On the eve of this year’s NBA Draft I am amazed at what a difference a year makes when it comes to the difference in number of potential players drafted out of the Big 12 as opposed to how many were drafted last year. However, one thing remains the same and that is there is the possibility of having a player out of the Big 12 being named the number one pick for the third straight year.
After two near misses (Kevin Durant-Texas and Michael Beasley-Kansas State) it looks as though the league will produce the top pick in Blake Griffin from Oklahoma. Griffin, like Durant, was voted the Most Valuable Player in college basketball, while Beasley was cheated out of that honor when Tyler Hansborough was selected as the collegiate player of the year.
Unfortunately or fortunately depending on how you look at it, the Big 12 will have fewer players drafted than a year ago due to the decisions of its top players to return to school. The NBA is going to have to wait another year for the talents of Cole Aldrich and Sheron Collins from Kansas.
Craig Brackins, another sure fire first round pick, has decided to turn his back on the NBA and return to Iowa State for another year. I, for one, am excited about this development. The final player to withdraw is
Damion James of Texas. With James back in the fold the Longhorns will be in the hunt for a national championship. Collins will have a chance to graduate and hone his game while Brackins and Aldrich have an opportunity to improve their chances at being top 5 picks.
Last year Kansas led the way for the Big 12 with all five starters drafted that included two in the first round. Beasley went second and DJ Augustin (Texas) also went in the top ten at number nine.
This year’s draft class will be highlighted by number one, Griffin,
Demarre Carroll and Leo Lyons from Missouri. Carroll was being touted as a first round pick due to his tenacity, heart and versatility. However, news of a slight liver problem has scared some teams off. Indications from doctors say that his problem won’t affect him until long after he retires. Regardless, I believe a team can’t go wrong with Carroll on the roster. Lyons is a skilled forward who dispelled rumors of his lackadaisical play with an outstanding senior season. Watching him mature in his career is what college basketball is all about. He should go late first or early second round.
The dearth of talent in the NBA Draft out of the Big 12 does not mean that the league is devoid of talent. As mentioned above the choices by the young players to return to their respective schools has left the conference with fewer prospects this year, but will increase the payload for the Big 12 next year.
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