Scouting Reports

Early in the season he would have been available with the 29th overall pick, but he has finally answered his critics and exploded on the offensive end. He is a little on the short side but is such a good defender he should be able to play back-up center. If enough underclassmen declare and he is available he would be a pretty good fit, though he needs to develop a face up jumper.

 Jamal Magloire a senior at Kentucky is considered one of the best defending big men in college ball and is finally developing the ability to score. He is really only around 6-9 but has huge reach with his 7-7 wing span. People have compared his build to Alonzo Mourning's, but he is really more the size to play power forward than center. He has become a good scorer averaging 13.2 points per game on 51% shooting, is a good rebounder with 9.1 per game and is an outstanding defensive player.

Though he has improved and is scoring pretty well this is still the weak point in his game. Since he does not really have the size to play center he needs to develop his face up game. He has a poor jump shot with no range. He does most of his scoring by rolling off his man in the post where he is very hard to push off the blocks because of his strength or by getting down court fast and taking position deep in the lane. He also is not a good passer and turnovers have been a problem, partly due to poor offensive footwork leading to travels. Though he can put up good points in college this way, this is just not going to cut it in the NBA where the competition is better and the power forwards and centers are much bigger than in college.

Defense has always been a strong point of his. He is an outstanding shot blocker averaging 1.7 per game and his intimidation factor alters many more shots. He has great defensive footwork and is an excellent post defender. He runs the floor well and gets back in transition. He establishes good rebounding position and with his long arms and strength this makes him an excellent rebounder. Put simply he is considered one of the best interior defenders in the country.

He has played for the Canadian National. Last year he considered entering the draft but reconsidered when it appeared he might not make it into the 1st round. GM's were worried about his lack of offense, energy and endurance. This year he has improved in all these areas, but he has more competition. The NBA has always been kind to defensive players so even if he does not make it into the 1st round he will go very quickly in the 2nd. Last year he was invited to several of the pre-draft camps and he will attend the Desert Classic this year.

His averages per game are 29.3 minutes, 13.2 points, 9.1 rebounds, 0.6 steals, 1.7 blocks, 0.6 assists, 2.8 turnovers, 2.8 fouls, makes 4.5 of 8.9 field goals (51%), and 4.3 of 6.2 free throws (69%).

Scout: Ian McLean