Adam Zagoria covers basketball at all levels. He is the author of two books and an award-winning journalist whose articles have appeared in ESPN The Magazine, SLAM, Sheridan Hoops, Sports Illustrated, Basketball Times and in newspapers nationwide.
NBA Scout’s Take: Top 7 Prospects in the Final Four
ATLANTA –– Want to know what a veteran NBA scout thinks about this Final Four?
Here are the thoughts of one NBA scout, who gave his evaluations of the top seven prospects playing here this weekend.
1. Trey Burke, So. G, MichiganScout’s take: “He can set the table better than anyone this year, outstanding handle and passer who can score.”
Projected NBA Draft range: 6-12
2. Michael Carter-Williams, So. G, SyracuseScout’s take: “He has really helped himself in the Tournament. Great size for position, makes teammates better with his penetration and passing, improving his shooting. Very good using length and anticipation for steals. Great upside.”
Projected NBA Draft range: 10-18
3. Gorgui Dieng, Jr. C, LouisvilleScout’s take: “Second-best interior defender in college ball, improving offensively.”
Projected NBA Draft range: 20-30
4(t). Russ Smith, Jr. G, LouisvilleScout’s take: “You can’t guard what you can’t catch. Cat quick and Brooklyn tough.”
Projected NBA Draft range: 24-30
4(t). Glenn Robinson, Fr. F, MichiganScout’s take: “Growing into a Big Dog. Athletic, shoots it straight, one of the best freshmen in the country.”
Projected NBA Draft range: 24-30
6. Mitch McGary, Fr. F, MichiganScout’s take: “Is this guy related to Bill Lambieer? Big, strong, more athletic than you realize. A banger.”
**For more on McGary’s soaring stock, click here.
Projected NBA Draft range: 25-35
7. Peyton Siva, Sr. G, Louisville
Scout’s take: “Peyton has NBA speed, quickness, passing ability. He’s fearless, but the craziness almost completely negates it. If he plays great and they win the championship, the arrow goes up. If he plays bad, he could fall out of the second round.”
Projected NBA Draft range: Second round
Adam Zagoria is a Basketball Insider who covers basketball at all levels. A contributor to The New York Times and SportsNet New York (SNY), he is also the author of two books and is an award-winning journalist and filmmaker. His articles have appeared in ESPN The Magazine, SLAM, Sheridan Hoops, Basketball Times and in newspapers nationwide. He also won an Emmy award for his work on the SNY mini-documentary on Syracuse guard Tyus Battle.
A veteran Ultimate Frisbee player, he has competed in numerous National and World Championships and, perhaps more importantly, his teams won the Westchester Summer League (WSL) championships in 2011 and 2013.
He lives in Manhattan with his wife and children.