NBA Draft Insider

College: Florida

Birthday: 06/28/1993

NBA Position: SG

Class: Freshman

Ht: 6-4

Wt: 195

Hometown: St. Louis, MO

High School: Chaminade College Prep School

Ceiling: Ray Allen

Basement: Marcus Thornton

NBA Comparison: Eric Gordon

Strengths:

• Athletic, Smooth
• Strong
• Basketball IQ
• Shooter, with 3PT range
• Mid-range shooter
• Moves well off the ball
• Ball-handling
• Quality defender
• Quality Rebounder

Weaknesses:

• Length (6-7 wingspan)
• Playing out of position

Analysis:

05/05/2012

Since declaring for the NBA Draft freshman Bradley Beal has been busy signing with agent Mark Bartelstein of Priority Sports. The freshman is a consensus Top 5 prospect across the NBA scout-osphere and could potentially be the No. 2 Overall pick in the 2012 NBA Draft.

Towards the end of the season Beal’s skills and value was more evident than ever. During the SEC and NCAA Tournament Beal was more of a play-maker for himself as well as his teammates. It was a change that nearly took the Florida Gators to the Final Four. During that time frame Beal played with the ball in his hands more creating off the dribble and with ball screens.

During the season Beal had one game prior to the Tournaments where he registered more than three assists in a game (five v. UAB 1/3/12). In those six tournament games Beal averaged 3.66 APG while scoring 16.6 PPG.

Those pressure packed games in the bright lights brought out the best in his game. Against the likes of Alabama, Kentucky, Virginia, upset minded Norfolk State, Marquette, and finally Louisville he was able to put everything together. Over the course of the season Beal played more off the ball as an out of place power forward he was able to rise to the challenge.

Rebounding was really where Beal was able to shine this season while playing out of position. He averaged 6.7 RPG while grabbing 7 double-doubles over the course of the season. As a natural shooting guard Beal has above average strength and gets into very good position with 50 offensive rebounds on the season, averaging more than one a game.

Offensively Beal is a very complete player with his ability to make plays with the ball, without the ball, snare offensive rebounds, and shoot the ball from deep. This past season Beal did not shoot the ball great from the three, but his percentages do not tell the story. In high school he was elite as a shooter due to his consistency. Beal has a picture perfect release that comes off his hands the same way every time he shoots the ball. It is an effortless, quick release that allows Beal to not waste any motion or effort.

As of today Beal is ranked No. 1 as a shooting guard, No. 2 on the Big Board, and is slotted No. 2 overall in the Mock Draft.

02/12/2012

Beal is one of the most fluid shooters in college basketball. He has a great release with the ability to make the mid-range shot and extends out to the NBA three. His motion off the ball sets up his shooting like most other elite shooters in history. With the ball in his hands Beal is a good play-maker and can score in transition with his strength and athleticism. Defensively and on the glass Beal is one of the best at his position as well.

Being a polished and well-rounded player coming out of high school is what makes Beal such a quality talent. He has few flaws and is moving up draft boards with his scoring ability and poise.

It is pretty clear that NDI is a believer in Beal’s game in college and at the next level. He is the best shooting guard of this class and will be able to make an immediate impact at the next level with his shooting alone. Being only a freshman and a smart one to boot, it would not be shocking if he came back to the very good Florida program for a sophomore year. If he declares expect Beal to be a Top 10 selection.

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