JJ Hickson - NBA Draft Prospects

Numbers: 14.8 ppg, 8.5 rpg, 1.5 bpg, 59% FG, 68% FT

About Him: JJ Hickson had a phenomenal start to the season, but tailed off during ACC play (averaging just 12.5 ppg). The biggest reason for this was that Hickson, although supremely talented, has yet to really develop a polished game. His freshman season, he survived mostly on natural ability, which he has loads of, but he doesn't have a feel for the game. He has quick feet, good foot work, and is a strong finisher at the room, but he doesn't have too many moves. His go to move is a drop step (he can go both ways, but is much better going over his left shoulder, shooting righty), and his turn-around jumper improved a lot during the season. Right now he is most effective on the move, either in transition or when cutting to the basket (although this was probably exaggerated by the NC State half court offense), because he is mobile, athletic, has great hands and long arms, and love to dunk everything. He can't shoot outside of about 10-12 feet, and cannot pass out of the post (.39 ast/to ration, 1.0 apg) which means that once he gets the ball anywhere on the court, he is going to the rim. Defensively, he is only 6'9", which will hurt him in the post, but has quick feet and is pretty good laterally, which mean she should be good at defending the pick and roll.

Comparisons: Gary Trent, Brandon Bass

Bottom Line: Hickson has a long way to go before he is ready to play in the NBA, but he has a ton of potential, which scouts love. He could be a late first round pick, but he is probably better off going back to school for a year and developing his game.