Sports

Colleges

Florida's Fab Four for the draft

By Antonya English
Published June 28, 2007

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The Gators are expected to have three players selected in the first round of today's NBA draft, the most in school history. Here is a look at each player, along with potential second-round selection Taurean Green, and analysis on each from ESPN basketball analyst Jay Bilas.

Al Horford

Postion: PF Ht/Wt: 6-10, 235

Projected pick: First round, between 3 and 5.

Of note: Most analysts consider Horford the most NBA ready of the Gators. He's strong, mature and is a top-notch rebounder who can also shoot. Many analysts are calling him the third-best overall player in the draft behind Kevin Durant and Greg Oden.

Bilas' take: "Horford has got a lot of ability as well and he's solid, 6-10 and strong. He has a high basketball IQ, a great touch, and he is a big-time rebounder. Horford wins the battle right now, but will he be better in five years?"

Corey Brewer

Position: G Ht/Wt: 6-9, 235

Projected pick: First round, between Nos. 3 and 8 overall.

Of note: Depending on where he's taken, Brewer may have a chance to step in and see playing time immediately, some analysts believe. Both Boston and Minnesota are among those interested.

Bilas' take: "I think that Brewer is the most versatile because he can guard multiple positions ... because he's long-armed, a very good athlete and he's very good in transition. He needs to improve his handling and passing and try to tighten up his offensive game. But he can make shots; he's not a great shooter, but he can knock shots down. I think he's got the chance to be the best player."

Joakim Noah

Position: PF Ht/Wt: 6-11, 230

Projected pick: First round, between Nos. 5 and 10.

Of note: Last season, many believed he might be the No. 1 overall pick, but his decision to stick around for a second NCAA title cost Noah a few spots. Still, he's considered to be among the top-10 picks. Scouts love his energy and intensity, which they believe will make up for the fact that he doesn't shoot all that well, despite his rebounding skills. Don't forget the marketing factor: The guy could sell an igloo to someone living in Las Vegas.

Bilas' take: "Joakim Noah is a very good prospect, but he doesn't score. And you put him up against NBA defenses and I think he's going to struggle to score because he doesn't shoot it particularly well. But he's got such a high-revving engine that as an energy guy, he can be successful in that league with his ability to change ends, rebound and block shots."

Taurean Green

Position: G Ht/Wt. 6-0, 177

Projected pick: Early to mid second round.

Of note: Still battling the demon that has haunted him for years: size. At 6 feet, or 6 feet 1, it's an issue for many teams. He played well in Orlando at the predraft camp and impressed some scouts. His biggest asset may be that he's a proven winner who doesn't mind sharing the spotlight.

Bilas' take: "I do think people respect his ability level. At 6-foot, 6-1, he's a little bit small. But with the new rules, smaller point guards are making it just fine in the league if they've got the right attributes. I think he needs to improve his shot selection a little bit more; he does tend to settle for jumpers sometimes. ... He's a game player. He's not overly concerned with himself, he's concerned with his team winning and that's what a lot of guys like to play with."

[Last modified June 27, 2007, 23:34:03]