Below are our observations on some of the top players playing in the game. Please keep in mind that we have seen every one of the players play before, so we may refer back to certain things that stick out in our memory from the past.
Greg Oden- 71; 240 lbs; C; Signed with Ohio State
10 points, 3-4 FG, 4-4 FT, 5 rebounds, 4 blocks, 1 assist, 19 minutes
Mike Schmidt
Though an injured wrist limited his play, Oden displayed the type of flashes of dominance that make him the clear cut number 1 prospect of the class of 2006 right now. Right away he put his shot blocking ability to work, sending back a 10 foot shot from Spencer Hawes that seemed to be on the way to the bottom of the net. One thing that separates Greg Oden from most players his age is his understanding of the game, often using his high basketball IQ to recognize open teammates and showing flashes of his superior passing ability. On the offensive end, Oden didnt go to his patented drop step in the post, but he did show the ability to make his free throws when put on the line. This will be very important for him as his basketball career progresses and the style of play becomes more physical. Oden also decided to show off his outstanding athleticism while going up for a dunk. He rose above his teammate Gerald Henderson (whos also a great leaper) and caught an alley-oop pass, guiding it into the hoop as the entire crowd in San Deigo watched in awe.
As an NBA prospect, Greg Oden offers everything that you can ask for. His combination of athleticism and size/strength combined with his great understanding of the game make Oden the type of player that immediately draws comparisons to NBA greats. If there was no age limit, there would be no question that Greg would be the first player selected in the 2006 draft. Instead, Oden will have monster expectations to try and live up to at Ohio State, and the lucky winner of the 2007 draft lottery will have a once in a generation center to build their team around.
As an NBA prospect, Greg Oden offers everything that you can ask for. His combination of athleticism and size/strength combined with his great understanding of the game make Oden the type of player that immediately draws comparisons to NBA greats. If there was no age limit, there would be no question that Greg would be the first player selected in the 2006 draft. Instead, Oden will have monster expectations to try and live up to at Ohio State, and the lucky winner of the 2007 draft lottery will have a once in a generation center to build their team around.