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The Participants
- Providence PF Ben Bentil
- Weber State F Joel Bolomboy
- Indiana G Yogi Ferrell
- Connecticut G Daniel Hamilton
- Wisconsin F Nigel Hayes
- Oregon State G Gary Payton II
Ben Bentil
Measurements via DraftExpress:
A semi-undersized power forward with a desirable wingspan, Bentil shows unique promise as a second round flyer. Utilizing a smooth stroke and sound mechanics, Bentil has NBA range despite shooting only 32 percent on threes this past season and will make you pay off the dribble at times within a mid range setting. Ranking 45th in DraftExpress' mock draft, the Providence product proved capable of scoring in flurries as shown by this 42-point outburst against Marquette:
Bentil was able to average tad over 21 points per game while sharing the floor with top prospect Kris Dunn; a testament to his scoring ability. He will have to improve his rebounding a bit to make a stamp in the NBA, but you could certainly do worse in the second round.
Joel Bolomboy
Measurements via DraftExpress:
A lesser-known prospect than the aforementioned Bentil, the 6'9" Bolomboy is an electric leaper that can control the glass without worry when properly engaged. The bouncy big man was a combine darling and is in the early stages of stretching out his range to the three-point line. His shot mechanics are kind of murky and not without a few hitches, so he will need ample space to operate. But make no mistake, most of the damage Bolomboy elicits will be by way of vicious slams and other minutiae within the paint.
The hope is that his college accolades -- Big Sky Conference MVP and Defensive Player of the Year -- translate to more stiffer competition in the NBA. Although he ranks as the 60th prospect in DraftExpress' mock draft, I would be surprised if a team is not allured by Bolomboy's athleticism.
Yogi Ferrell
An esteemed point guard out of Indiana, Ferrell is the consummate general -- the prototypical four-year player that has the demeanor to be a strong professional. Every word he speaks oozes an unselfish style, and it shows in his on-court play. Making the correct play in the given situation is paramount at all times.
Ferrell averaged a little over 17 points per game last season while sniping 42 percent of his three pointers -- a trait he will have to continue to hone in order to make an NBA roster. Perhaps the most impressive thing about Ferrell besides his professionalism and shooting was his conditioning. It was apparent that the overlooked point guard has been in the gym working on his conditioning regardless of his alienation from the combine. That means something.
Daniel Hamilton
Measurements via DraftExpress:
Hamilton was quick to declare his intentions of joining the draft pool. His stock steeply declined after an underwhelming combine performance, but his demeanor has not yet strayed away from the idea of getting drafted.
Though his wingspan is not exactly ideal, Hamilton still boasts the malleable skill set that most NBA GMs covet. With an unorthodox style, the 6'8" guard/forward is capable of slicing the lane with drive and kick intentions, and he hit a respectable 33 percent of his threes last season. Always a threat for a triple-double, Hamilton will need to continue to work on his handle to hang amongst the wizardry of the NBA game.
After briefly breathing in his talents, I project Hamilton becoming an Al Farouq Aminu type player in a best-case scenario.
Nigel Hayes
Measurements via DraftExpress:
Hayes' Wisconsin career has been filled with plenty of accolades. After flourishing in the sixth man role during his freshman season (he won the Big Ten Sixth Man of the Year award), the junior forward started all 40 games the next season for the Badgers. In a bizarre twist, Hayes struggled from behind the arc this past season (29 percent on nearly four attempts per game), but he has shown the ability to hit the three with consistency before. He boasts an upright, textbook motion that produces sound arc -- he should be fine.
Currently sitting at the 82nd spot in DraftExpress' top 100 prospect list, Hayes will face an uphill battle to squeeze his way into second round consideration.
Gary Payton II
Measurements via DraftExpress:
Last, but certainly not least, we have Payton II. The ties to the original Gary Payton are obvious: stout defender, hard-nosed, a grinder guard, yet Payton II will not enter the league under the same microscope as his father. Payton was the second overall pick in 1990, while Payton II is fighting to secure a spot in the second round (currently the 48th pick in DraftExpress' mock draft).
With enough defensive awards to make even the most elite defenders blush, Payton II unsurprisingly compares himself to a Tony Allen kind of player. Possessing a menacing knack for crashing the boards, the Oregon State product has enough length and athleticism to be a George Hill type point guard if he wishes. Hill has grown into a killer catch and shoot dynamo during his time in Indiana and Payton II would be wise to follow the same mantra.
From the get-go, Payton II will be a lockdown defender that is unafraid of the big stage. Whether his trajectory in the NBA amounts to more than that will be dependent upon the development of a consistent outside shot.
That's a wrap on day two. Stay tuned for more draft workout updates in the upcoming weeks!