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NBA Mock Draft 2016: Pro Comparisons for Top 30 Prospects

By Maxwell Ogden

Jan 16, 2016; Durham, NC, USA; Duke Blue Devils guard Brandon Ingram (14) and guard Grayson Allen (3) celebrate a basket in their game against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at Cameron Indoor Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark Dolejs-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 16, 2016; Durham, NC, USA; Duke Blue Devils guard Brandon Ingram (14) and guard Grayson Allen (3) celebrate a basket in their game against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at Cameron Indoor Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark Dolejs-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 9, 2016; Madison, WI, USA; Maryland Terrapins center Diamond Stone (33) moves the ball up the floor during the game with the Wisconsin Badgers at the Kohl Center. Maryland defeated Wisconsin 63-60. Mandatory Credit: Mary Langenfeld-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 9, 2016; Madison, WI, USA; Maryland Terrapins center Diamond Stone (33) moves the ball up the floor during the game with the Wisconsin Badgers at the Kohl Center. Maryland defeated Wisconsin 63-60. Mandatory Credit: Mary Langenfeld-USA TODAY Sports /

17. Diamond Stone, Maryland Terrapins

Ultimate Upside Comparison: Andrew Bynum

Safe Upside Comparison: Robin Lopez

Position: Center

Age: 19 (2/10/1997)

Height, Weight, Wingspan: 6’11”, 255 pounds, 7’3.5″

Slash Line: .562/.000/.800

Season Averages: 22.0 MPG, 13.0 PPG, 5.6 RPG, 2.4 ORPG, 1.6 BPG

Traditional big men are falling down further down draft boards than ever before. Without the semblance of a midrange game or immediate value to a team in need of a high-caliber rookie, said players fail to be selected in the draft lottery.

Bruising Maryland Terrapins center Diamond Stone is hoping to buck the trend and work his way into the Top 14—a feasible goal.

Despite his interior-oriented attack and the negative connotations that come with it, Stone is one of the more coveted prospects in this draft class. He’s a physically overwhelming player who doesn’t shy away from contact, dominates the offensive glass, and shows genuine potential as a rim protector.

Coupled with the fact that he shoots nearly 80 percent from the free throw line, Stone has the tools to be a full-time starter at the next level.

The easy upside comparisons are Al Jefferson and Zach Randolph due to Stone’s bruising and grounded offensive attack. That’s fair, to some extent, but Stone is averaging 2.8 blocks per 40 minutes—more than double the number Z-Bo posted at Michigan State.

College statistics only mean so much, but based on his powerful physique, mobility in transition, intriguing instincts as a shot-blocker, and physical gifts, Stone resembles a prime Andrew Bynum.

Next: The Enigma

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