A Bunch Of Players Declare

Chris Paul - I reported earlier in the week that Chris Paul was going to enter this years draft. Today he put this poorly kept secret to rest by officially declaring. Paul will be a top 5 pick.

Eric Williams - This came out of nowhere. Williams is declaring just to see where he stands and he will be back at Wake next year. He has no shot at being picked in the first round this year. He is a solid talent who could become a first round pick with a good year next year. He has good size, and the NBA loves size.

Bracey Wright - If Bracey were half as good as his hype coming into college, he would be a lottery pick. But he isn't, so he won't. The comparisons to Kobe Bryant that once seemed plausible are now laughable. A poor man's Rashad McCants is a much more accurate comparison. He can score, but that's about it. He will be a mid to late 2nd round pick. Word is he plans to sign with an agent. Big mistake.

Matt Walsh - Another thoroughly overrated player testing the draft water. Walsh at least is smart enough to not sign with an agent. Walsh is an intriguing talent because he is 6'8'' and can handle like a point guard.. He is a capable if not streaky jump shooter. His defense is too much of a liability to get him into the first round. Look for him to be back in Gainsville next year.

Shawne Williams - Williams is a 6'9'' athletic small forward who is making the jump from high school. He would be like the 500th player to sign to go to Memphis only to go to the NBA instead (joining the likes of Qyntel Woods, Amare Stoudamire, Kedrick Perkins, Donte Smith, Travis Outlaw...). Williams has good skills, but unless he has a huge game in the Jordan Classic, he is a 2nd rounder at best. He should go to college.

Deji Akindele - Admittedly, I do not know much about this guy. He is a 7'1'' sophomore from Chicago State who was the Mid Continent Defensive Player of the Year. He apparently has great size, so if he impresses, he will have a chance of moving into the first round. Not likely though. It is more likely that he is just trying to get on the NBA's radar and then he will return to Chicago State.