Chad Ford on POB Early Entry

[OrangeandBlack74]

Just thought I would provide everyone with the latest thoughts from Chad Ford (NBA Draft guru from ESPN.com) in his latest Insider article.....

Draft: Timing Right for O'Bryant

A wish came true for NBA GMs on Saturday when Bradley center Patrick O'Bryant announced that he was entering the draft.

With Joakim Noah saying that he's staying at Florida, it's looking as though O'Bryant might be the best center prospect in the draft.

That's what makes his decision a slam dunk. Some team in the first round is going to gamble that O'Bryant has what it takes to be a serviceable NBA center.

That's all NBA teams are asking for these days.

O'Bryant actually has the potential to be more. He's a big-time rebounder and shot blocker who projects as a true center in the pros. His long arms (7-5 wingspan) and good frame combined with solid athleticism have scouts intrigued.

He's still got a way to go offensively, but his 28-point outburst vs. Pittsburgh in the tournament (against Aaron Gray, another NBA center prospect) showed that he has upside on that end of the floor as well.

O'Bryant claims he's still trying to decide whether to hire an agent or not, but few in the NBA believe him. He's knows it will be harder for him to compete next year if Greg Oden and Noah are in the draft.

While his stock is all over the place at the moment, it's probably going to end up pretty high. Scouts have O'Bryant as a mid-to-late first-rounder, but if he works out well, it's not out of the question that he cracks the top 10.

That says more about the weakness of the draft at the center position than it does O'Bryant, but give the kid credit for taking advantage.

"Publicity is high right now and my stock is so high right now, you've got to go with it," he said on Saturday.

Say what you like about his ability. Just don't call him stupid.

[Da Coach]

This is what posters here have been saying for months. He's smart to take advantage of the unique situation this draft provides.

[Braves4Life]

O'B

After watching several games this year from afar (internet broadcasts and a few TV games, including Tourney) I can honestly say I was less than impressed with O'B's current ability (note that I say current. He would be much better in another two years).

However, Ford and the last poster are correct. O'B would be a fool not to come out this year! The draft will be MUCH stronger the next two years and I honestly don't think O'B will be that much better. He had great stats against Pitt, however his footwork and defense in the post was appalling. He will get eaten alive by the pros unless he improves his footwork and fundamentals tremendously.

That said, I think he would have a much better opportunity to improve with two more years in college. I fear he is destined to be a lifetime marginal NBA back-up (hope I'm wrong). But again, he will never again have the opportunity to make this kind of money and, like his mom said, he can always go back to school.

Smart decision O'B! Good luck!

[it's boogie time]

He's not ready for the NBA, but the draft is weak and it's the right time to enter and get that guaranteed two year contract. I just fear that he'll get labeled if he gets tossed around in his first year and won't find his way off the pine.

[BuBraves55]

He's not ready for the NBA, but the draft is weak and it's the right time to enter and get that guaranteed two year contract. I just fear that he'll get labeled if he gets tossed around in his first year and won't find his way off the pine.

agreed, btw what's the deal w/ sommerville