- South Florida men’s basketball is on an unbelievable heater– but also still on the bubblePosted 2 months ago
- Kobe Bufkin is balling out for Atlanta Hawks’ G League team. When will he be called up to NBA?Posted 3 months ago
- Former Knicks guards Immanuel Quickley, RJ Barrett may yet prove Raptors won the OG Anunoby tradePosted 3 months ago
- Rebounding savant Oscar Tshiebwe finally gets NBA chance he’s deserved for yearsPosted 4 months ago
- Is Tyrese Maxey vs. Tyrese Haliburton the next great NBA guard rivalry?Posted 5 months ago
- The Detroit Pistons are going to be a problem in a few yearsPosted 5 months ago
- March Madness hero, ex-Fairleigh Dickinson guard Demetre Roberts joins Austin Spurs’ G League training camp rosterPosted 6 months ago
- Cam Thomas is balling out once again. Will he finally stay in the Nets’ lineup?Posted 6 months ago
- Former NBA lottery pick Elfrid Payton lights up Raptors as emergency replacement for Australia’s Cairns TaipansPosted 6 months ago
- How does Damian Lillard compare to Jrue Holiday on defense?Posted 7 months ago
NBA Draft Profile: Ben McLemore
- Updated: April 29, 2013
BEN MCLEMORE
6-5, 195 lbs.
School: Kansas
Class: Freshman
STRENGTHS: McLemore was one of the most ballyhooed freshman in the nation this past season, and made an immediate impact at Kansas. He is a freak athlete with incredible leaping ability and a long frame, and his body type fits that of an NBA shooting guard perfectly. He’s also a terrific shooter and capable scorer, and took over late in games on more than one occasion for the Jayhawks. Head coach Bill Self has called McLemore “the most talented kid I’ve ever coached.” While that may or may not be hyperbole, there’s no question that McLemore is physically gifted. He’s a solid defender, has excellent speed, and doesn’t shy away from big moments. He has all of the tools to eventually become a solid NBA player.
WEAKNESSES: McLemore disappeared at times and often deferred to teammates when he should have taken over. He scored fewer than 10 points five times during the season, including putting up just 2 points on 0-for-9 shooting in the Round of 32 in the NCAA Tournament against North Carolina. McLemore is young; with only one season of college basketball experience under his belt.
BOTTOM LINE: It’s going to take some time. McLemore’s play didn’t quite match to the hyperbolic hype, as evidenced by the fact that Oklahoma State guard Marcus Smart, not him, won both the Big XII Freshman of the Year and Player of the Year honors. McLemore has all of the skills in his repertoire, but it’s going to take a while for him to put them all together. It would be reasonable to expect that he could contribute to an NBA team this year, much in the way that Bradley Beal was effective for the Wizards. But he’s not Damian Lillard. He’s not Kevin Durant or LeBron James. It’s going to be a little bit before we see his full potential come to fruition in the league.
Pingback: 2013 NBA Mock Draft