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Ducks rise and fall in NBA Draft projections

Bri Amaranthus
NBC Sports Northwest

Ducks rise and fall in NBA Draft projections originally appeared on nbcsportsnorthwest.com

With about two more months of college basketball to be played, many of the expected one-and-done freshmen have given scouts serious questions to think about. Two of those freshmen are Oregon's Bol Bol and Louis King. King has been labeled as a "potential riser", while Bol's season-ending foot injury has altered his once likely lottery pick draft projection.

Also, don't look now, but sophomore shot blocker extraordinaire Kenny Wooten has made NBA mock drafts.

Now that the NBA standings are starting to take shape, here are what mock drafts are saying about the Ducks' NBA potential.


Bol Bol, freshman, 7-foot-2, 235-pound, center

A former top-five recruit, Bol's dominant play during his nine healthy games as a Duck solidified the reason for the hype. Bol's height and 7-foot-8 wingspan made him a force not to be reckoned with in the paint. He's a great shot blocker who changes the game on the defensive end and also has a smooth offensive game with range from beyond the arc.

Before suffering his left foot fracture, scouts cautioned against Bol. He created mixed feelings due to his uninspiring sequences of poor defensive effort and awareness. Questions were raised about his dedication to maximizing his potential. Also, he will have to add muscle to his frame to compete in the NBA without getting pushed around.
With the season ending injury, Bol joins a large group of seven-footers with foot problems, which raises red flags for scouts.

However, his high ceiling and unique skillset of presence on the glass and terrific outside shooting (52 percent from three) make him an intriguing prospect.

Projections: Fallen from top ten in mock drafts to 11th to the Utah Jazz, 19th and 15th to the Charlotte Hornets.

Player comparison: DeAndre Jordan, Kristaps Porziņģis.

 

Louis King, freshman, 6-foot-9, 205-pound, forward

Coming off of a torn meniscus and missing the first seven games of the season, King's draft stock has showed rapid improvement in the past month. King has showcased his talent during Pac-12 play, leading the Ducks in scoring with 17 points per game. King has reached double-figure points the past four games, including the Ducks' upset win at Arizona.

The top 20 recruit is a "possible one and done" player, according to multiple scouts.

King's offensive talent and smooth jump shot is easy to see anywhere on the court, but where he has improved most is his rebounding and defense. Once listed as a ‘weakness', King leads Oregon with an average of 9.4 rebounds per game in conference play.

His size is ideal for an NBA wing, making him a prospect to watch this NBA Draft if he continues to soar in Pac-12 play.  

Projections: 19th to the Portland Trail Blazers, 42nd to the Sacramento Kings, 59th overall.

Player comparison: Rudy Gay, Trevor Ariza, Caron Butler.

 

Kenny Wooten, Sophomore, 6-foot-9, 235-pound, forward

After fracturing his jaw in December against Baylor, Wooten returned earlier than expected. He made an immediate impact, playing 25 minutes in a full-face mask, providing an inside presence that helped Oregon upset Arizona.
He already ranks 4th in UO career blocks with 113. An excellent rim protector, Wooten's defensive instincts are listed as a strength according to mock drafts, along with his ability to finish plays around the basket.

Wooten needs to improve offensively as a passer and a shooter. His free throw shooting and footwork needs work as well. His play in the PK80 Classic last year helped him gain some buzz in draft circles, but it would probably be in his best interest to continue to develop before declaring for the draft.
Projection: 2nd Round to undrafted
Player comparison: Jordan Bell.

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