Maybe it's just me, but I'm not that enthralled with Anthony "Brow" Davis. Based on the few games I saw in the tourney, I think the guy looks quick, has extremely long arms, can shoot and play a strong complimentary role. I did not get the sense that this kid was dominant on the level of a LSU Shaq, Vandy Duncan, OSU Oden and guys of that nature. I also can't envision him becoming that dominant.
Based on the height/weight (6'10", 222) alone, I was reminded of another #1 overall pick, Joe Smith (6'10", 221). Clearly, Joe became a journey man and is considered a bust, but he's also had a decent career with averages of around 10/11 pts, 6/7 boards. He had a couple years early on where he averaged a double double scoring in the high teens, pushing 20 pts per game.
Joe Smith was known at Maryland as a hard worker with outstanding shot blocking, tremendous athleticism, a great outside shot and all the types of accolades that would make him the #1 overall pick. Sounds familiar. Size wise, he was built just like Senor Brow (trademark).
I looked up some old scout info from that draft's top big men prospects (including KG, Sheed, Joe Smith, Ratliff and others) for those interested. The breakdown on Smith isn't all that different than Davis.
http://www.ibiblio.org/craig/draft/1995_draft/scout/pf.htmlBottom line, Joe Smith looked like a great prospect back then and he turned out to be a good prospect. Anthony Davis looks like a great one now too, but I'm not convinced his upside and potential is that much better. Maybe it's just very good.
I'm not going to predict much of anything for Davis, and I don't think he'll be an NBA journey man like Smith. However, I think the hype is a bit much and I don't think he's going to ever carry a team a la Shaq, Duncan, Garnett. I think he'll be a solid complimentary player, superb defender and decent offensive player.
Ultimately, I bet there will be someone else that emerges from the 1st round that is widely considered a better player in a few years time. If so, who will that be?? Or am I wrong?