Philly (Metro) Draft Day (My Top NBA Prospects 2014-15)

Looking forward the college basketball season and finding out who's who and what's what. There are definitely some top prospects from Philly that will have the opportunity to raise their stock in the opportunity to get drafted or become NBA players. It's not everyday that everybody gets the opportunity to make a case for themselves but I have a few names that will definitely make their cases.

Jerrell Wright (LaSalle University)

In the Local area at the top of my list is Jerrell Wright (LaSalle-PF-6'8")... Checking out Wright has been fantastic because for the last 3 years, he has turned LaSalle University into a place to watch basketball. Who could ever forget the trip to the Sweet 16 and making his statement in the tournament having the highest field goal % in college basketball history with any play having more than 3 games, shooting well over 80%. He not only set a record but also scored 21 points going 6-6 from the field and 9-10 against Kansas State in the second round of the tourney. Past and Present success has everything to do with being an NBA player and he has shown that he can definitely make his statement. He has been honored on different all conference teams and also nominated this season as high prospect for player of the year in the A10. He's ranked is ranked 53 in his class on the Draftboard for NBA Draft Express and I expect his time on the floor which has definitely taken away from his numbers will show a huge improvement. I expect anywhere from 32-36 minutes a game where he'll get the opportunity to shoot for a double double season.

This summer DJ Newbill (Penn State-G-6'4") has been probably the most busiest for Philly prospects. Coming from high school, his story was a little different than many, but he's made the best from his opportunities. Newbill was blessed with the opportunity to attend the skills camps this summer for Nike which features some of the top high school and college prospects in the country. Newbill's resume as been outstanding starting with Southern Miss, where he was all freshmen conference before transferring to Penn State. At Penn State, he came in and made an immediate impact in the Big 10 averaging 16.3 ppg at 36 mpg. Last season, he was able to increase the scoring production with 17.9 ppg and less minutes. He showed the ability to be efficient and come up big when needed. He's an exciting tool that shows potential with his ability to see the floor and make the team so much better. With a trip to the tournament this year, he could definitely see his stock go from where it is, to a definite...We already know the numbers are there.

Rondae Hollis-Jefferson (Arizona-6'7"-SF) attended the LeBron skills camp this summer under Nike and was able to show off his ability to play anywhere on the floor. He's known to have the engine that everybody loves. He's at the top of the board for most people but I still like he has things he's definitely going to prove. He definitely has leadership qualities and he will be a huge contribution for whatever everybody is looking for. He was all freshmen conference for the PAC12 but that didn't take away from the potential that if he would have played more that he could have been more productive. He averaged 9.1 ppg last season in 25.3 mpg. He shot 49% from the field and grabbed 5.7 rpg. He's probably one of the most tough nose players that has ever been seen in the Philly area and there's no telling what he will do this year. He ranked as one of the top shot blockers and it showed knowing that he's a great defender and can lock any player in the country. He'll start all season this year and I wouldn't be surprised if he was the POY this year for his conference and an All American.

Markus Kennedy (SMU-PF-6'9") is a forward that makes it look easy to be his teammate. He focuses on the little things that big tend to miss on and marks his territory. Kennedy is ranked 42 amongst the Juniors coming back to play this year. His frame has really changed since his freshmen year when he was at Villanova and has shown his game for production. He ranked 5th in his conference in field goal % last season. Kennedy stretches the floor and make the game look easy for a big because of his athletic versatility. He can shoot the ball deep as well as post any player up and use smooth moves to the basket. He averaged 12.9 ppg and over 7 rpg. He also was able to get steals, assist and blocks. He's a strong case for AAC POY if he can find the ability to win consistently. I didn't mention the fact his coach is non other than the great Larry Brown and his development coach is George Lynch. He'll definitely build on the fact he's known as one of the greatest defensive big men in the country.

Amile Jefferson (Duke-PF-6'9") is in a really good place at Duke University. Coach K has been taking care of this player and it seems like he knows all the things to do in order to get the job done on the floor. I'm definitely excited to see what kind of player he will be this season. He's ranked 40th for the juniors and his stock could definitely raise up this season with some of the great talent to support him. He never seems to the be focus of the team but he does everything right. Last season was huge for him starting for the Blue Devils. He averaged 6.5 ppg in only 22 mpg but shot 64%. He had some outstanding games and rebounding and everybody knows, if you play for Coach K, the opportunity to play in the NBA will definitely be there.

Honorable Mention:
Savon Goodman (ASU-SF-6'7")
Jabril Trawick (Georgetown-SG-6'5")
Rysheed Jordan (St. John's-SG-6'3")