Predraft camp's winners and losers
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. – All week at the NBA predraft camp, Yahoo! Sports compiled opinions of league scouts on prospects who helped and hurt their draft stock.
Here are the camp's big winners … and big losers.
BIGGEST WINNERS
1. Jared Jordan, 6-foot-2 guard, Marist – He improved his draft standing more than any other prospect. He proved he could excel against a higher caliber of player than he faced while at Marist. His individual workouts will become extremely important because teams will want him to be able to defend the pick and roll and shoot the ball consistently.
2. Taurean Green, 6-foot guard, Florida – He impressed teams with his shooting and dribble penetration. He also applied good pressure on the ball. The combination of his defense and unselfishness make him a solid NBA prospect.
3. Aaron Gray, 7-foot center, Pittsburgh – He scored points with scouts with a leaner, more toned body. His size and strength allowed him to excel this week. Although he will never be a great NBA player, Gray showed he will be a solid center for a number of years.
4. Demetris Nichols, 6-7 forward, Syracuse – Teams always like guys who can make shots. He came to Orlando and did just that. He finished 9-for-13 from three-point range and averaged almost 14 points a game. His stock improved with every game and with every three he made.
5. Jared Dudley, 6-7 forward, Boston College – A very versatile and intelligent player. Scouts like his floor game and his nose for the ball. He might not have a true position in the NBA, but his intelligence and understanding of how to play will help him to be an effective player.
BIGGEST LOSERS
1. Dominic James, 5-11 guard, Marquette – He struggled virtually every day and in every way, and he shot only 25 percent from the free-throw line. His offensive production was poor and he dribbled the air out of the ball. He needs to go back to school and start to play like he did as a freshman.
2. Jeremy Hunt, 6-5 guard, Memphis – He is athletic and played decent defense, but other than that, he was extremely ineffective. He shot 18 percent from the floor for the entire camp, so he needs a strong showing during individual workouts.
3. Blake Schilb, 6-7 forward, Loyola – He had a nice career at Loyola and scouts felt like he had a chance to get drafted. His play, however, left teams disappointed. He is not great in any one area and he disappeared for stretches during this week's games. He needs to have some solid workouts to have a chance.
4. Curtis Sumpter, 6-7 forward, Villanova – He did not play well throughout the week and does not have a position at the next level. He is not skilled enough to play small forward and not big enough to play power forward. Unfortunately, he is the classic tweener.
5. Jamaal Tatum, 6-2 guard, Southern Illinois – He did not capitalize on his success at Portsmouth. He shot the ball poorly and never seemed comfortable on the court. He did play some very good defense and might receive an opportunity because of his ability to disrupt the opposing team's offense.