Hoops Habit
Fansided

NBA Draft: 5 Potential Second-Round Steals

By Colby Giacubeno

Mar 18, 2016; St. Louis, MO, USA; Weber State Wildcats forward Joel Bolomboy (21) celebrates during the second half of the game in the first round against the Xavier Musketeers in the 2016 NCAA Tournament at Scottrade Center. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 18, 2016; St. Louis, MO, USA; Weber State Wildcats forward Joel Bolomboy (21) celebrates during the second half of the game in the first round against the Xavier Musketeers in the 2016 NCAA Tournament at Scottrade Center. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 6
Next
Mar 17, 2016; Raleigh, NC, USA; Providence Friars forward Ben Bentil (0) reacts during the second half at PNC Arena. The Friars defeated USC Trojans 70-69. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 17, 2016; Raleigh, NC, USA; Providence Friars forward Ben Bentil (0) reacts during the second half at PNC Arena. The Friars defeated USC Trojans 70-69. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports /

Ben Bentil, Providence

If there was an award in college for the Most Improved Player nationally, Ben Bentil most likely would’ve been the obvious winner.

He did however win the Big East Most Improved Player Award for having a stellar sophomore season as he and point guard Kris Dunn led Providence to the NCAA Tournament.

From his freshman to his sophomore season, Bentil more than tripled his scoring average from 6.4 to 21.1 points per game. At 6’8″ and 229 pounds,  Bentil has solid size for his position to go along with excellent strength and impressive mobility.

His 32.9 percent success rate from beyond the arc doesn’t do his jump shot justice, as he possesses a pretty smooth stroke that can be even more effective once he gets a slightly quicker release.

His 7’1″ wingspan allows him to get his shot off when being guarded by a bigger match up on the outside. When he is around the paint, Bentil utilizes his strength effectively to create space around the rim for a hook shot or a dunk.

He can be utilized in pick-and-roll situations quite often as he was this season with Dunn. Bentil showed the ability to catch off the roll and finish around the rim, or pop out to the perimeter and attack his match up off the dribble for a score.

The weaknesses in Bentil’s game come on the defensive side. It’s not that he isn’t capable of being a solid defender, it’s the question of whether or not he has the desire to put the effort into doing so.

One thing is for sure in the NBA, if you don’t defend (and aren’t named James Harden), you’ll find yourself riding the bench.

If Bentil is drafted by a team with a great point guard, his game could flourish and he could become possibly the biggest steal in this year’s draft.

Next: A Proven Winner

Home/NBA Draft