2001 SFs

[Zyme]

Top 5 Small Forwards

Gerald Wallace B C C- B C+ A

The cornerman out of Alabama was one of the most tenacious players in the college game. He led the Tide to the finals of the SEC tourney and onto the sweet 16, where they were taking out by ACC power North Carolina. Despite defeat, Wallace was clearly the best player on the floor. He is simply reckless. He puts his body on the line and throws it at the cup with surprising aggression and regularity. He has a very balanced scoring package that he offers but what makes him stand out is his outstanding defense. He is great at timing his impressive vertical for the block and has very pesky hands on defense. HE does tend to go for the flashy defensive stops and is a little lax on technique and relys more on pace and strength. Overall scouts think he has plenty to grown on and has an excellent tool box from which to build on.

Shane Battier C C+ C B C- A

Battier is easily the most mature of this year frontcourt. He has a great deep ball and the quickness to take it to the tin against nearly everyone. He isn't the most polished inside ans suffers from either a lack of strength or techinique but something seems to prevent him from getting ideal position on the block which leads to him struggling. He makes up for any of these issues with one of the best set of defensive loadouts we have have seem for some time. There is no part of his defensive game he is bad out. Scouts think he oozes potential and if he can improve certain parts of his game he could be one of the best wing defender to come out since the Rash.

Richard Jefferson C+ C C- C+ C+ A

Not to be confused with Jason Richardson, Richard Jefferson is the partner of Arenas for the champion Arizona Wildcats. During the entire tourney Jefferson looks one of the most pro ready players outside of O'Neal. He has a great set of inside moves, a solid outside shot and the technical to play way above size, even center if the need pressed. He tends to favor playing it safe on defense, doing all the dirty work at the expense of the flashier stops. Scouts believe that he is simply dripping with potential

Kendrick Brown C+ C C- C C+ B

Out of the small community college Okaloosa outside of Pensacola, Florida, Kendrick Brown is a technically gifted player who played bid ruing the combine. One of the class last-minute invitees, he proved he belonged. He showed great technique on the boxout and great speed when closing out defenders. Recklessly throws himself above the rim. His deep ball was rather inconsistent and scouts lament that he could be the next big thing if only he had better potential.

Kirk Haston C+ C- D D+ C+ C

Some of the best footwork on the glass you will see from anyone this year. Very good in the post but at times appeared to lack the strength to fully effective down low. Scouts think he may be a bit lazy and when he becomes the small fish might not have the mentality to catch up to the speed of the game.

Other Small Forward prospects

Maurice Evans C C+ C C+ C B

Very balanced shooting package from this cornerman with a solid set of post moves. Great outside defender. Ideal frame to build on.

Nikoloz Tskitishvili C C+ C- C+ C C

Good defending Georgian (the Caucasus kind) that has the body of a 4 but the strength of a 2. Good technical but need to round out his game to be an everyday pro.

Tavorris Bell C C+ D+ C- C B

Good outside stroke and very pesky hands on defense. Above average strength for his postion.

Nate James C C+ C C+ C B

Great outside shot and very balanced defensive arsenal. Poor lateral pace and poor footwork on the defensive glass.