Lawal withdrawing from draft

[Capt. Factorial]

http://sports.espn.go.com/ncb/news/story?id=4257782

Despite the fact that we were interested enough to bring him out for a second workout, Gani Lawal will be withdrawing from the draft.

Too bad, because I thought he had the potential to be a solid rotation guy at the #23 pick. Of course, that means less handwringing since we now can't be forced to choose between Lawal and Casspi, which was a tough call in my mind.

 

[bajaden]

http://sports.espn.go.com/ncb/news/story?id=4257782

Despite the fact that we were interested enough to bring him out for a second workout, Gani Lawal will be withdrawing from the draft.

Too bad, because I thought he had the potential to be a solid rotation guy at the #23 pick. Of course, that means less handwringing since we now can't be forced to choose between Lawal and Casspi, which was a tough call in my mind.

Too bad, but not surprising. I'm hoping the choice at 23 involves more than just Casspi. There are some other players that I like at that spot. Budinger and Young spring to mind. Mullens is someone we would have to consider if he slides. Ditto Mills.. Its going to be fun though.

 

[Arby's Roast Beef]

Smart choice. He needed another year of school--he did make inroads from last year by slicing down his turnovers, significantly increasing his rebound rate, cutting down his fouls and getting more involved in the offense, but he still has a lot of work to do in many areas--such as getting a jumper and improving his free throw percentage, and really developing any sort of passing ability. He's just very raw clay with tons of athletic markers--he can rebound for sure (particularly on the offensive glass), he's active in steals and blocks, and he's quite good at getting to the line--but many question his defensive fundamentals and offensive polish, so right now he's just really getting by with athleticism. He does have the wingspan to play PF in the league, as well as the athleticism, but there are tons of players of that mold who get their chance turned down in the NBA. Just not that high on him--I think his upside is Chris Wilcox at best, really.