The power forward spot is usually manned by a player who has
the physical strength of a center with the ability to hit the outside
shot. Four of the top ten scorers and shotblockers in the NBA
are power forwards and six players at that position are among
the top ten in rebounding.
Power forward Elton Brand was the top pick in the recent draft,
but there was not another player at the position picked until the
17th selection and only five power forwards were even selected
in the first round. This year旧 group has better depth and should
have several lottery picks, especially if some of the top
underclassmen decide to enter the draft.
1. Kenyon Martin 6-8 230 SR Cincinnati
Martin is perhaps the most athletic frontcourt player in the country. He
is an outstanding defender and has good timing as a shotblocker. He is
a quick leaper with a long wing span. Martin tends to be a bit foul prone
and needs to show more maturity. However, he is loaded with physical
tools. Martin must improve his face the basket game to make the move
to power forward (he has not made a three pointer the past two
seasons) and he needs to continue to get stronger. He is a terrific
athlete and intimidator, but he needs to get stronger in the upper body.
He has made strong strides on the offensive end this season and has
improved his face-the-basket game. He is the likely choice for college
Player of the Year and he could be the top pick in the June Draft. Martin
is averaging 18.2 points, 9.8 rebounds and 3.5 blocked shots per game.
He is shooting 56% from the field. Martin is perhaps the lone senior
who can legitimately bypass the pre-draft camps.
2. Troy Murphy 6-10 230 SO Notre Dame
Murphy is an effective offensive player who uses his size and strength
well. He can play both inside and outside, making him difficult to
defend. Murphy is a good shotblocker. He is not overly athletic, but
gets by with a good knowledge of the game and strong work ethic.
Murphy is averaging 23.5 points and 10.7 rebounds a game and is
shooting 50.7% from the field. He has been compared to former Notre
Dame forward Pat Garrity. Murphy is expected to remain at Notre
Dame, but he would be a high lottery pick, if he elected to enter the
draft.
3. Stromile Swift 6-8 210 SO LSU
Swift is an athletic player with excellent physical skills. He played only
the second semester as a freshman and he has made big strides this
year. He has helped pace the Tigers to their strong play this season.
He is an outstanding shotblocker who uses his quickness well inside.
Swift needs to expand his shooting range and get stronger. He must
become a better passer and be more aggressive. However, he has a big
upside and could be top ten pick, if he elects to turn pro early. Swift is
averaging 17.2points and 8.0 rebounds a game and is shooting 62.5%
from the field.
4. Etan Thomas 6-9 247 SR Syracuse
Thomas must also make the move to power forward in the pros. He is
a strong low post player with big hands. The size of his hands hurt him
as a free throw shooter. He is an aggressive defender and quick leaper,
which makes him one of the top shotblockers in the country. However,
he also tends to get into foul trouble. He has good strength and has
been compared to Brian Grant. Thomas is an aggressive defender and
quick leaper, which makes him one of the top shotblockers in the
country. He uses his strength well and has shown improvement as an
offensive player. Thomas was plagued by injuries early this season, but
he has bounced back to help lead the Orangmen to their strong start.
Thomas is averaging 14.4 points, 9.3 rebounds and 3.9 blocked shots
per game. He is shooting 61.8% from the field. He will play in the
Desert Classic, the biggest of the three pre-draft camps and is a mid
first round pick.
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