Written by Paul Banks of the Washington Times, and David Kay of the The Sports Bank. Send Paul an e-mail here: paulb05 AT hotmail DOT com. All other e-mail, including advertising and link proposals, send to: wpc112@gmail.com
2012 NBA Draft Scouting Report: Terrence Jones
Position: Power Forward
Size: 6-9, 252
School: Kentucky, Sophomore
Strengths:
NBA-ready body
Intensity
Athleticism
Explosive at the rim
Blows by bigger defenders off the bounce
Can post up smaller defenders
Knows how to finish around the basket
Strong Rebounder
Able to board and take off to lead the break
Ability to drive and dish
Comfortable putting the ball on the deck with either hand
Effectively uses pump fakes to create space or get defenders in the air
Three-point range
Length helps him be an effective shot blocker
Great hands
Weaknesses:
Consistency with his jump shot
Too selfish at times
Tends to play with a guard's mentality, too often hanging out on perimeter
Will need to learn how to bang with NBA power forwards without getting into foul trouble
Could polish up his post moves on the block
Summary: Jones is a likely a top-10 pick due to his versatility on the floor. He chose to return to Kentucky and looks like a player who is ready to contribute at the next level. If he can maintain a high level of play, I cannot see him dropping out of the top 10 with the possibility of being one of the first five players taken in the 2012 NBA Draft.
Player Comparison: Josh Smith. Besides the left-handed parallel, Smith was an incredible all-around talent with an NBA-ready build when he entered the league. Jones is an inside/outside threat who can put the ball on the deck just like Smith and effects the game in so many different ways. Both players seem to have a little attitude to their game but have tremendous talent.
Written by Paul Banks of the Washington Times, and David Kay of the The Sports Bank. Send Paul an e-mail here: paulb05 AT hotmail DOT com. All other e-mail, including advertising and link proposals, send to: wpc112@gmail.com