The scoop on JaVale McGee's draft prospects

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Here's a compilation of material on Nevada's JaVale McGee:

"The problem is he’s extremely far from reaching his full potential—so far that you have to wonder if he’ll ever make it considering the way he looks at times on the court. Struggles to establish position and finish in the paint, settles for some incredibly awkward off-balance shots, and is virtually a black hole with his passing skills—averaging 4 turnovers for every 1 assist. Looks very disinterested at times, doesn’t hustle, gives up on plays, late getting back down the floor, and might be the worst man to man defender we’ve ever evaluated in the post. Gets pushed around, gambles excessively for steals, has no stance or fundamentals, doesn’t move his feet, and is a complete non-factor even against the mediocre competition he faces. According to Synergy’s “PlayType QuickTable stats,” McGee was scored on 66% of the time when being posted up in the paint (against the likes of Fresno State, Utah State, Houston, etc). Is light years away from being able to compete on an NBA level defensively, if ever..."

Wow. We do recall SJSU's C.J. Webster taking it to McGee in the game at The Event Center but we certainly never realized how a spectacular block or acrobatic dunk 'colors' the image of a player for us typical fans. Getting scored on 2/3 of the time your matchup has the ball -- in college --- is astounding whether you are seven feet tall or 5-11.

Here's more the the Draft Express site:

AT A GLANCE - JaVale McGee

Strengths:

• Incredible physical specimen
• Great size
• Outstanding wingspan
• Huge hands
• Terrific athlete
• Solid frame
• Extremely fluid
• Ability to run the floor
• Intriguing skill-level
• Ability to face the basket
• Range out to 3-point line
• Ability to put ball on the floor
• Shot-blocking potential
• Late-bloomer
• Unlimited upside

Weaknesses:

• Extremely weak physically
• Struggles holding spot on the block
• Ability to finish through contact
• Poor fundamentals
• Footwork/Post-moves
• Left hand
• Shot-selection
• Free throw shooting
• Decision making
• Basketball IQ
• Lacks experience
• Atrocious defender
• Poor activity level/Doesn’t hustle
• Mental/Physical toughness?
• Soft?
• Long ways away from contributing
• High bust potential

Here is the latest the DE staff have posted on McGee:

Where is JaVale McGee in this Draft?

Possibly the hardest player to peg as far as draft stock is concerned is Nevada sophomore JaVale McGee. Three different teams we spoke to this week couldn’t possibly be any farther apart on where they have him slated. “We have him going anywhere from 7-12” said one representative of an Eastern conference team. “We compare him to Jonathan Bender in terms of his all-around talent level, and also in how far off he is from contributing at this point. He’s nowhere near ready.” Another team in the East we spoke to doesn’t like him at all. “He’s a guy someone probably takes a flyer on in the 20’s, just because he’s big, he’s got tools, and he might end up panning out in 3-4 years. I don’t see who has the patience for that, but maybe you take him for your D-League team, who knows?” A third team basically has him all over the board. “10 to 22 is his range. He’s a pure potential guy, who not many NBA GMs know since he wasn’t expected to be in this draft.”

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