Kentucky Sports Radio
[Moderated by Matt Jones, Drew Franklin and Tyler Thompson]
[Moderated by Matt Jones, Drew Franklin and Tyler Thompson]
I love this upcoming draft for a host of reasons. The main one is there are going to be a ton of former Cats selected, further proving Kentucky is the creme de la creme of the college basketball world. Another reason is that I think this is one of the deepest drafts in recent memory. In this draft there will be value in your picks out of the lottery, in the 15-20 range. When you can select players that can immediately contribute at the NBA level in the mid- first round, that is the true mark of a great draft. One guy whose name will surely be called before or during those picks is Terrence Jones. The sky is the limit for this guy. As Kentucky fans, we’ve seen it more than anybody else in the country; this kid can be really, really special. Although a bit undersized to play the power forward position, he has all the tools to be a great player. In the past few years, there has been an influx of smaller power forwards (Griffin, Faried, and even Patrick Patterson) with a lot of tools, that have found success in the NBA. Terrence will be no different. One team that is hoping Jones will be available at their pick is the Pheonix Suns. Their fan blog page recently did a draft profile of the Portland native, outlining his skills and how he would be used in their rotation. Here’s a little bit of it:
NBA size – check
NBA athleticism – check
Mobility/Runs the Floor – check
Shot Blocking – check
Rebounding – check
Finishing at the Rim – check
Outside Shooting – needs improvement
Post Game – needs improvement
Free Throw Shooting – needs improvement
Intangibles – the crux of the dilemma
Jones has most of the tools that can’t be taught. Shooting can generally be worked on and improved. The real question seems to be whether he has the mental fabric to be an elite (or at least above average starter) player at the NBA level? If it weren’t for that issue, Jones would probably be a top 5 pick instead of a player that might even slip to the Suns at 13. If he is still on the board when the Suns pick I would think he will draw serious consideration.
Most teams are questioning TJ’s love for the game and desire to be a great player. And while this might cause him drop a couple of spots, if he can put it all together he could be one of the best players in this draft. The lottery is coming pretty soon and things will be a lot clearer after that. I’m guessing he doesn’t get out of the top 10.
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Bill Keightley Report : Never to be forgotten.
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May 28th, 2012 at 8:04 pm
I’m sure just from watching his workouts, the GMs are probably salivating over the possibilities of how good he could be. But the intangibles are exactly the issue here. We know he thrives to win, but what does he bring outside of statistics?
May 28th, 2012 at 8:05 pm
Oh, and second!
May 28th, 2012 at 8:14 pm
“what does he bring outside of statistics?” ….I’d love to have a guy that brings statistics
May 28th, 2012 at 8:28 pm
if he drops out of the top ten, it wont be by much. I thought his rebounding the last quarter of the season was huge for us, wish TJ the best
May 28th, 2012 at 8:30 pm
Draft lottery is scheduled for 8pm Wednesday. About 48 hours till we know where Anthony Davis is going.
May 28th, 2012 at 8:35 pm
3) I’m not sure if you noticed, but most of his better games at UK occurred when he didn’t fill up the stat sheet as much. And in those games, UK won. Remember his freshman season when he was a supposed POY candidate but UK was struggling? Whatever he was doing when he didn’t stuff the statsheet was what he needs to bring all the time.
Let’s also consider certain guys in the NBA, like Stephen Jackson. He played most of his career as statistically the best player on the Pacers and Warriors. And during those years he was mediocre. Terrence hopefully ends up as a good statistical player who ends up on the winning side.
May 28th, 2012 at 9:13 pm
The only thing gms should worry about is if he can guard the better sf/pf in the league.
May 28th, 2012 at 11:07 pm
#6 you are my hero after what you said on the the Memoral Day tread and spot on about Jones. Cal said last year when we were struggling that for us to be good Jones’ states would fall for the team to be better. That just shows he is a team player. Who ever gets him will have a winner. I’ve said before if Jones had went to Washington no FF or NC that simple.
May 29th, 2012 at 9:21 am
As a Suns fan, I hope we take a UK kid. We probably need a replacement PG/someone that can score more but Jones would be a welcome addition.
May 29th, 2012 at 4:46 pm
Questioning his love for the game?!?
Are you f*#K$! kidding me???
May 31st, 2012 at 6:18 pm
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