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2015 NBA Draft: Phil Jackson Making His Rounds

By Maxwell Ogden

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Nothing’s going to stop Phil Jackson from finding the future face of the franchise. Not even if that means spending multiple days on end studying some of the top prospects in the country.

From shot-blocking specialists to post-up stars to sharpshooting wings to dynamic facilitators, Jackson is covering all of his bases.

It all started with his scouting Duke Blue Devils star Jahlil Okafor against the St. John’s Red Storm.

Okafor put up 17 points, 10 rebounds, two assists and a block on 7-of-10 shooting from the field and 3-of-7 from the charity stripe in a 77-68 comeback win.

As is the rest of the NBA.

Not satisfied with following just one prospect, Jackson turned his attention to another candidate to go No. 1 overall: D’Angelo Russell of the Ohio State Buckeyes. He watched Russell and company defeat the Nebraska Cornhuskers 81-57.

Jackson’s comments after the game—”Great prospect”—have him facing tampering charges.

Russell finished that game with 11 points, six assists, three rebounds and a block on 3-of-9 shooting from the field, 2-of-5 from beyond the arc and 3-of-5 from the free throw line.

Undeterred, Jackson also paid a friendly visit to a recent Kentucky Wildcats practice..

Jackson remained in Kentucky for another day to see the Wildcats’ game against the Arkansas Razorbacks.

Kentucky won that game by a score of 84-67.

John Calipari’s crew currently consists of five prospects with first-round grades. Four of those players are big men and at least three are projected to go in the lottery of the 2015 NBA Draft.

In other words, multiple Kentucky stars are in play for the Knicks.

Center Karl-Anthony Towns is viewed as a potential No. 1 overall draft pick. He stands at 6’11” and 250 pounds with a 7’3″ wingspan and a dynamic skill set.

Feb 7, 2015; Gainesville, FL, USA; Kentucky Wildcats forward Karl-Anthony Towns (12) talks with head coach John Calipari against the Florida Gators during the second half at Stephen C. O

Towns finished with eight points, five rebounds, two offensive boards, one assist and a block on 4-of-5 shooting from the field in 18 minutes of play during Kentucky’s win.

Fellow center Willie Cauley-Stein is unlikely to go in the Top 5, but he is a Top 10 prospect who’s been compared to former Defensive Player of the Year and ex-Knicks anchor Tyson Chandler. Against Arkansas, he showed why.

Cauley-Stein tallied seven points, nine rebounds, four offensive boards, two assists, four blocks and two steals in Kentucky’s victory.

Feb 28, 2015; Lexington, KY, USA; Kentucky Wildcats forward

Trey Lyles

(41) is introduced before the game against the Arkansas Razorbacks at Rupp Arena. The Kentucky Wildcats defeated the Arkansas Razorbacks 84-67. Mandatory Credit: Mark Zerof-USA TODAY Sports

The other two prospects, power forward Trey Lyles and center Dakari Johnson, are projected to go towards the tail-end of the first round. Lyles could end up being a lottery pick, however, as he’s performed quite well as of late.

Lyles led the Wildcats with 18 points, four rebounds, two offensive boards, one assist and a block on 8-of-10 shooting during the win over Arkansas. Johnson was held scoreless and had three rebounds in 14 minutes.

Throw in sharpshooter Devin Booker, who scored 10 points and is considered to be the No. 2 shooting guard behind Russell, and there was no shortage of talent to scout.

Chances are, Jackson isn’t done yet—not even close.

Who’s ready for draft season?

Next: Could Phil Jackson face tampering charges for his comments on a top 2015 NBA Draft prospect?

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