Draft Class Analysis
NCAA Freshmen
A pair of freshman emerged as legitimate "one and done" candidates, which is in line with the trend. As usual, if you are a freshman and you don't have star potential, the NBA probably isn't interested. Since 2003, only one freshman has been selected in the second round.
NCAA Sophomores
With the implementation of the age limit and the NBA trending away from taking fliers on International prospects, spots were bound to be available in the first round. A talented group of sophomores has picked up the slack, with seven currently projected to go in the first round.
NCAA Juniors
The junior class has been particularly strong in recent years, offering a nice blend of upside and polish. Even with a weaker class this year, juniors will be well-represented on draft night.
NCAA Seniors
In one of the more notable draft trends of the past two seasons, the NCAA Senior is clearly on the rise. Last year NBA teams made the decision to go with polish over potential as nine seniors were selected in the first round and numerous high schoolers slipped into the second. With the prepsters out of the picture in 2006, 10 seniors are projected to land in the top 30. This is up from just four in 2004. In addition to the age limit opening up several spots, it appears that in today's Luxury Tax era, NBA teams are now looking for more immediate help with that cheap rookie scale price tag, particularly if they are in the playoffs.
Internationals
As a series of high profile imports have struggled to live up to the hype, it appears that NBA teams are growing a bit more wary about drafting unproven international prospects. Despite the legitimate possibility of a proven European going number one for the first time, the number of projected international draftees is just 11 (5 first rounders), after 20 (8 first rounders) heard their names called in 2003.
First Round Totals