The Roberts Roundball Report

Is he good enough for the NBA?

I’ve done a short mock draft, rated the top point guards, and gave you the underrated players heading into the draft, but this is different.

Here are five guys that, for one reason or another, face the likelihood of not being drafted, despite having tons of talent and ability.

Players face weak knocks like “less the ideal height,” “doesn’t have a true position,” or has “less than ideal lateral quickness.”

Guys like Michael Redd, Gilbert Arenas, and Kyle Korver have proven doubters wrong, emerging from the cesspool that is the NBA’s second round, and contributing to their teams.

All biases aside, the following five guys deserve to have their name called sometime during the NBA Draft.

It’s time NBA GMs take note of the truly talented “basketball players,” instead of taking countless shots in the dark with “unlimited potential” players, as well as risky overseas project players.

5. Eric Devendorf, PG/SG, Syracuse

He’s cocky, brash, and hated.

Perfect.

Devendorf is much better than advertised, but due to no “true position,” as well as any other cliche’ knock white point guards get.

Label him anyway you’d like; Devendorf is still a lights-out shooter with good athleticism, and a knack for getting to the rim.

Scouts knock him for having only decent point guard skills, while saying he’s too small at 6’4″ to effectively guard at the two spot.

Well, Ben Gordon and Dwayne Wade are both 6’4″ or smaller, and they seem to do just fine.

While I’m not about to proclaim Devendorf is on their level, he’s not nearly as far away (at least from Gordan) as many would think.

Devendorf showed his unmatched grit and clutch-ability throughout the season, but especially came into his own in the Big East tournament.

Comparison: A slightly less athletic Eric Gordan.

4. A.J. Price, PG, UConn

Price showed a ton of promise in his junior season, before succumbing to a knee injury.

Before tearing his knee up, Price was pouring in 14 points and over 5.0 assists on a consistent basis, while shooting a solid 37 percent from three-point range.

Price worked hard on his game in the offseason, and came back with nearly identical averages, while lifting his shooting from beyond the arc to 40 percent.

Price is said to have less than ideal athleticism, but has good size for the position, and has all the skills and tools needed to play the point in the NBA.

He can be careless with the ball, but Price has the ability to take over games, and has a great sense of awareness on the court.

Comparison: A better-shooting Marcus Williams.

Ruoff is an underrated athlete, while being known for his ability to stroke it from beyond the arc.

Ruoff has the perfect size for an NBA shooting guard, and has the quickness and athleticism to defend well at the next level.

Before taking on a larger offensive role the past two seasons, Ruoff displayed his play-making ability, while dishing out over 5 assists per game in his sophomore season.

He has the versatility to fill-in at the either wing, as well as a little point guard.

Comparison: A more athletic and more well-rounded Kyle Korver.

Verdict: His size and great shooting ability will get his name called at the end of the second round.

2. Jon Brockman, PF, Washington