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NBA Mock Draft 2016: New Year’s Resolutions

By Maxwell Ogden

Dec 25, 2015; Honolulu, HI, USA; Oklahoma Sooners guard Buddy Hield (24) flashes a "shaka" sign after the game against the Harvard Crimson at the Stan Sheriff Center. Oklahoma Sooners defeated the Harvard Crimson 83-71. Hield was named MVP of the tournament. Mandatory Credit: Marco Garcia-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 25, 2015; Honolulu, HI, USA; Oklahoma Sooners guard Buddy Hield (24) flashes a "shaka" sign after the game against the Harvard Crimson at the Stan Sheriff Center. Oklahoma Sooners defeated the Harvard Crimson 83-71. Hield was named MVP of the tournament. Mandatory Credit: Marco Garcia-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 2, 2016; Nashville, TN, USA; Vanderbilt Commodores center Damian Jones (30) smiles as he listens to referees discuss a call during the second half against the LSU Tigers at Memorial Gym. LSU won 90-82. Mandatory Credit: Jim Brown-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 2, 2016; Nashville, TN, USA; Vanderbilt Commodores center Damian Jones (30) smiles as he listens to referees discuss a call during the second half against the LSU Tigers at Memorial Gym. LSU won 90-82. Mandatory Credit: Jim Brown-USA TODAY Sports /

16. Damian Jones, Vanderbilt Commodores

Position: Center

Age: 20

Height, Weight, Wingspan: 7’0″, 245 pounds, 7’2″

Slash Line: .545/.000/.586

Season Averages: 25.2 MPG, 12.5 PPG, 6.2 RPG, 1.8 ORPG, 1.7 APG, 1.9 BPG

New Year’s Resolution: Justify the Hype

The NBA Draft community has become enamored with the massive potential of Vanderbilt Commodores center Damian Jones. There are identifiable flaws, but the upside he possesses is too significant to ignore.

Jones stands at 7’0″ with impressive athleticism and an offensive skill set that’s raw, but progressively coming together.

Jones’ primary appeal is as a defensive player due to his productive shot-blocking and athleticism in the paint. Offensively, he’s quite inconsistent, but has shown flashes of developing a solid attack from the high post.

Moving forward, Jones must address that offensive inconsistency. He needs to develop a post game in his third season at Vanderbilt, and his improved face-up game must continue to be polished.

Most importantly, Jones needs to eliminate all questions about his motor by working harder on the glass and taking fewer plays off.

Next: Walking Triple-Double