JJ Hickson: NBA Draft Profile

College:  North Carolina State

Class:  Freshman

Position:  PF

Height:  6’9”

Weight:  242lbs

Accolades:  ACC All-Freshman Team (08), Honorable Mention All-ACC (08), Honorable Mention All-Freshman Team – CHN (08), McDonald’s All-American – high school (07), Second Team Parade All-American – high school (07).

Scouting Report:  A strong, athletic big man from a tough conference.

Strengths:  Strong finisher – can absorb contact and still score.  Nice hands.  Long wingspan.  Strong, thick frame.  Nice post moves.  Great shot-blocker.  Great rebounder – had 10 double-digit rebounding games his freshman year.  Very accurate from the field.  Was “the man” on a team that plays in one of college’s best conferences.   Athletic for a big man.

Weaknesses:  Will be too small to play center in the NBA.  Undersized – might only be 6’8”.  Needs to develop range on his jumper.  Relies too much on size/athleticism to score in college, but needs to diversify game to succeed at pro level.  Very inexperienced.  Needs to get in better shape.  Is he quick enough to cover NBA power forwards? 

Projected 2008 Draft Range:  Late first round pick.

Consensus:  There is no way Hickson should remain in this deep draft considering he is only a borderline first round choice.  He needs to go back to school and develop more of his game and try again next draft.

Stats: JJ Hickson Stats