The 2008 NBA Draft was only a few days ago but ESPN is already all over 2009. Draft expert Chad Ford has posted his top 100 draft prospects for 2009 and Texas forward Damion James comes in at number 24.
Here are Ford’s thoughts on James:
James has a lot of fans among NBA scouts. They love his grittiness and how he’s improved his game over the past two seasons. He’s a potential late first-round pick in 2009.
Positives:
- Super-tough, physical forward
- Long arms, NBA body
- Good athlete with some explosive leaping ability
- Good offensive rebounder
- Dramatically improved perimeter game
- Some range on his long ball
Negatives:
- A tweener?
- Undersized to play his natural position at the 4
- Still needs polish on the offensive end
- Needs to improve ballhandling
Similarities: James Posey
Hard to argue with any of those statements, positive or negative. My expectations for Damion this season are incredibly high. He improved his outside shot and his overall game a great deal between his freshman and sophomore seasons and if he continues to improve he will shoot up lists like these. The Longhorns have had players drafted in the lottery in each of the last three NBA drafts and if he improves his ballhandling James will make it four.
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Angela said (07/12/2008):
Congrat on James,he is from nacogdoches, which is also where I am from. I just want him to do something for himself and hs family, but please don’t forget about those childrens that have grown up and is following you as a great basketball player from Eastwood Terrance. Just remeber give back and keep your head up no matter what.