Pre-draft camp: Day 2 stock watch

ORLANDO – After a disappointing first day, the performance of many players improved noticeably on Wednesday as nerves seemed to calmed down for most participants. The day started off with two hours of drills in the form of shooting stations and one-on-one and two-on-two scrimmages followed by team games.

We’ll review the events of the day by assessing the stock of some of the most relevant players here.

RISING

Patrick Ewing Jr.: Ewing had one of the better games of the day, showing off some versatility along with the constant hustle he’s become known for. He had some nice moves in the post, hard cuts to the basket and even hit an NBA three-pointer, taking full advantage of his physical tools and showing skills many weren’t aware he had.

Gary Forbes: Forbes paced his team to victory with his all-around play on the offensive end, playing all three perimeter positions at times, and coming up with 17 points, seven rebounds and three assists. Not overly athletic, he uses his size, length and craftiness to maneuver his way around defenders in the paint and showed he could finish with either hand. The senior scored his points within the flow of the offense and made a few nifty passes for a 6-foot-7 player standing. A strong performance from a player looking to solidify his chances of being drafted.

Malik Hairston: While he didn’t have a noteworthy statistical game, Hairston has clearly benefited from getting in better shape. He showed improved elevation, quickness and explosiveness and looked like a new player. He had some nice dunks and was particularly impressive with his vision and unselfishness. His team has great chemistry and he’s a big reason for that.

Ty Lawson: Likely the best player of the day, Lawson showed exceptional quickness and court vision, knifing through the defense while dishing out passes in transition and in the half court. He finished well at the rim, but his jump shot still needs work.

Mike Taylor: After a season in the NBA’s Development League, Taylor is easily among the quickest players here. He has excellent scoring instincts despite a game heavily geared toward his right hand. While turnovers are an issue for him, he showed a nice set of skills and physical abilities that had scouts paying attention.

Pat Calathes: Played a very well-rounded game, scoring 10 points with five assists in just 15 minutes. He showed off ball-handling skills unique for a player of his size. There aren’t many 6-10 players who can do some of the things he did today. He was in rhythm almost immediately both times he was called off the bench, showing terrific creativity and feel for the game.

Joe Crawford: Made things happen with the ball in his hands, scoring 19 points in 26 minutes. He was his team’s most aggressive player and showed nice versatility mixing up his perimeter shooting with his slashing ability.

NO MOVEMENT

Lester Hudson: After wowing scouts in one-on-one games, Hudson struggled in his game, committing five turnovers and scoring just four points. While he did hit two very tough pull-up jumpers, his separation ability on drives didn’t stand out at all.

DeVon Hardin: Showed off his outstanding quickness for a center and did a good job converting easy buckets in the paint. Also played with more of a mean streak than he usually shows. Still struggled with his post-up game, showing poor balance and awareness.

Othello Hunter: Played an efficient game, shooting 6-for-7 from the field, mostly on open dunks around the basket. He also hit a midrange jumper and a nice spinning hook as a countermove in the post.

Joey Dorsey: Aggressive while showing off his outstanding athleticism and strength. Also dished out some nice passes. Didn’t show much in terms of a post game; wasn’t featured down low.

George Hill: Looked very smooth creating for himself and others at the point guard position, even if he’s not a naturally instinctive floor general. His versatility and feel for the game was evident, complimented by his excellent wingspan.

DROPPING

Wayne Ellington: Struggled mightily, hitting 3-of-10 from the field with six turnovers. Looked unimpressive athletically and with his ball-handling. Hasn’t been hitting his jump shot since he arrived.

Shan Foster: One of the more disappointing players thus far, looking very nervous and not getting into a shooting groove, playing completely unlike himself, even horribly airballing one three pointer.

DeMarcus Nelson: Struggled to finish inside, not looking to have enough in athletic ability and/or size, while also turning the ball over four times. He did get to the free-throw line well and played his usual outstanding defense.

Jeremy Pargo: After initially doing a great job involving teammates, he showed poor decision-making in the second half.

Davon Jefferson: Despite making quite a few nice passes, he didn’t show as much aggressiveness as a scorer. Looked like he was in considerably worse shape than when the college season ended.