Early 2008 NBA Draft Stock Watch

Stock Rising:

Michael Beasley: Had a 40 point, 17 rebound performance last week. He's easily the best prize in the draft, and all around talent. Unanimous top pick.

Brook Lopez: Lopez has just been having monster game after monster game lately. As Stanford gets closer to the tournament, I fully expect Brook Lopez to sky rocket up the charts. He is a clear top 5 pick in the draft, and I must say he has me eating crow. I never knew he was this good.

Donte Green: After a slow start Donte Green is silently putting together one of the greatest freshman performances in college history. After a huge 18 pt 16 reb performance to beat Georgetown, Donte Green and Syracuse have just about sealed the deal with making their bid for the tournament. Those Carmello comparisons don't seem that far off anymore do they?

Eric Gordon: The best shooting guard in college, bar none. His stock continues to rise, like others, as the tournament picture begins to appear itself. While Gordon has a reputation as a gunner, he's a much better passer than people know. Height and comparisons to Ben Gordon will always be his downfall, and the reason he may slip in the draft. On talent alone he would be a top 3 pick.

Jerryd Bayless: Has already proved himself as second top lead guard in college basketball. His combo of offensive, passing and team leadership skills at such a young age is frightening. Bayless has had an unbelievable week averaging around 34 points per game. No one has increased their stock this season more so than Bayless. He is a lock to go in the top ten.

Davon Jefferson: The other guy on that struggling USC squad. Mayo's struggles has led to Jefferson's arrival as a top tier SF prospect. He easily has one of the best mid range games in college, and is also an excellent finisher on the break. A lock to go in the top 20.

Hasheem Thabeet: woa woa woa, look who decided to step up. Thabeet has been steadily improving this season, showing to be more a part of the offense. More importantly, Thabeet clear strengths revolve around his rebounding and shot blocking ability. Players like Thabeet are always taken in the top ten, so I'm putting my money on some team biting for Thabeet. Right now I say he is a lock for the top ten. Uconns late season win streak has his stock soaring.

Darren Collison: Now that he's getting back to being healthy, Collison has been putting together a stretch of magnificent performances lately. With UCLA being a potential number one seed in the tournament, Collison will shortly get that much deserved credit. He's a lock for the top 20, but I think he's better than that. Anyone who drafts this guy will have a future starter/potential star on their roster.

Jason Thompson: The potential of Jason Thompson continues to gather attention. While he may be a senior, people are still very high on Thompsons' potential in the NBA as he has improved drastically season after season. His height and wingspan and athleticism make him an intriguing prospect and his performance may have sealed the deal to be a top 15 pick.

Stock Neutral:

Derrick Rose: While Memphis may continue to win games, Derrick Rose has been in a bit of a slump lately. Still considered as a top 2 pick, I'll put my money on this lead guard on any game in the tournament. He is an impact player on both sides of the court too. The only way he falls out of the second pick of the draft is if he stays another year at Memphis.

DeAndre Jordan: Similar to all big men in college, his stock remains the same due to measurements alone. I still feel Jordan is more of a name right now, and is being a bit overrated. Still, he's a lock to go in the top 5 whenever he declares based on his height, athleticism and decent offensive game. Some team will bite.

Nicolas Batum: I haven't heard much news on the guy lately while playing for France overseas. Still, he is the top overall guard in this draft class due to his height, wingspan, range on his jumpshot, passing and athleticism. He was a top 5 pick last year in the draft, where does he fall this year? Private workouts will be the telling tale of where this frenchy falls. I love this kid and I think he will be a star on the next level. A lock for the top ten.

Danillo Gallinari: See Nicolas Batum. Perhaps Ricky could share some light on these two prospects. Gallinari has potential to climb up the big board once private workouts begin. He has the potential to be a top ten pick, but I believe will go to a team in need, which may cause him to drop a little.

Roy Hibbert and Kevin Love: Unlike DeAndre Jordan these two players have below average athleticism, which will cause their stock to fall before the draft. A lock for the top 20 though.

Stock Falling:

OJ Mayo: He will always be a household name, but Mayo has played below expectations all season long. Although he averages almost 20 per game, one has to be aware of his dismal shooting percentage. He'll most likely go in the top ten based on potential alone. USC is a lock to make the tournament due to playing in the toughest conference in college and having a few big names on their roster, so OJ better learn how to be an efficient lead scorer like Eric Gordon soon.

Darrell Arthur: Once considered the top power forward in college, Arthur remains to be the toughest player to scout due to the talented and deep Kansas roster. He appears to have an NBA game but I'm still not sure what his ceiling may be. He has played better as of late, but I'm afraid he's riding the talent train that is the Kansas Jayhawks.

DJ Augustin: Once a top ten pick, Augustin has slipped lately. He's had a below average week and must step his game up to be among the top 3 or 4 guards in college basketball. Regardless, a lock to be a top 20 pick.

That's it for now.