We spoke (anonymously) with multiple NBA executives to get their thoughts on the prospects who will be on the floor Saturday in Lexington:
Some interesting thoughts. Jackson somewhere in the Top 10, Graham a 2nd rounder late 1st, Mason still not getting any love, Svi needs to stay..
Kansas
Freshman guard Josh Jackson
"He's athletic, can pass, defend and will be able to play in the pick and roll. I like him because he does so much and is special on the defensive end. The only thing that worries me is his shooting. But he's a guy who will go in the top five to seven."
"He makes plays with the ball in his hands and is a versatile wing. He's also really tough. I'm not sure he'll be the No. 1 pick, but he's in the discussion, especially because he's different than all the other guys in the conversation."
"He has size, enough skill and all the intangibles. What has really impressed me, though, is his feel for the game. That's where I think he'll separate himself from guys like Michael Kidd-Gilchrist and Justise Winslow."
Junior guard Devonte' Graham
"He's got good size and kind of reminds me of Mario Chalmers. He doesn't play the point all the time because of [Frank Mason III], but he's more of a natural point, and he makes big shots."
"I think he's a second-rounder, especially with all the point guards who are going to be taken early in this draft. He has a chance to slip in late in the first, but I'd say it's more likely he goes in the second."
"He needs to come back to school, because with Frank Mason leaving, he'll be the guy next season. He'll have the ball in his hands, and next year's draft won't be loaded with point guards. I like him, but don't love him."
Senior guard Frank Mason III
"I love his toughness. He's really, really tough and wants to take the big shot. But he's small and isn't a great athlete. That's not a great combination. I think he gets drafted, maybe mid-second round -- but he could wind up going undrafted also."
"Give him credit. He's really improved. Maybe he makes a team in our league, but I think it's just as likely he winds up overseas. What does he do great?"
"Terrific college player, but I have too many questions. Is he fast enough? Big enough? I just don't see it, but I guess he could be a third point guard on a roster."
Junior guard Sviatoslav Mykhailiuk
"He needs to stay in school. He can shoot it, and he's gotten better in other aspects of his game, but he needs to get much better before he leaves Kansas."
"If he leaves now, he's going to end up in Europe. He'll make a lot of money there, but he may as well stay another year and try and prove he's an elite shooter. He's a very good shooter, but he needs to show he's even better than he's been. That's the only way he gets to our league."
