As a senior out of Montverde Academy, D’Angelo Russell was just the 13th best player in the 2014 ESPN 100 recruiting rankings; only the third highest ranked guard in his class. Now, with less than three weeks to go before the 2015 NBA draft, the Ohio State shooting guard continues to impress team scouts and climb in draft projections. D’Angelo Russell in the 2014 McDonalds All-American Game At the start of the season many scouting services and teams viewed Russell as a top-20 prospect, but after his stellar season for the Buckeyes in which he lead the team in minutes (33.9), points (19.3), and rebounds (5.7) per game he rapidly rose to the top of the 2015 prospects and is suddenly considered a top five pick in this year’s draft. For his work during the past season Russell was awarded the inaugural Jerry West Award, given to the nation’s best shooting guard, and finished fifth in voting for the Wooden Award (won by Wisconsin forward Frank Kaminsky). He was also named First-Team All-Big Ten and a consensus first-team All-American, the first buckeye to earn that honor since Jared Sullinger in 2011-12. Russell now approaches the draft considered to be one of, if not the best, guard prospects along with international player Emmanuel Mudiay, and some say he has a chance to be the top pick in the draft. Jahlil Okafor and Karl-Anthony Towns are considered locks to be the top two picks in this year’s draft, and this continues to be true after the draft order was announced on May 19. Both Towns and Okafor have incredible talent and potential as NBA big men, and which will go first is very much up in the air. Towns, at 6-11” and 250lbs, is a freakishly athletic forward who can play either center or forward at the next level and has shown an improved shooting stroke from distance over the past few months. Fresh off a national championship, Okafor is a classic big-man who can dominate the post and overpower opponents; listed at 6-11” and 270lbs he is considered the most pro-ready player of this year’s draft. While Okafor is a rare true center in a league hungry for more, Towns is considered to have more long-term upside as his athletic prowess and floor stretching abilities fit perfectly with the style of play found in today’s NBA. Who will be picked first is anyone’s guess, as is who will be the better pro player, but regardless of where the two land it will have a significant impact on where Russell is selected. If the Minnesota Timberwolves and Los Angeles Lakers fall in line with predictions and select Towns and Okafor with the first two picks, it seems a forgone conclusion that the Philadelphia 76ers will select a guard with the third overall pick. …
Continue Reading: Ohio State Basketball: D’Angelo Russell continues to climb draft boards
