McGary shines on day two in Orlando

Mitch McGary was the most efficient player on a winning team during second day action at the 2016 NBA Orlando Summer League. The powerful McGary scored 18 points (5-11 FG, 1-1 3-pt., 7-10 FT), grabbed nine rebounds and added four steals in the Thunder's 81-72 win over the summer version of the Los Angeles Clippers. McGary is a potential rotation BIG for the Thunder (if he can stay healthy). He has excellent hands, and despite his large frame he is very nimble. He beats slower big men running the floor, and his knack for being able to catch tough passes is a real skill. 

The Miami Heat rested Justise Winslow and Josh Richardson Sunday but that did not stop them from trouncing the the summer New York Knicks, 74-48. Rodney McGruder was strong for the Heat, scoring 15 points (6-9 FG, 2-5 3-pt., 1-1 FT) and adding three rebounds, three assists, and two steals in 24 minutes. 

Kevin Tumba (6'9", 227 lb., Center from The Democratic Republic of the Congo) pitched in for Miami with four points (2-2 FG), four blocked shots and seven boards in 20 minutes. 

Brice was Brice Sunday 

Brice Johnson, the Clippers 2016 first round draft pick (25th) from North Carolina, had an excellent performance. Johnson showed his shooting touch, even hitting a "long two". He never hit a three-point shot in four years in college. Johnson had 23 points (11-18 FG, 0-1 3-pt., 1-3 FT), six rebounds, and two blocked shots. 

Dakari Johnson, a second round pick of the Thunder (pick 48 in 2015), caused some problems for the opposing Clippers' BIGs. Johnson used his massive 7'0", 265 lb. body to carve out space in the deep paint. Johnson scored 15 points and had 12 rebounds. Johnson is a decidedly "under-the-rim" player. 

Kenny Gabriel, a 27 year-old, 6'8" 220 lb. forward, was among the best players for Miami Sunday. Gabriel scored 16 points (6-11 FG, 4-8 3-pt.), and added six rebounds in 26 minutes. 

Shayne Whittington played well for the Pacers. The 6'11", 250 lb. center had 12 points (2-6 FG, 8-12 FT) and seven rebounds in 22 reserve minutes. The Pacers fell however to the Charlotte Hornets 80-70. 

Gabe York was among the best guards that played Sunday. York, an undrafted rookie from Arizona, led the Hornets with 18 points (7-13 FG, 2-6 3-pt., 2-2 FT). 

Wayne Blackshear was a key reserve in the Charlotte win. The former Louisville star wing scored six points (2-6 FG, 1-2 3-pt., 1-2 FT), and nabbed eight rebounds in 16 minutes. 

Royce O'Neale showed his combination of skills for the Clippers. O'Neale, a 6'5" 215 lb. guard, scored 14 points (5-8 FG, 3-6 3-pt., 1-2 FT), while adding four rebounds, and three steals in 27 minutes. 

Glenn Robinson III joins McGary as the only two players to make our "best of" list on both of the first two days of the Orlando Summer League. The Pacers' forward scored 16 points (7-15 FG, 1-6 3-pt., 1-2 FT) with four rebounds, three assists, and two steals in 28 minutes. 

Joe Young was not great Sunday but he was TOUGH. Young played despite having taken a hard fall 24 hours earlier that we were pretty sure was going to keep him from playing. Young scored six points (2-6 FG, 0-2 3-pt., 2-2 FT), and added three boards and three assists. 

Power Forwards to watch in the 2016 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament

A good Power Forward can help a team to the winner's circle. Here are the "Fours" in the 2016 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament that we like best, from an NBA scouting perspective...

The sky is the limit for Davis.

