By: Rasheed Malek
“Monday Morning Fresh” makes it triumphant return to discuss the upcoming NBA Draft. We got a Q&A about PJ3, Damian Lillard video and most importantly my official Mock Draft. Hit the jump and check it out.
I recently had the opportunity to catch-up with Baylor Assistant Coach Jerome Tang while he was in Brazil. He gives us some insight on Perry Jones III, one of the prime candidates the Warriors are rumored to be looking at with the 7th overall pick.
Describe Perry both on the court and off the court.
Jerome Tang: Perry is a wonderful young man, off the court. Very aware of others and takes the time to make them feel special. On the court, he is extremely gifted and has the ability to dominate the game in many facets. One of his strengths is his vision, he can see when people are open and can get them the ball. This also happens to be a weakness, as sometimes it’s good if he doesn’t see them open and shoots it himself.
What’s his ideal position in the NBA?
Jerome Tang: The position where he can have the greatest impact in the NBA is at the Small Forward position, he has the ability to be a tremendous defender.
Much has been made about Perry not going hard at all times in College, is that something that can be easily corrected/taught at the next level or is that something only Perry can change?
Jerome Tang: I disagree that he doesn’t go hard. I would agree that he is not as aggressive or assertive as he needs to be but Perry is one of those rare players who scored more in college than he did in high school and I believe he will be more productive in the NBA than he was in college because he is continuing to grow as both a player and a man.
Share a quick story about Perry that gives us a look at what type of player/person he is.
Jerome Tang: Last home game of the year was Senior night and he asked Coach Drew to let one of the Seniors start in his spot since it was Senior night and their last home game. He did this knowing that it was also his last home game. He is a great teammate.
At BYU, it was a close game when he got hurts and had to come out the game. He checked himself back in, got an offensive rebound put back for an And1, to win the game. Same thing at Kansas State, he got an offensive rebound, got fouled 3 times but did not lose the ball before they finally called foul. He went to the line and made both free throws to give us the win.
License To Lillard
Check out Oakland native, Damian Lillard as he preps for the NBA Draft. Should the Warriors take a serious look at drafting the former Weber St. Point Guard?
My Mock Draft version 1.0
1. New Orleans Hornets: Anthony Davis (PF, 6-11, 222)
Hornets get the lone true superstar in the Draft, with the assistance of #SternGod.
2. Charlotte Bobcats: Thomas Robinson (PF, 6-9, 244)
3. Washington Wizards: Bradley Beal (G, 6-5, 202)
Beal and Wall in the same back-court? Wizards fans are going to get plenty to cheer about.
4. Cleveland Cavaliers: Harrison Barnes (SF, 6-8, 228)
5. Sacramento Kings: M. Kidd-Gilchrist (SF, 6-8, 233)
The Kings get an absolute steal.
6. Portland Trail Blazers (from Nets): Damian Lillard (PG, 6-3, 189)
7. Golden State Warriors: Jeremy Lamb (G, 6-5, 179)
Warriors take the athletic swing-man from UCONN who from day one becomes their best perimeter defender.