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After escaping the 2005 NBA draft relatively unscathed with only two underclassmen leaving and being drafted in the first round in Antoine Wright and Linas Kleiza, the Big 12 conference not only looks like the best conference in America in terms of the quality of teams represented here, it also might be the most talented conference in the NCAA when it comes to the individual talent NBA scouts can find on almost every roster.
The three powerhouse teams in terms of prep recruiting dominate the top of this list in Texas, Kansas and Oklahoma, but teams like Iowa State, Kansas State, Colorado and even Baylor also have plenty to offer in what is shaping up as possibly the deepest and toughest Big 12 conference ever.
1. LaMarcus Aldridge, 6-11, PF/C, Texas, Sophomore
Jonathan Givony
Quite possibly the big man with the largest upside in college basketball, Aldridge has been a fixture on the NBA draft radar screen for quite some time now. Standing at at least 6-11 and featuring long arms and an NBA caliber frame, Aldridge has the physical attributes that are a prerequisite these days for NBA scouts to pack in the gym every single time he plays. That would not be possible without a healthy dose of athletic ability of course, and Aldridge delivers here as well, showing excellent mobility and coordination getting up and down the floor, moving around the court with ease and elevating smoothly to challenge shots around the rim or finish around the basket. In addition to his size, length and athleticism, Aldridge also shows some very promising skills on the offensive end of the ball, especially facing the basket displaying a sweet stroke out to the 16-18 feet. His court awareness is very good, as his overall feel for the game. Aldridges biggest problem besides the season ending injury he suffered midway through the year was his extreme lack of bulk that did not allow him to capitalize on his full potential inside the paint and on the glass. Reports coming from NBA scouts who have watched him practice and articles in the media as well have suggested that he has added plenty of weight to his lanky frame and appears to be on the verge of a breakout season. Improvements in his back to the basket game, rebounding ability and overall toughness as a basketball player, along with managing to finally stay healthy for a prolonged period could spell high lottery for him if he dominates the Big 12 the way many think he can. He has all the potential in the world and then some to do so.