The Kansas Jayhawks have enjoyed an incredible year and it will likely be topped off with another top NBA prospect in the 2012 NBA Draft if Thomas Robinson declares for the June event. With his skills and athleticism, Robinson’s draft stock has climbed all season and now he sits among the best overall if he declares. Jason McIntyre now has Robinson going third overall to the New Orleans Hornets.
McIntyre writes, “Total package. Carlos Boozer with more athleticism and toughness. Someone will inevitably say, “the Hornets already took a bum from Kansas – Julian Wright!”
Robinson is taken in this draft after Kentucky’s Anthony Davis and Duke’s Austin Rivers, which shows just how far he’s come this season. Bill Self and Danny Manning have done tremendous work with Robinson’s game, but the player potential was there all along as KU fans knew Robinson would have to turn the corner for the Jayhawks to enjoy another conference title.
As for other Jayhawks, Tyshawn Taylor is listed at No. 26 overall to the L.A. Lakers: “The most important player on the Jayhawks has had an up-and-down career, but seems to be finishing strong.”
Big man Jeff Withey goes one pick later to the San Antonio Spurs and McIntyre writes, “Last year at this time, had anyone even heard of Jeff Withey? Before Maui, did anyone even think he’d have NBA potential? I can see him flaming out very early or having a quiet 10-year career.”