Deyonta Davis - Michigan State. 6'10" 240, frosh. ...Davis is a traditional BIG that does not shoot the three-ball at all. He keeps his game close to the hoop and as a result he shoots 59% FG. He is strong on the offensive glass. As of today (03/16/16) Davis is the consensus 14th ranked player in the 2016 NBA Draft (using a combo of Draft Express, Chad Ford, and CBS). We like him to be selected much higher than that if he does enter the Draft after just one season at Michigan State. His Defensive Rating is really impressive, especially if you look at how much better his DEFRTG is (89.7) compared to the Michigan State team DEFRTG (94.1). Davis plays an average of just 18 minutes per game but has been able to post per-minute rebounding and scoring numbers that lead us to strongly believe he will really blossom if given more minutes. He averages 7.4 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 1.9 blocked shots per game. He blocked six shots in 22 minutes in a win over Northwestern earlier this season. He shoots 60% from the line. He has slightly more turnovers than assists. Davis was Mr. Basketball in the state of Michigan in 2015. He led his team in rebounding in the McDonald's All-American game (2015). 

Domantas Sabonis - Gonzaga. 6'10" 230, soph. ...In our opinion, "Domas" Sabonis is among the most underrated players in the mass media NBA Draft rankings. His consensus range is between the 16th and 26th player that will be selected, should he choose to enter the NBA Draft. He averages 17.4 points and 11.6 rebounds per game. Sabonis is a fiery competitor with skill, size, and solid athleticism. He is shooting a remarkable 63% FG over the course of his two seasons in the NCAA. Sabonis also brings it on the defensive end. He led the West Coast Conference in defensive rating (90.8) as a freshman, and finished second in that category this season. He improved his free throw shooting this season to 76% (he was 66% FT as freshman). He needs to become a better decision maker with the ball. ...Domas is the son of international basketball superstar Arvydas Sabonis. Domas is just 19 years old. He was born in Portland, OR. but has citizenship in both the USA and in Lithuania. 

Brice dunks everything!

Brice Johnson - North Carolina. 6'9" 228, SR. ...Brice Johnson will make life easy for his NBA coach. He is exactly the kind of player that finds a way to be efficient without having any plays run for him. Johnson is simply more active, more energized, and better athletically than whatever forward he guards. Johnson's NBA athleticism shows itself in the form of spectacular offensive rebound dunks, and high-flying transition finishes. He averages 16.6 points, and 10.6 rebounds per game. Johnson improved his scoring and rebounding output each season at North Carolina. His Defensive Rating of 90.4 is significantly better than the North Carolina team DEFRTG of 98.5. ...Among all 2016 NCAA Tournament PF's in our database, Johnson ranks as the best in efficiency per-minute. He is elite in his ability to finish in transition.  ...Johnson has a thin frame that is beginning to fill out. The three-ball is not a part of Johnson's game at all (zero attempts from beyond the arc in four seasons).

The rest of the Power Forwards we are on alert for in the 2016 NCAA Tournament...

Ivan Rabb - Cal. 6'10" 215, frosh. 
Cheick Diallo - Kansas. 6'9" 220, frosh.
Chris Boucher - Oregon. 6'10" 200, jr.
Kennedy Meeks - North Carolina. 6'9" 260, jr. 
Carlton Bragg - Kansas. 6'9" 220, frosh. 
Jameel Warney - Stony Brook. 6'8", 260. SR.
Tyler Davis - Texas A&M. 6'10" 265, frosh. 
Mike Daum - South Dakota St. 6'9" 245, frosh. 
James Farr - Xavier. 6'10" 247, SR. 
Matt Costello - Michigan State. 6'9" 245, SR. 

Power forwards to watch in the 2015 NCAA Tournament

The power forward position in the NBA is presently LOADED with good players. Cracking the rotation of an NBA team as a BIG is tough. You start with Anthony Davis as the premier power forward in the game. He is followed by skilled and athletic players such as Blake Griffin, LaMarcus Aldridge, Zach Randolph, and Paul Millsap. The further down you look at the most recent NBA power forward efficiency rankings you see names outside of the top 30 like David West, Markieff Morris, and Nene. The point is, the current NBA power forward landscape has little room for growth. Any college power forward will have to be pretty special to deserve minutes in an NBA game next fall. ...Let's examine the players we will watch the closest during the 2015 NCAA Tournament.

Johnson is an NBA athlete! 

