Suns Pre-Draft Workouts Day 9: Defensive Studs Hollis-Jefferson and Harrell Headline

The first workout consisted of six prospects all projected to be drafted in the first round. PF Montrezl Harrell from Louisville, SF Rondae Hollis-Jefferson from Arizona, SG R.J. Hunter from Georgia State, SG Rashad Vaughn and PF Christian Wood from UNLV, and PG Delon Wright from Utah were all in attendance.

The second group of prospects ranged from mid second round to players projected to not be drafted. The notable names are T.J. McConnell former University of Arizona floor general, PF Larry Nance, Jr, son of former Suns player Larry Nance, PF Alan Williams from UC Santa Barbara who led the nation in rebounds per game, and possible draft and stash prospect SF Nedim Buza from Bosnia, who's a great shooter.

Montrezl Harrell

Harrell is the type of player opposing teams dread facing. He has a relentless motor and does whatever it takes for his team to get the win. He is a great defender who doesn't back down from anyone. He uses his strength, long wingspan and athletic ability to defend taller players. Harrell is also quick enough to stay in front of guards off of switches. He needs to work on defensive rebounding but on the offensive glass he was fantastic at using his quick second jump to get the rebound. Offensively he has improved his shot from his sophomore year, but it is still very inconsistent. Harrell shines at catch and at finish plays and at beating his man down the court on the fast break, finishing with an easy bucket or alley-oop.

In his interview Harrell talked about the workout, his decision to stay in college his junior year, and his defense:

Rondae Hollis-Jefferson

Rondae is a fierce competitor who makes his presence known on the defensive side of the ball. He can guard every position except for the center position. He is a quick, explosive wing who can shut down opposing teams best players. On offense he is great in transition, using his athleticism to explode to the rim on the fast break. In the half court he is very limited because of a poor jump shot and average ball handling. He is a good rebounder at the wing position and has a knack for getting loose balls. Rondae is a high energy player who will out work everyone on the court.

Rondae Hollis-Jefferson had the best interview of the day, he talked about all the workouts he's been to, gave a motivational speech about giving it your all and working hard, gave a scouting report on himself, talked about how his defense translate to the NBA, and more:

R.J. Hunter

When you think of R.J. Hunter you think about him hitting the game winner against Baylor in the round of 64 in the 2015 NCAA tournament. R.J. Hunter is a good scorer and shooter despite the low percentage he made. However, he did shoot 89% from the free-throw line last year. He is a competitive defender and a good playmaker at the shooting guard position. His weaknesses are scoring inside the paint, shying away from contact, and being inconsistent. R.J. Hunter can develop into a great shooter and has the physical toolset and underrated athleticism to become a solid shooting guard in the NBA.

In his interview R.J. Hunter talked about the workout, becoming a playmaker, and what it's like hitting a game winner in the NCAA tournament:

Christian Wood

The key word for Wood is upside. He has great height and length for the power forward position although he needs to bulk up. He shows stretch four potential with a good jump shot. He is already a good rebounder, once he fills out he will be even better. He can run the floor well and finish in transition. Defensively he is a good shot blocker but needs to work on the fundamentals, but the potential to be elite is there. He also needs to work on his decision making offensively, he forces drives too much and takes ill-advised shot attempts.

In his interview Christian Wood talked about the workout, his transition to becoming a big man, and his potential role as a stretch four:

Rashad Vaughn

Vaughn is another player who has potential, he only spent one year at UNLV and is still only 18 years old. He is a good shooter who can score in multiple ways, such as, floaters, mid-range pull-ups, curling off a screen, and finishing with contact in the paint. Defensively he has potential to be good but hasn't proved to be a high intensity type of player.

Ryan McDonough talked about the prospects in todays workouts:

T.J. McConnell talked about the draft process and his health:

Larry Nance, Jr. talked about what it's like working out for the Suns and being the son of a former NBA player:

Alan Williams talked about the workout, returning to his home town, how his rebounding transitions to the NBA, and about playing for a smaller school: