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Halldan1

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Jan 1, 2003
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From ESPN Insider


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    Chad FordESPN Senior Writer
Ranking top prospects in stellar NBA draft class

1. Markelle Fultz
i

Previous rank: No. 3
Washington
Freshman
Guard


There's still no consensus No. 1 pick, but for the first month of the season, there hasn't been a freshman with a more complete game than Fultz.

His stat line has been ridiculous. He has been a dominant scorer, elite 3-point shooter, terrific rebounder and special passer, while racking up steals defensively. There are very few holes in his game.

His only real issue? He's playing on a mediocre team without much help.

2. Lonzo Ball
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Previous rank: No. 6
UCLA
Freshman
Guard


While Fultz may be the most complete player in the country, Ball has certainly been the most electric.

His otherworldly passing, deep, deep range on his jumper and ability to explode off the floor have offered a dizzying array of highlights for the undefeated Bruins. Scouts think he's Jason Kidd with a jump shot.

For a team that wants to play the way the Golden State Warriors play, Ball will be very tempting as a lead guard. The only thing that gives scouts pause? His unorthodox jump shot has some questioning whether he can keep shooting 3s at a 45 percent clip.

3. Josh Jackson
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Previous rank: No. 1
Kansas
Freshman
Forward


Jackson began the season at No. 1 and has been impressive for the Jayhawks. He has proved to be an elite playmaker for a wing and has shown the skills to help his team in ways that don't always show up in the box score.

His 25 percent 3-point shooting and 55 percent free throw shooting are the big reasons his stock has slipped slightly.

4. Malik Monk
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Previous rank: No. 15
Kentucky
Freshman
Guard


Monk dropped 47 points on North Carolina on Saturday, and truthfully, that still didn't really capture what he's capable of as a scorer. His 3-point shooting, ballhandling and ability to finish at the rim make him the most elite scorer in the draft.

If he were 6-foot-6, instead of 6-foot-3 -- or if he had more of a chance to play the point at Kentucky -- he'd challenge Fultz for the No. 1 spot on the board.

5. Dennis Smith
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Previous rank: No. 4
NC State
Freshman
Guard


Smith has a special combination of elite athleticism and toughness that has allowed him to thrive as a scorer at NC State. I've heard a lot of Steve Francis comps from NBA scouts, and that seems about right.

His jump shooting is the major concern at the moment. He was shooting just 28 percent from beyond the arc this year before hitting five 3s against Fairfield on Sunday.

6. Jayson Tatum
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Previous rank: No. 7
Duke
Freshman
Forward


Tatum missed the first eight games of the season for Duke with an ankle injury, but he seems no worse for the wear. He had a dominant coming-out party against Florida in early December when he put his elite midrange and post game on full display.

Scouts are still waiting to see if he can make the transition to being a reliable 3-point shooter, though. He's 4-for-15 from deep so far.

7. Harry Giles
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Previous rank: No. 2
Duke
Freshman
Forward


After missing the first 11 games of the year (on top of his entire senior season) due to a knee injury, Giles finally got some game action this week. He played just four minutes and didn't record any points or rebounds against Tennessee State on Monday and put up just one point and two boards in six minutes against Elon on Wednesday.

Based on talent, he's as good as or better than anyone else on this board. However, two major knee surgeries -- on top of the more minor procedure that delayed his start at Duke -- loom pretty large right now.

He's going to have to get back to full strength if he's going to make a run at the No. 1 pick.

8. Jonathan Isaac
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Previous rank: No. 8
FSU
Freshman
Forward


Isaac is yet another freshman who has caught the eyes of NBA scouts with a combination of great size, length and shooting ability for a player his size (the 6-foot-11 forward is hitting 38 percent from 3).

Strength is his biggest issue, but it hasn't stopped him from putting up solid numbers early for the Seminoles.

9. De'Aaron Fox
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Previous rank: No. 9
Kentucky
Freshman
Guard


There isn't a faster player in the country than Fox. He's a blur with the ball, both in the open court and in half-court sets. His quickness and ballhandling abilities are elite, and he's showed terrific playmaking instincts at Kentucky -- but the shooting is a big issue.

He's hitting just 15 percent of his 3s and only 30 percent of his 2-point jumpers for Kentucky.

10. Miles Bridges
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Previous rank: No. 24
Michigan State
Freshman
Forward


Bridges has missed the past four games with an ankle injury, though he's on the mend and expected to play again soon.

When he has played, Bridges has wowed scouts with his combination of an NBA body, explosive athleticism and playmaking ability. The fact that he's hitting 39 percent of his 3s only adds to his value.



 
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