Brice Johnson - North Carolina 6'9" 210 lbs. - junior. ...Johnson is the most efficient (per-minute) power forward in the Tournament. He will need to add weight to bang in the NBA but his athleticism and ability to finish in transition are ELITE! Johnson does not shoot the three-ball at all which is why I view him more as a PF.

Kennedy Meeks - North Carolina 6'9" 279 lbs. - sophomore. ...Meeks is a traditional power forward with a big butt that can score in the low post. He shoots 55% FG (career), and he rebounds the ball at a high level. Meeks needs to improve his free throw shooting (just 64% FT).

Domantas Sabonis - Gonzaga 6'10" 230 lbs. - freshman. ...The son of international hoops legend Arvydas Sabonis, Domantas is gaining playing time as an effective BIG for the Zags. He is a terrific defender that had the best defensive rating in the West Coast Conference.

Bonzie Colson - Notre Dame 6'5" 226 lbs. - freshman. ...Colson has added a tremendous deal of efficiency to Notre Dame's attack. The freshman is shooting 62.9% FG as an under-sized post. He might remind you of P.J. Tucker when Tucker was a freshman at Texas.

Bobby Portis - Arkansas 6'10" 242 lbs. - sophomore. ...Portis can bang inside but he also has the finesse to hit face up jumpers. Portis converts on 36% of his three point attempts (career). Portis averages 17 points and eight boards per game.

Jalen Reynolds - Xavier 6'9" 222 lbs. - sophomore. ...Reynolds is a sophomore but he is already 22 years-old. He rebounds the ball and shoots a high percentage (60% FG - career).

TaShawn Thomas - Oklahoma 6'8" 240 lbs. Senior. ...Thomas, a transfer from Houston, has added scoring punch to the Sooners. He averages 11.3 points, and six rebounds per game.

Jameel McKay - Iowa St. 6'9" 215 lbs. junior. ...McKay adds a shot blocking presence to Iowa St. He also shoots a high percentage (58% FG).

Montrezl Harrell - Louisville 6'8" 235 lbs. junior. ...In our opinion, no front-line player "brings it" more than Harrell. He is a determined, physical player.

Perry Ellis - Kansas 6'8" 225 lbs. junior. ...Dependable, and capable, Ellis will likely have to score more in the absence of Cliff Alexander. Ellis has raised his scoring and rebounding averages with each season.

Jordan Bell - Oregon 6'7" 190 lbs. freshman. ...Bell has an uncanny ability to block shots.

Rico Gathers - Baylor 6'8" 280 lbs. junior. ...Gathers is a rebounding machine!

Ryan Spangler - Oklahoma 6'8" 232 lbs. junior. ...Spangler is a 58% field goal shooter (career).

Justin Moss - Buffalo 6'7" 240 lbs. junior. ...Led the MAC in scoring (17.2 ppg), and rebounding (9.2 rpg.). 

Centers to watch in the 2015 NCAA Tournament. 

Power Forwards to watch in the 2014 NCAA Tournament

We annually examine the prospects in the NCAA Tournament that NBA teams should be paying the most attention to. Specifically, we analyze a player's production per minute, and ability to defend. Here are the best all-around Power Forwards as we view it...

Chris Walker - Florida 6'10" 220 Freshman ...Walker barely plays on a Gator team featuring Senior Patric Young, but make no mistake, Walker, not Young, is the player NBA scouts have their eyes on most. Walker is a long, athletic, NBA athlete that can finish in transition with the best. He made his NCAA debut in early February and he has only played 69 total minutes this season. However, he was a 2013 McDonald's All-American, and his physical tools are obvious. He was ranked as the 12th best overall player in the Class of 2013 by ESPN. ...In a small sample size of minutes as a Gator, his defensive rating is 84.3 - which is incredible. 

Brice Johnson scores.

