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2016 NBA Mock Draft: Predictions and Projections for Top Senior Prospects
- Updated: May 30, 2016
In the one-and-done era, many collegiate stars never make it through four years before they leave school, but the 2016 NBA draft features several seniors who should be selected in the first round.
In the 2015 draft, Wisconsin’s Frank Kaminsky, Notre Dame’s Jerian Grant, Utah’s Delon Wright and Wyoming’s Larry Nance, Jr. were the only seniors taken in Round 1. The year before, five seniors heard their names called within the first 30 picks.
This year’s crop should result in a similar number of seniors picked in Round 1, with Oklahoma’s Buddy Hield expected to lead the way. Take a look at the projected first round, with seniors being highlighted, along with a brief breakdown of the top senior prospects.
Buddy Hield, Oklahoma
Hield could have left early for the NBA after his junior year, but he returned to Oklahoma and was absolutely tremendous. He averaged 25 points per game and won the Naismith Award while leading the Sooners to a Final Four appearance.
Hield established himself as an elite shooter, hitting 50.1 percent of his field-goal attempts and 45.7 percent of his threes. It is rare to see a player with such high scoring averages be so efficient with his shooting percentages, particularly for a guard.
This was on display when Hield ravaged VCU for 36 points to push Oklahoma to the Sweet 16, courtesy of NCAA.com:
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Watch his ability to break down defenses off penetration to go along with his consistency shooting from the outside. He was unstoppable.
Hield is not exceptionally quick or as athletic as other top guards like Providence’s Kris Dunn, but he has a natural ability to score. In today’s NBA, where spacing and outside shooting is at a premium, expect Hield to go within the first 10 selections.
Denzel Valentine, Michigan State
Denzel Valentine will never be the fastest or biggest guy on the court, but he is ruthlessly efficient and a versatile offensive contributor.
Valentine led Michigan State in scoring and assists, averaging …
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