http://wwww.draftexpress.com/profile/Nerlens-Noel-6455/ Spoiler It's been a year since the last (and first) time we evaluated Nerlens Noel (#2 ESPN, #3 Scout, #3 Rivals) at this same event in New Haven, but our overall impression hasn't changed much. Now standing close to seven feet tall, with a frame that continues to mature, a long wingspan, and tremendous athleticism, Noel looks every bit the part of a top notch big man prospect. One of the best finishers in high school basketball thanks to his incredible combination of length and explosiveness, Noel is a phenomenal target around the basket. His ball-handling skills seem to be coming around as well, as he showed the ability to create his own shot from the perimeter or in transition with a quick first step and unbelievably long strides which big men at this level simply cannot stay in front of. Not a threat at all to make shots from the perimeter (or sometimes even the free throw line), and pretty raw inside the post in terms of his footwork and touch, Noel nevertheless shows the ability to finish with either hand around the basket, and makes his presence felt through his work in transition and the offensive glass. He needs to continue to add strength to his frame, improve his feel for the game, and polish up his skill-level, but considering he's only 17 years old, time is on his side. Noel's biggest impact is currently felt on the defensive end, where he often dominant at this level. He shows an ideal combination of size, length, athleticism, timing, and intensity—challenging every attempt around the basket and blocking shots with either hand. Unlike most big men, he seemingly has no problem stepping out on the perimeter and hedging screens on the pick and roll, as he moves his feet incredibly well and is extremely disruptive in the passing lanes. Turning 18 in April, Noel reportedly briefly considered reclassifying to the 2012 class, which would make this his final season of high school basketball, but ultimately elected to stay in the class 2013. He's already considered one of the top players in his class and will draw immediate attention from scouts as soon as he steps foot on a college campus. Obviously, a lot can change and we'll have to watch him in college, but a guy his size doesn't appear too often. Unlike a certain Uconn player, this guy seems to already have a feel for the game, we'll just have to see how well he can polish in college. I worry that he'll have a problem adapting to the NBA's heightened physicality and skill level, but if he can develop a post move or two, he can be a success, especially given the limited number of good big men in the NBA. Best Case: Somewhere between Deke and Shaq Worst Case: Hasheem Thabeet
So somewhere between one of the best centers ever and one of the worst centers ever ... can you tighten up the range a bit Just kidding, da_juice. Noel is interesting to watch. I'd say he's much more athletic than Thabeet though ... much more likely to succeed at the highest level, just from a defensive standpoint. Recently visited Syracuse and is going to visit Kentucky this weekend. Should be a top pick next year, barring injury. Highlights: <iframe width="640" height="360" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/qggE9Xaw6n8" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe> Interview: <iframe width="640" height="360" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/8jv5eOCLEKA" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
He's pretty much going to be a Bobcat, or Hornet I should say, since Jordan is buying the Hornets name next season.
Wow! And a beautiful pass by #12. I guess the odds of getting this guy are slim to none? Reminds me a bit of this dunk: <iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/Lt_AGxrhOq0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
I remember when the experts said that the 2009 class was going to be "weak". But yet it's already produce three all-stars in James Harden, Blake Griffin and Jrue Holiday, not to mention possible future all-stars in Stephen Curry and Ricky Rubio, along with other solid starters and role players that still have room to grow in Taj Gibson, Tyreke Evans (former ROY), Brandon Jennings, Ty Lawson, Jeff Teague and Demar Derozan. So it's not a great idea to call class "weak", prematurely.
I'm starting to question the height of some nba players. This guy is listed at 6'10 or 6'11 yet when he dunks casually he gets his elbows above the rim with ease. How come our guys don't have that lift?
The dudes motor is what I like. I guarentee he will not be a bust. I think naturally he is just as good of a shot blocker as Davis was. The offensive part has a long way to go though.
Noel was impressive tonight against Ole Miss... zero impact on the offensive end, but he had 11 blocks, many of them while he was playing with 4 fouls.
With a few years to develop in the NBA, I think he can be Tyson Chandler 2.0. Remember, Chandler wasn't very good at the beginning of his career.
