The NBA is only a few games into the 2011-12 regular season, but that doesn't mean it's too early to take a look at various college players and their chances at the next level. Doug Gottlieb over at ESPN released his first take on the class of 2012 and says that Thomas Robinson of the Kansas Jayhawks is among the best in college and should have even better potential at the pro level.
Robinson comes in at No. 9 overall as Gottlieb writes, "Another springy athlete who may be a bit undersized, but is able to face up and defend ball screens better than Jared Sullinger at the next level."
Gottlieb's not the only one impressed with Robinson's pro potential. Jonathan Givony over at Draft Express writes, "Robinson has prototypical physical tools for an NBA power forward, listed at 6-9, with a chiseled frame, and a 7-foot plus wingspan. He's an unbelievable athlete on top of that, quick in the open floor, extremely strong, and highly explosive around the basket."
For the season, Robinson is averaging 17.4 points and 11.8 rebounds per game.