This year is no different and as many as 7 freshmen could be drafted in the lottery, some still 18 years old. One of these freshmen, 7 foot center Hassan Whiteside of Marshall is a bit older at 20 years old but still very young both in terms of age and the development of his game. But like Wall, Favors and Cousins there is so much upside potential with Whiteside that he is certain to be a lottery pick and perhaps even a top 6 or 7 pick.
His height and huge wing span combined with very good quickness and athleticism make him a natural basketball player, and it shows. Hassan averaged an impressive 5.4 blocks per game in his one and only season at Marshall, while collecting nearly 9 boards a game. He is an instinctive defensive player and should have an immediate impact on that end of the court, even as a rookie.
Offensively Whiteside is developing some nice post moves and as he adds strength he'll be more effective. His jumper is a bit awkward but he hits a good many and because of his height his shot is difficult to block. He needs to gain consistency and continue to develop back to the basket post moves but he projects as more than simply a defensive stopper.
He is often compared to Marcus Camby both physically and how he plays defense but I think he as a chance to be a scorer as well and might even command a double team to slow him down.
At this point he is still inexperienced and rail thin and it remains to be seen if he can bulk up enough to really thrive in the league. But the potential is there, the upside is intriguing and some NBA team will draft him early with visions of filling their center position for the next decade.
My mock draft has him going number 7 overall to the Detroit Pistons who could use all the upside of Hassan Whiteside to bring them back to prominence.