First Look at NBA Prospects

Thomas Robinson: Kansas, Jr.- Robinson only just declared for the draft, but it came as a surprise to no one after a great season that saw him rival Anthony Davis for the Naismith Award, as well as take home the Big 12 Player of the Year. Robinson possesses great athleticism and he's not afraid to bang down low. He uses his physicality well on both ends, and his quick first step should translate well at the next level where he should be able to take advantage of slower PFs. Only things Robinson needs to work on is developing a more consistent mid range game, something that has shown progression over the last twelve months, and he is also a little foul prone. All in all, Robinsons got a great NBA body and he should be able to contribute immediately to whoever drafts him.

Dion Waiters: Syracuse, So.- At 6'4", Waiters has a strong frame and his style of play reflects your prototypical combo guard. He has the ability to create for himself, and is very explosive in transition and off of the bounce, as well as for others, he averaged 2.6 apg in limited minutes while not always being the primary ball-handler. His offense game is not in question as Waiters can also spread the floor and has shown above average range from three. On defense he has had a lack of opportunities matching up with opposing 1s and 2s due to the 2-3 zone played at Syracuse, so it  will interesting to see how he copes at the next level. Realistically, Waiters will play the role of a sparkplug in the NBA, as a guard who can spell both the 1 and the 2 with the ability to score.

Austin Rivers: Duke, Fr.-  Averaged a little over 15 ppg with 2.1 apg, stats which were considered disappointing by many. Rivers is however, according to a few analysts better suited for the NBA, where he will be able to play in more isolation settings where he thrives. Rivers also possesses a great crossover and there is no denying his ability to score, he could do with adding more bulk to his frame as right now he projects as a tweener guard.  Good fundamentals, and full of confidence there is no reason Rivers shouldn't be putting up 15 a game a few years down the line.

Picture of the 2011 Slam All-Americans, featuring Austin Rivers and Brad Beal front and center.

 Bradley Beal; Florida, Fr.-  Beal was overshadowed and forgot about at times this year, due to Florida's plethora of guards as well as all of the freshman sensations at Kentucky, but the kid can downright play. He has one of the finest jumpshots to come out of college in recent years, and he has greats mechanics complemented by a very fluid stroke. Also impressed this year with his ability to crash the boards, and even though he is listed somewhere between 6'4"-6'5", Beal managed to pull down 6.7 rpg. Throw in a great work ethic and the fact that he only turns 19 the day of the 2012 Draft and there's little not to love. Only things Beal could improve on are his ball handling and first step, but he should be a low-risk high reward pick for some team drafting in the lottery.