Apr 4, 2015; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Kentucky Wildcats forward
Willie Cauley-Stein(15) reacts after a dunk against the Wisconsin Badgers in the first half of the 2015 NCAA Men
2. Willie Cauley-Stein, Kentucky Wildcats
Position: Center
Age: 21
Height, Weight, Wingspan: 7’0.5″, 242 pounds, 7’3″
Slash Line: .572/.000/.617
Season Averages: 25.9 MPG, 8.9 PPG, 6.4 RPG, 2.3 ORPG, 1.0 APG, 1.7 BPG, 1.2 SPG
One of the most athletically intriguing prospects in the 2015 NBA Draft is Kentucky Wildcats center Willie Cauley-Stein. He’s a true 7’0″ big man with a 7’2″ wingspan and guard-like explosiveness.
In many ways, it’s an undersell to call Cauley-Stein a rim protector.
Cauley-Stein is comparable to a young Tyson Chandler in his ability to run the floor as a trailer and transition defender. His offensive game isn’t very expansive, but his defensive potential is through the roof.
If you still aren’t sold, just watch him defend point guard and potential lottery pick Jerian Grant for 94 feet.
Unreal.
Cauley-Stein wouldn’t do much for the offense, but defensively, he would transform the Knicks as a team. He can mask the flaws of the players around him and keep every opponent on the floor honest.
It’s concerning that his offensive game is still so raw, but Cauley-Stein’s free throw shooting has improved exponentially and his defense alone is Top 10 worthy.
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