Hoops Habit
Fansided

2017 NBA Mock Draft: An Early Look Ahead

By Maxwell Ogden

MAPLE GROVE, MN- MAY 23: Harry Giles #1 from Team CP3 and Wesleyan Christian Academy during Session Four of the Nike EYBL on May 23, 2015 at Maple Grove Community Gym in Maple Grove, Minnesota. (Photo by Brace Hemmelgarn/Getty Images)
MAPLE GROVE, MN- MAY 23: Harry Giles #1 from Team CP3 and Wesleyan Christian Academy during Session Four of the Nike EYBL on May 23, 2015 at Maple Grove Community Gym in Maple Grove, Minnesota. (Photo by Brace Hemmelgarn/Getty Images) /
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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 /

9. Thomas Bryant, Indiana Hoosiers

Position: Center
Age: 18 (7/31/1997)
Height, Weight, Wingspan: 6’10.5″, 241 pounds, 7’5.5″
Slash Line: .686/.333/.706
Season Averages: 22.6 MPG, 11.9 PPG, 5.8 RPG, 2.0 ORPG, 1.0 APG, 0.9 BPG

The notion that the center position has died is so off-base that it borders on ignorant to what continues to transpire. Centers may not be featured in the way they once were, but teams without a rim-protecting big man suffer in the playoffs, and those with post players can thrive.

Thomas Bryant has the physical tools, budding skill set, and passion for the game to be the type of game-changing center that teams still need.

Bryant stands at 6’11” and a powerful 241 pounds with a near 7’6″ wingspan and a 9’4″ standing reach. For perspective, he measures almost identically to Larry Sanders, and has a longer wingspan and reach than Dwight Howard.

On the court, Bryant plays with an unfiltered passion that’s made those around him fans of both his play and personality.

Bryant is still improving fundamentally, but he’s a capable threat from beyond the arc. He needs to improve his defensive consistency and polish his post game, but the tools are there for greatness to be achieved.

No matter which era one references, a near 7’0″ center with a 7’6″ wingspan and the fluid athleticism to run the floor will always be appealing.

Next: Freakish Athleticism