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2016 NBA Draft: Top 10 Boom Or Bust Prospects

By Maxwell Ogden

LEXINGTON, KY - FEBRUARY 18: Skal Labissiere #1 of the Kentucky Wildcats watches the action during the game against the Tennessee Volunteers at Rupp Arena on February 18, 2016 in Lexington, Kentucky. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
LEXINGTON, KY - FEBRUARY 18: Skal Labissiere #1 of the Kentucky Wildcats watches the action during the game against the Tennessee Volunteers at Rupp Arena on February 18, 2016 in Lexington, Kentucky. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /
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DAYTON, OH – MARCH 15: Damian Jones #30 of the Vanderbilt Commodores dribbles the ball in the first half against the Wichita State Shockers during the first round of the 2016 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at UD Arena on March 15, 2016 in Dayton, Ohio. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
DAYTON, OH – MARCH 15: Damian Jones #30 of the Vanderbilt Commodores dribbles the ball in the first half against the Wichita State Shockers during the first round of the 2016 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at UD Arena on March 15, 2016 in Dayton, Ohio. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /

Damian Jones, Vanderbilt Commodores

Position: Center
Age: 20 (6/30/1995)
Height, Weight, Wingspan: 6’11.5″, 244 pounds, 7’3.75″
Slash Line: .590/.000/.536
Season Averages: 26.2 MPG, 13.9 PPG, 6.9 RPG, 2.2 ORPG, 1.2 APG, 1.6 BPG

Kevin Stallings and the Vanderbilt Commodores were, arguably, the most egregiously underachiever in all of college basketball in 2015-16. Despite having two first-round prospects in Wade Baldwin IV and Damian Jones, Vanderbilt finished at just 19-14.

With one look at Jones, however, one can see why scouts are tempted to look past Vanderbilt’s shortcomings and invest a Top 20 pick in his upside.

Jones is a 7’0″ center with a 244-pound frame, a 7’4″ wingspan, and unteachable natural athleticism. He registered a 36.0-inch standing vertical leap, which ranked No. 4 amongst all prospects at the 2016 NBA Draft Combine.

If that weren’t impressive enough, Jones ran from the baseline to the opponent’s free throw line in 3.20 seconds—the eighth-fastest mark at the event.

Beyond being an outstanding athlete, Jones has all of the tools to be a star—including prowess as a shot-blocker and versatility on offense. Yet, when one watches him play, there’s an unsettling amount of concern birthed by his seeming refusal to take over.

Jones has the tools to be an All-Star, but he needs to land with a team that has a superstar talent who can teach him the proper tendencies—something Stallings seemingly failed to do.

Next: Prototypical 2

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