[Team Mao]

It seems to be that it would be really likely for him to declare for the NBA draft this year. I know that he is still raw but he is 7'2" and 280, those numbers speak volumes come draft time. Plus, he's starting to have some big games lately and has shown to be a hard worker. If Andrew Bynum can get picked top 10 coming out of high school and being incredibly raw, who's to say Hibbert couldn't get picked at a similar spot this year, especially with so many lotto teams hungry for size (Atl, Por, TO, Chi).

If he does stay for another year, it seems unlikely that his draft position would get better, 2007 is a centre heavy draft compared to this year's weak big-man draft. In fact, his position could be worse next year than this year. So if the NBA is his goal, then it would make almost no sense to stay for one more year, if he stays for 2 more years he faces the possibility of a career ending injury.

I'm sure that he's being told all of these things by those around him and people trying to capitalize on his talent. Usually I'm against underclassmen being pushed into the draft too early, but it just seems to make a lot of sense in Hibbert's case.

I'd really like to hear some of your opinions about this situation.

[RebelSun]

Hibbert seems to be learning how to use his size effectively, but he's slower than hell. Bynum seems to move around a lot better than Roy and is why he was picked where he was.

I would imagine he would sneak into the first round this year if he were to enter. It would be a tough call for him, especially at his size. He reminds me of Chris Marcus, the 7'1 diamond in the rough from Western Kentucky (nbadraft.net - marcus profile) who passed up a possible chance to go in the lottery only to return and shatter his foot and his pro hoops career.

It'll be interesting to see what happens with him.

[Nimreitz]

You're not being fair to Bynum. He is pretty athletic and he really showed up for the most important game of his career in the McDonald's All American Game against the top players in the country. I mean, he was a lot better than Hansborough, and look at what some people are saying about him now.

[Jonathan Watters]

My feeling is that there is a lot of room in the latter half of the first round, and that a ton of underclassmen will at least declare to find out if they can make it. 2007 looks more loaded every day - it just doesn't make sense for some of these guys to stick around.

Hibbert isn't ready, but who is in the mid-late first round of 2006?

[Team Mao]

Originally Posted by Nimreitz

You're not being fair to Bynum. He is pretty athletic and he really showed up for the most important game of his career in the McDonald's All American Game against the top players in the country. I mean, he was a lot better than Hansborough, and look at what some people are saying about him now.

I never siad anything about his athleticism but his game and moves were still raw coming out of high school. Any centre going directly from high school to the NBA is going to be really unpolished.

I don't mean to insult Bynum, it's clear that he is going to be a really good centre, especially under the tutelage of Kareem. I just think that a guy with Hibbert's size, work ethic and considerable improvement in his game from freshman to sophomore seasons has got to be thinking about the draft this year. Especially with the centre loaded draft in 2007. I guess we'll have to wait and see come season's end.

[Jonathan Watters]

I don't think that Hibbert has near the footspeed or soft touch that Bynum showed last spring. Every single point Hibbert scores comes after he has overpowered his opponent to the point where he has a layup or dunk.

[Team Mao]

Thanks Jon, I trust your judgement on this guy but I still have an inkling that we'll see his name on the list of underclassmen declaring.

'Every single point Hibbert scores comes after he has overpowered his opponent to the point where he has a layup or dunk.'
-This actually reminds me of a few other centres in the league.

[Peter Pan with a Tan]

Originally Posted by Nimreitz

You're not being fair to Bynum. He is pretty athletic and he really showed up for the most important game of his career in the McDonald's All American Game against the top players in the country. I mean, he was a lot better than Hansborough, and look at what some people are saying about him now.

The McDonalds AA game is a joke when it comes to evaluating talent. It's very political in the selection process (look at the list of voters, it's hilarious) and the game itself is just for fun. It's an all-star type enviroment, not a real game with set plays and hardnosed deense. It's a complete fraud that some players in the past have been able to vault themselves into the NBA because they hit a few 3's or have a few fancy dunks in it. It's also bad because the average hoops fan doesn't see hardly any of high school players until the all-star games, then they get completely false ideas of how good players are compared to others.

[Gtown07]

I've been watching Roy since he was a senior in HS. His improvement is INCREDIBLE. His evolution as a ball player is unparalelled. I've never seen a player take the steps he has. This speaks volumes of his work ethic and determination to succeed which I think is his biggest asset. His improvement from year to year proves that he could go from a pick possibly in the 20's to the lotto next year. I'll admit I wouldnt pick him so high as a GM, because I think he disrupts the offense and doesn't improve his teammates like a Shaq. However he's 7'2'' 280 lbs. with crazy work ethic so he could be worth it.

All the talk comparing his upside to Bynum is ridiculous. He is not Andrew Bynum...or even close. Watching Bynum play was special. He one day will be able to take over a NBA game. I dont think Roy will ever be a focal point on an NBA team. He never will be for the Hoyas, how can he be in the pros. Look to the Duke game or other crucial games (WVU, PITT, etc) where he played about 15 minutes. John Thompson III plays him more sparingly (I'm gonna guess about 20 mpg) than any of the other starters. I think that shows that he does have some work to do.

I usually like it when Roy isnt in the games for my Hoyas. Our offense is smoother and he's too damn slow to run any type of offense, especially the princeton offense. His game hinders those around him on offense because he can't move well. He also doesnt pass well out of double teams. His size is obviously a big help on D. Despite not always getting to the driver he certainly does more than his fair share. His speed will never improve to the point it needs to but his coordination and moves inside will only get better. I think he will be a lotto pick but he needs another year or two. He will improve a tremendous amount. Just look at his progressiong with his inside moves, his footwork and his rebounding for proof. For those who have watched him over the years they understand he isnt Chris Marcus or any other 7 foot stiff, he's a hard working dude with a lot of potential that he wants to realize.

I just don't see any GM's justifying using a top 20 pick, while looking at mocks. He probably would get a look in the mid to late 20's though just on size as long as he puts up decent numbers in the NCAA's. But I do believe he'll suit up for a Hoyas team next year that is stacked in the front court:

Roy Hibbert
Jeff Green (another 1st rounder in 07' or 08' and the best player on G'town since he's been a Freshman)
Vernon Macklin (#12 rivals.com, McD's All- American)
Pat Ewing Jr. (he will look good next year)
DeJuan Summers (#24 rivals.com)