UCLA's Zach LaVine

[greenmountain]

I think he's a prospect worth keeping an eye on.  6'5", quick, with hops, and a great shot (current over 50 percent on threes after 8 games). Some ability to create his own shot, too.  He's the team's second leading scorer despite coming off the bench as a freshman.  One of those players whose every shot you think is going in.   On the downside, from what I saw last night against UCSB, his defensive effort is subpar.  He's also a beanpole right now.

It's going to be interesting to see how he fares against quality competition.  If he keeps it up, I think there's a small possibility he'll declare for the draft after this season, since he's a type of player that can generate a lot of hype and would probably get picked in the 10 to 20 range on potential alone, maybe a little higher, if a team's rolling the dice.  In terms of comparisons, he's getting the hyperbolic comps to both Klay Thompson and Russell Westbrook right now.

If the Atlanta pick could net him, I'd be happy.  Uber-athletic shooter who can create for himself and get on ridiculous hot streaks would come in handy.  And I get the feeling that with a little more weight and focus he can be a solid defender.

[Mr October]

Nice find. I just saw that this guy has been rocketing up the draft board. Looks like we have another super athletic, yet unpolished, freshman to keep our eyes on.

Exciting explosive dunker who is also burying 50 % of his 3's.

UCLA plays Duke a week from today.

[slamtheking]

if he's smart, he stays for another year because:
- further develop his game
- further develop physically
- improve his draft position in 2015

[Mr October]

http://youtu.be/oe1-I5Hti6s

[Mr October]

if he's smart, he stays for another year because:
- further develop his game
- further develop physically
- improve his draft position in 2015

The same could be said for Embiid, exum, cauley-stein and vonleh. Truth is, guys come out earlier than they should, and GMs have to decide if they are gonna roll the dice on these guys.

[Bosstown]

if he's smart, he stays for another year because:
- further develop his game
- further develop physically
- improve his draft position in 2015

That's a pretty ignorant statement. You have no idea what his financial situation is, and also as a athlete you could break your leg tomorrow and miss out on millions of dollars. Once you get that contract you're good wether you play or not. If you're a lottery lock (which he is), then you go...PERIOD.

[Smartacus]

if he's smart, he stays for another year because:
- further develop his game
- further develop physically
- improve his draft position in 2015

The same could be said for Embiid, exum, cauley-stein and vonleh. Truth is, guys come out earlier than they should, and GMs have to decide if they are gonna roll the dice on these guys.

One could just as easily argue that...

If he's smart, he comes out because:
-secure an NBA contract, in theory adding a year of  payment to his basketball career
-ride the hype that his strong play has created
-attack teams before they pick him apart with scouting reports and film
-avoid another year of risking injury in the NCAA

[Smitty77]

if he's smart, he stays for another year because:
- further develop his game
- further develop physically
- improve his draft position in 2015

I don't know that I agree with this.  The sooner he turns pro, the sooner he can get and complete his rookie contract and REALLY get paid!!  He also chances and injury and the sophomore slump (see Glenn Robinson III for example).

Smitty77

[Mr October]

if he's smart, he stays for another year because:
- further develop his game
- further develop physically
- improve his draft position in 2015

The same could be said for Embiid, exum, cauley-stein and vonleh. Truth is, guys come out earlier than they should, and GMs have to decide if they are gonna roll the dice on these guys.

One could just as easily argue that...

If he's smart, he comes out because:
-secure an NBA contract, in theory adding a year of  payment to his basketball career
-ride the hype that his strong play has created
-attack teams before they pick him apart with scouting reports and film
-avoid another year of risking injury in the NCAA

I agree. If you are projected as a lottery pick, you should probably take the money. With the way this young guy plays above the rim, he does risk a higher chance of injury. If he shows he can hang with the talent on the big time teams, he might as well head to the nba this spring.

[Quetzalcoatl]

NBADraft.net just did a mock on the 10th and this guy was 5th overall, ahead of Exum.  I don't think we're going to get him is the bad news, but the good news is it puts someone else good closer in reach

[Mr October]

Zach Levine and the bruins are playing duke right now on espn.

Lavine is a serious athlete! But i cant help but keep watching Kyle Anderson. Versatile 6-9 dude.

[csfansince60s]

Zach Levine and the bruins are playing duke right now on espn.

Lavine is a serious athlete! But i cant help but keep watching Kyle Anderson. Versatile 6-9 dude.

Agree...Anderson is smooth. More than holding his own vs Jabari.

[Mr October]

If these 2 ucla players declare for the draft i could see lavine in the lottery and Anderson as a late 1st round .

After the 6 super players are picked, there are gonna be a glut of interesting players that are hard to order in the 7-25 range.

[Quetzalcoatl]

I hope KA is around when we pick.  I was sort of disappointed at how "good" we are this year, but the 19-20 pick range projects to have some decent players.  If we get some combination of him and/or Semaj, Vasilje Micic (I love his game), Aaron Gordon (he's falling), or Jordan Clarkson we'll be in good shape.  It shows you how great this draft is, that's for sure.  None of those guys will turn into Fab

[Eddie20]

Zach Levine and the bruins are playing duke right now on espn.

But i cant help but keep watching Kyle Anderson. Versatile 6-9 dude.

Anderson has a good feel for the game, but I think his lack of athleticism will hurt him on the next level. Draft net has him as a late 1st rd pick and I think that's pretty accurate.