Best Defender: Jonas Jerebko Other than Austin Daye, Jonas Jerebko is the biggest small forward in this group --he's reportedly been measured by teams at 6-foot-10 in shoes. Unlike Daye, though, Jerebko actually has some meat on his bones, and most importantly, is not afraid to use it. Jerebko has been playing the small forward position exclusively for the last two years in one of the highest levels of competition found outside the NBA -- the Italian first division. He's been responsible for shutting down some of the top scorers in that league, and has done an excellent job, particularly as the season moved on. Jerebko's size, length, athleticism and terrific motor allows him to absolutely smother opponents on the perimeter and emerge as quite a factor in the passing lanes and on the glass. He's the type of player who can defend multiple positions and is always around the ball, often wreaking havoc switching onto smaller players on the pick-and-roll. Jerebko has strong buzz these days and seems to be in the mix for quite a few teams drafting in the 25-35 range. http://www.nba.com/2009/news/features/johnathan_givony/06/19/small.forwards/index.html
I was recently watching my daughter's practice and Kyle Singler was working out in the next gym. Singler took 100's of shots from the college 3 point line and looked significantly better than this Swedish guy with form, release, elevation, and made buckets. Another day I saw E.J. Singler (going to Oregon) and he was doing the same drills with similar results. In short, I don't see anything in those clips that is anything to get excited about. This Swede may have talent, but if I was picking 5 for a run at the Y, then based on what I've seen, I'd pick both Singlers (neither of which is destined to set the NBA on fire) ahead of him.
Based on the shooting video, he appears to have suspect form, suspect release, and limited elevation. He also has a slow release and is shooting from about 3 feet closer than he would be in the NBA. Not to mention he only shot 13-19. Not particularly good for a workout environment where you're getting a perfect chest pass and no defensive pressure.
I'd rather have rudy mbemba from sweden on my team. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gYq5fu-jYdU&feature=related
The team already has its share of defensive specialist. If He can not shoot a consistent shot then there wont be any use for him in the team.
How athletic is this kid? Can he defend on the NBA level? Without those things, he would be a poor man's Jason Kapono at best.
