Hoops Habit
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2016 NBA Mock Draft: Top Prospects Entering March Madness

By Maxwell Ogden

Mar 5, 2016; Lexington, KY, USA; Kentucky Wildcats guard Jamal Murray (23) reacts from the court during the game against the LSU Tigers in the second half at Rupp Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark Zerof-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 5, 2016; Lexington, KY, USA; Kentucky Wildcats guard Jamal Murray (23) reacts from the court during the game against the LSU Tigers in the second half at Rupp Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark Zerof-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 5, 2016; Bloomington, IN, USA; Indiana Hoosiers center Thomas Bryant (31) reacts to a call in the first half of the game against the Wisconsin Badgers at Assembly Hall. The Indiana Hoosiers beat the Wisconsin Badgers by the score of 59-58. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 5, 2016; Bloomington, IN, USA; Indiana Hoosiers center Thomas Bryant (31) reacts to a call in the first half of the game against the Wisconsin Badgers at Assembly Hall. The Indiana Hoosiers beat the Wisconsin Badgers by the score of 59-58. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports /

28. Thomas Bryant, Indiana Hoosiers

Position: Center

Age: 18 (7/31/1997)

Height, Weight, Wingspan: 6’10”, 245 pounds, 7’5.5″

Slash Line: .698/.455/.676

Season Averages: 22.3 MPG, 11.5 PPG, 5.8 RPG, 2.2 ORPG, 1.0 APG, 0.9 BPG, 0.2 3PM

Analysis

Standing at roughly 6’10” with a near 7’6″ wingspan and a powerful frame, Thomas Bryant has the physical profile to be a standout player in the NBA. He can physically overwhelm his competition in college, and once he grows into his body, he’ll be able to do the same at the next level.

He may not have the fundamental polish that most are looking for out of a first-round draft pick, but Bryant’s passion for the game is infectious.

This may not be very substantive, but one can’t help but believe Bryant has a bright future when watching him play. He plays with a genuine love for the sport as he welcomes contact, runs the floor, and emotionally reacts to every positive contribution he provides.

It certainly doesn’t hurt that his physical profile is comparable to former All-NBA center Andrew Bynum.

Bryant is a project player, but he’s willing to go to the post and play with his back to the basket. That’s a promising sign for a big man who may never have the shooting range of a Kristaps Porzingis, but can exploit a size disadvantage with an already respectable post game.

Bryant must add to his arsenal of post moves, expand his range, improve his conditioning, and better his timing as a shot-blocker, but if his work ethic off the court matches his energy on it, he’ll be a very good player.

Next: Range and Explosiveness