Brice Johnson - North Carolina 6'9" 210 Sophomore. ...Johnson is a scoring forward with NBA athleticism. He has a reputation for not being a great defender. However, his Defensive Rating of 91.8 is far from poor. It is actually in the upper-third of DEFRTG's relative to his position. ...Among all 2014 NCAA Tournament PF's in our database, Johnson ranks as the best in efficiency per-minute. ...Johnson has a thin frame that is, at this stage, more suited for the Small Forward position. However, the three-ball is not a part of Johnson's game at all (zero attempts from beyond the arc in two seasons). 

Montrezl Harrell - Louisville 6'8" 235 Sophomore. ...Harrell is all hustle, and heart. He is not the most skilled player, but he makes up for that with his determined efforts. He is a tremendous offensive rebounder. ...Harrell ranks as the second best Power Forward in the 2014 NCAA Tournament in "Defensive Rating". Harrell led the newly formed American Athletic Conference in field goal percentage this season, shooting 61%. On the flip side, Harrell is a terrible free throw shooter at 48%, and he turns it over more than he assists it. 

Jarnell Stokes - Tennessee 6'8" 250 Junior. ...Stokes averages 14.7 points, and 10.3 rebounds per game. He is a physical presence that enjoys contact in the paint. He has improved his scoring and rebounding in each of his three seasons at Tennessee. Stokes has the ability to get good position due to his strength. He can score with his back to the basket in the low post. He is a good offensive rebounder, and he gets to the free throw line often - converting at 61%, something he will have to improve. 

Dawson = TOUGH

Branden Dawson - Michigan State 6'6" 220 Junior. ...Dawson is an under-sized power forward that averages 10.4 points, and 8.3 rebounds. He is explosive, and powerful. He is shooting 56% FG (career) but struggles at the foul line (57% FT). …Dawson is good on the offensive glass, ranking fourth in the Big Ten this season.

Julius Randle - Kentucky 6'9" 248 Freshman. ...Randle is the second rated Power Forward among 2014 NCAA Tournament PF's in efficiency per-minute. He is a scoring BIG with good footwork, and a knack for getting buckets. He has a soft touch. Randle shoots 70% FT. ...However, he rates low among his peers in "defensive rating". The one area of his D that is strong is defensive rebounding. He led the SEC in total def. rebs. …It's easy to see the low post offensive skills that Randle possesses. He needs to tighten up his decision making and be better than nearly two turnovers for every one assist. 

Juvonte Reddic - VCU 6'9" 250 Senior. Reddic is a possible second round pick in my opinion due to his high-energy game. He led the Atlantic 10 in offensive rebounding this season. Reddic gained 30 lbs. from his freshman to Senior season. 

Sam Dower - Gonzaga 6'9" 243 Senior. Dower led the West Coast Conference in True Shooting Percentage this season. He has a great, soft touch for a big man. Dower is a career 80% free throw shooter. He averaged 15 points and seven rebounds per game this season. 

Aaron Gordon - Arizona 6'9" 212 Freshman. ...Gordon is an NBA athlete, and he defends at a high level. He is tremendous in the open-court not only as a finisher but also as a decision maker. Gordon is a rare Power Forward that has more assists than turnovers. He does have at least one major hole in his game though. Gordon is a putrid 43% free throw shooter. 

Dwayne Evans - St. Louis 6'6" 230 Senior. ...Evans gets 14 points and six rebounds per game while playing lock down defense as an under-sized forward. He ranked fourth in Defensive Rating in the A-10 this season. He has improved as a free throw shooter to 75% this season. 

Shawn Long - Louisiana Lafayette 6'9" 245 Sophomore. ...Long led the Sun Belt Conference in total rebounds, total blocked shots, Defensive Rating and field goal percentage this season. He averages 18 points and ten rebounds per game. 

Cameron Ridley - Texas 6'10" 230 Sophomore. ...Ridley has shown improvement as a sophomore. He more than doubled his scoring per game, while improving dramatically overall offensively. Ridley led the Big 12 in total offensive rebounds.

Shaq Goodwin - Memphis 6'9" 242 Sophomore. ...Goodwin averages 11.8 points, and 6.6 rebounds per game. He is a solid defender that was fourth in blocked shots per game in the AAC.