with 8/16 with a pair of blocks and a steal. Those around him simply could not find the basket besides. At the combine, he put on a rebounding showcase. He dominated the drills and his footwork on boxing out compares favorably to many of the top rebounders in the game. While he was able to use his size to score at the college level, he struggled to show the same proficiency at the combine. He takes good care of the ball and scouts rave about his pro-ready skillset coupled with prototypical size.

Other C Prospects:

John Amaechi:
C D+ D- C+ C B

Solid potential but doesn't do a good job taking care of the ball, doesn't show a ton of fight on the boards.

Loren Meyer:
C+ C- D C+ B- C

Iowa St. Prospect is very solidly put together but scouts are concerned that he has struggled with his weight in the past.

Bryant Reeves:
B C- D+ C+ C+ C

Very strong finisher out of Oklahoma St. Good size and leverage, but his motor really doesn't run very hot at times.

George Zidek:
C+ C- D B- C+ B

Good defender out of UCLA. Scouts worry he does not spend enough time in the training room and it may stunt his growth.

Dragan Tarlac:
C+ D- F C C+ F

Tank of a player out of Greece. Refused to attend the combine, leading to a bad grade out from Scouts.