Mock Draft TrackerBy:

Climbin’

Jeremy Lamb, 6’6 SG, Connecticut

Jeremy Lamb leapfrogged Harrison Barnes into the 3rd spot after giving us a glimpse of his potential against Columbia and Wagner. It was glorious.

He looked like a mini Kevin Durant, knocking down shots from all over the perimeter both off the bounce and the catch. He showed off a number of NBA-caliber moves, executing at a high rate regardless of shot-difficulty. Lamb looked fluid shooting from out to 26 feet, and explosive off the dribble where threw down one of the most vicious dunks you’ll see from someone under 200 pounds.

This coming off an incredible NCAA tourney run where he was as influential to UConn’s title as Kemba Walker. As well as a summer in which he was the top performer for the USA team and put up 40 points in one game. On top of all that he has worked hard in the weight room and his shoulders and arms are showing much better definition.

He’s established himself as the most lethal perimeter player in the country, a potential difference maker, and a legit threat to go top three in a star-studded draft.

Anthony Davis 6’10 PF, Kentucky

Davis double-doubled in his debut, showing why he’s another candidate to go 1 overall. Few 6’10 forwards can get from the perimeter to the rack like Davis, who’s mobility and skill-set are abnormally superior for a college freshman. He rocked 8 dunks in his 10-13 performance, illustrating above the rim athleticism that is difficult to contest. Forwards with his size and length that can can operate on all cylinders are rare commodities, which is why he’s currently our second player off the board in our latest mock draft.

Moe Harkless 6’8 SF, St. Johns

Harkless moved into our top 25 for 2013 after a strong start to his freshman year.

Harkless’ length and athleticism allow him to excel as a small forward, where he thrives on defense and on transition opportunities. He’s shown the ability to contribute in all facets of the game, scoring at least 15 in all three contests, averaging 6 boards, 1.7 blocks and 2 steals. He offers numerous services with his versatility, and has plenty of room to grow as an offensive player. If he can turn his outside stroke into a weapon, Harkless could be extremely useful to teams at the next level.

Zeke Marshall, 7’0 C, Akron

Marshall held Mississippi State’s talented front court in check Wednesday night, blocking 5 shots while Arnett Moultrie shot 2-13. Marshall’s 7’5 wingspan makes him the intriguing prospect that he is, creating an easy target for guards to locate around the rim. He’s likely not a NBA-caliber starting center, but for a team who could use depth, athleticism, size and shotblocking, Marshall can offer a unique package of tools off the bench.

Ray Turner, 6’9 Texas A&M

Turner scored back to back 20 point games to start the season, shooting an incredible 18-22 from the floor. At 6’9, Turner is an explosive athlete who can really get up and down the floor. After playing a limited role as a freshman and sophomore, he should get ample opportunity as a junior to create a name for himself. With Khris Middleton out a few weeks with a knee injury, look for Turner to continue getting double digit shot attempts as the team’s top interior option.

William Buford, 6’5 SG, Ohio State

When a team decides to select William Buford, they won’t be wondering what he could be, or what position he’ll play or how well he can play it. They’ll know all these answers. And that’s what makes him valuable, providing definitive qualities as opposed to questionable ones. Buford is what he is- a reliable shot-maker who offers little risk yet minimal upside. The NBA is always looking for shooters who don’t pose as a liability defensively, and we think a playoff team lacking backcourt depth could snag him mid first round.

Slippin’

Harrison Barnes 6’8 SF, North Carolina

Barnes dropped two spots behind Lamb, simply because his ceiling isn’t as high. Though he’s done nothing to jeopardize his draft stock, he projects more as complimentary player than the go-to player Lamb could be. Barnes is extremely efficient, but is not as proficient one on one in isolation. Showing he can create and score off the dribble would add a new dimension to his game, making him more of a threat with the ball in his hands.

Josiah Turner, 6’3 PG, Arizona

Turner lost his starting job, and possibly his spot in the rotation after just a week into the season. He looked uncomfortable and reckless, doing a poor job of picking and choosing the appropriate time to hit the gas or pump the breaks. Turner was a combined 1-7 against Valpo and Duquesne, and given Arizona’s depth at guard, was benched entirely for their third game against Ball State. Turner needs time and is more likely to be a factor as a sophomore.

Reggie Bullock, 6’5 SG, North Carolina

Barring an injury, Bullock is battling PJ Hairston for the 7th spot in a loaded rotation. Bullock was already behind the ball after tearing his MCL last February, while his 29% from downtown didn’t exactly turn heads. Bullock has yet to display NBA services, and likely won’t get many opportunities to do so as a sophomore.

Keith Appling, 6’2 PG/SG, Michigan State

Appling struggled mightily against North Carolina, fouling out after 4 turnovers in 19 assist-less minutes. Though he shot the ball effectively as a freshman, he’s got little room for error as playmaker considering he’s barely 6’2. He won’t get drafted as a scorer, so finding a way to orchestrate an offense as a pass-first point guard should be his goal moving forward.