Playing at the Next Level

Devon Jefferson



Even though OJ Mayo and Taj Gibson are the players garnering all of the attention at USC, the player with the most potential to make a major impact at the next level is Freshman Davon Jefferson.

Mayo and Gibson are both projected 1st rounders, but neither has the upside that Jefferson posses. At 6’9 Jefferson is a freak athlete with the length, quickness and speed to dominate the opposition. He plays with an explosive style, always attacking the rim and trying to dunk on anyone in sight. Jefferson is still very raw and needs to work on his mid range jumper, but with some schooling from the USC coaching staff, you can expect to hear the name Davon Jefferson for many years to come.


Tyler Hansbrough




I don’t want to be the bearer of bad news, but for anyone who thinks that Tyler Hansbrough has any chance of playing at the NBA Level, I am really sorry. I don’t even know why there was a discussion about ‘Psych T’ even considering a jump to the NBA following his sophomore season.

Hansbrough, whose averaging 21 and 9 thus far this season, is able to dominate at the college level because he is physically more advanced than other college players. Unfortunately, this formula does not translate at the next level. Hansbrough is so limited athletically, has no shooting stroke from the outside, and lacks the speed and quickness to match up with the NBA 4’s.

With Hansbrough’s exceptional worth ethic, you can expect him to become an All-Star somewhere overseas. Great kid!


Gerald Henderson and Russell Westbrook




It’s pretty clear thus far this season, who was working on their games over the summer. Two players that have made tremendous strides and will soon begin to receive the recognition they deserve are Gerald Henderson (Duke) and Russell Westbrook (UCLA).

Both players are among the most athletically gifted in college basketball and are major reasons why their teams are having early season success.

Henderson still needs to expand his range and improve his handle, while Westbrook’s biggest challenge will be transitioning to a true point guard, rather than just a scorer. With that being said, both players should be 1st round selections in the 2009 NBA Draft.