A.J Ogilvy

[triplejdude]

I know there has been a couple of threads about this kid, but I wanted to make another after I saw a feature on NBL Starting 5 tonight.

This kid looked the goods, averaging 19 and 9 for his college over the off season, however, it seemed that when it came to the big games, he choked. When asked if he wanted to enter the NBA draft, he gave the standard response that 'he would enter if he thought he was ready etc etc'. Personally, I don't think that the kid has what it takes to play in the NBA, maybe be a fringe player at the least, and fade away into obscurity after a few seasons.

What do the rest of you think? NBA lottery pick, first, second rounder? Make it big in the best league in the world or continue playing college ball?

 

[haterade]

Seen him play a few times, might have the tools to make it to the NBA someday but he is definitely not ready. He should stay at Vanderbilt to hone his skills the next couple years.

 

[moistie]

Yep, stay in College and learn. He (and Patrick Mills) have been doing pretty well so far, though.

 

[Osmodiar]

I think Patrick will make it, Not quite sure on Ogilvy but I hope he does!

 

[wezza]

Needs to work on getting his board numbers up.

Should be pulling more in for such a big guy.

 

[Dundalis]

I know there has been a couple of threads about this kid, but I wanted to make another after I saw a feature on NBL Starting 5 tonight.

This kid looked the goods, averaging 19 and 9 for his college over the off season, however, it seemed that when it came to the big games, he choked. When asked if he wanted to enter the NBA draft, he gave the standard response that 'he would enter if he thought he was ready etc etc'. Personally, I don't think that the kid has what it takes to play in the NBA, maybe be a fringe player at the least, and fade away into obscurity after a few seasons.

What do the rest of you think? NBA lottery pick, first, second rounder? Make it big in the best league in the world or continue playing college ball?

If he goes in the draft this year he is a guaranteed second round pick AT WORST. Likely first round pick in the high 20's possibly even low 20's. And this draft is a deep one. He's a freshman pure centre that can score in the low post and is putting up 17+ ppg in a pretty decent conference. He has an even better low post game than Bogut at the same age (arguable) and I think he is a bit more athletic, if not as long or as good a rebounder. These kinds of players do not grow on trees and NBA teams value them highly. He should though like Bogut play another year, and if his improvement is smooth then he will be a lottery pick without question. He does really need to improve his rebounding, but his low post game and basketball smarts/passing ability give him most of his value at the moment as well as the fact that he is a freshman and younger than a lot of other draftees whom would be juniors or seniors (thus forgiving him somewhat for not dominating in the big games).

Another thing to remember for those comparing him to Bogut is he is playing against better opposition in the SEC than Bogut was in the MWC where he basically dominated small opposition the whole time other than when Utah got to the NCAA tourney.