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The Participants
- Vanderbilt G Wade Baldwin
- St. Joseph's F DeAndre' Bembry
- Virginia G Malcolm Brogdon
- Oklahoma G Isaiah Cousins
- Florida F Dorian Finney-Smith
- Boise State F James Webb II
Wade Baldwin
Measurements via DraftExpress:
DraftExpress Top 100 Prospects Ranking: 15th
Everything you need to know about Baldwin is right here.
Here is an interesting quote in regards to Baldwin's view of himself as a lead guard: "I think I am a point guard entirely, but like I said before, wherever the coaching staff has me is where I will go," Baldwin said.
In an unfortunate circumstance, Baldwin got whacked in the head with an elbow during individual drills, so he seemed a bit dazed at the end of the workout. I felt for him since he had to deal with the bright camera lights shining in his face and microphones being stationed right beneath his mouth while undergoing a massive headache. Couple that reality with a grueling workout and a strenuous travel schedule, and it quickly becomes apparent how unglamorous the life of an athlete can be sometimes.
Feel better, Wade.
DeAndre' Bembry
Measurements via DraftExpress:
DraftExpress Top 100 Prospects Ranking: 29th
Malcolm Brogdon
Measurements via DraftExpress:
DraftExpress Top 100 Prospects Ranking: 41st
A wing that is a bit undersized to be properly profiled as a "three and D type," Brogdon was a key cog in perhaps the most devastating defense in college basketball under Tony Bennett at Virginia. Many analysts have pegged him as the quintessential Spur (shocker), but Brogdon made it apparent that he is focused on performing for whichever organization takes a shot on him.
"You know they [the Spurs] play a great brand of basketball. I think that is definitely a compliment. I would like to be a Sun or a Spur -- whoever will give me an opportunity," Brogdon said.
In order to fulfill the expectation as a three and D wing, Brogdon will have to make shooting and defense a primary focus during his pre-draft workouts. Obviously that last sentence is not rocket science, but the Virginia guard seems to understand what his role in the NBA will be.
"I am shooting the ball a lot better ... During these workouts I am focusing on being competitive -- being the most competitive [player] on the floor and playing defense," Brogdon said. "I think that's my calling card."
Isaiah Cousins
Measurements via DraftExpress:
DraftExpress Top 100 Prospects Ranking: 65th
Dorian Finney-Smith
Measurements via DraftExpress:
DraftExpress Top 100 Prospects Ranking: 58th
Finney-Smith had the best quote of the day after I asked him if there was any player in the NBA that he thought he could resemble:
"I think I could be Quincy Pondexter. You know, like a bad Draymond Green," Finney-Smith said.
After some chuckles from the gallery, Finney-Smith quickly verified what he meant.
"Like a poor man's [Draymond Green]. You know what I mean, not bad ... Smaller. I can pass, defend," Finney-Smith said. "I know the game."
It was refreshing to see a prospect be so self-aware about his future role in the NBA, and Finney-Smith has definitely risen near the top of my unofficial rankings of favorite interviews during the pre-draft process. The Florida product portrays the qualities of a long-tenured role player, and he has the skills -- offensive versatility, mindset, background -- to follow suit with that label.
After being under the tutelage of Billy Donovan, Finney-Smith would be a justifiable bet for any team in the later stages of the second round. Root for him.
James Webb III
Measurements via DraftExpress:
DraftExpress Top 100 Prospects Ranking: 75th