With 60 picks having come and gone, former Big East stars James Southerland and Vander Blue headline a talented class of undrafted free agents trying to make it in the NBA. Tampa Bay Times/PHOTO CREDITS

Undrafted NBA Free Agents: The Top Player at Each Position

          After one of the most hectic drafts in recent memory, a slew of undrafted NBA talent remains in the free agent market. With players like C.J. Leslie (New York Knicks) and Phil Pressey (Boston Celtics) already signing with teams, additional prospects could be on the move soon. Whether it’s just a short stint on the summer league roster or a real life NBA contract, teams will surely be locking up the top undrafted free agents within the next week. Let’s take a look at the top undrafted free agent at each position.

Point Guard: Myck Kabongo, Texas

Others to note: B.J. Young, Arkansas; Matthew Dellavedova, St. Mary’s; D.J. Cooper, Ohio

According to ESPN’s Chris Broussard, Kabongo will play for the Miami Heat’s summer league team.

            The sole reason Kabongo went undrafted was due to the number of point guards taken in the draft. Originally hailing from Canada, the former Texas point guard was not viewed as a true international prospect in the draft. He is a quick point guard who has potential to be dominant in the drive-and-kick game. Kabongo has great court vision and is a high energy player, and at the very least will be an energetic spark off the bench.

However, Kabongo’s game lacks a consistent jump shot, as he shot under 30 percent from three-point range this past season. If he ever develops an NBA-caliber jump shot, the former high school star could develop into an NBA starter.

 

Shooting Guard: Vander Blue, Marquette

Others to note: Michael Snaer, Florida State; Brandon Paul, Illinois; Khalif Wyatt, Temple; Seth Curry, Duke

            According to Jim Polzin of the Wisconsin State Journal, Blue will play for the Houston Rockets in the Orlando summer league and the Memphis Grizzlies in the Las Vegas summer league.  

Vander Blue. First off, he has a great name. However, he fell out of the top sixty picks for a reason. As a tweener between the point and shooting guard positions, Blue does not have a true position going into the NBA. Blue’s not proven to be the best point guard in the past, as he averaged more turnovers than assists last season. Also, he will need to improve his jump shot, as he shot 30 percent from behind the arc.

Even with his sometimes lackluster offensive skills, Blue projects to be an elite defender at the NBA level. His athleticism allows him to pressure defenders and ball hawk on the defensive end, and elite defenders are always a hot commodity in the NBA. However, Blue’s chances of making an NBA roster are less than anyone listed in this article. Blue may be regretting his decision to declare for the draft.

 

Small Forward: James Southerland, Syracuse

Others to note: Robert Covington, Tennessee State; Travis Releford, Kansas; Adonis Thomas, Memphis; Will Clyburn, Iowa State; D.J. Stephens, Memphis

            According to Mike Waters of Syracuse.com, Southerland will play for the Philadelphia 76ers in the Orlando summer league and the Golden State Warriors in the Las Vegas summer league.

            Going into the draft night, it was almost a lock for sharpshooter James Southerland to be drafted by some team. Almost. Sixty picks later and the Syracuse big man was picked up by no one. However, don’t expect his career to end here.

            As an athletic outside shooter, Southerland will get a chance to prove his stuff and compete for an NBA roster. His role is already defined, as he is a great shooter from beyond the arc, shooting 40 percent from three-point range next year. He may need to improve other parts of his game, but his shooting stroke alone will get him looks from around the league.

 

Power Forward: Trevor Mbakwe, Minnesota

Others to note: Jackie Charmichael, Illinois State; Kenny Kadji, Miami; Richard Howell, NC State; Christian Watford, Indiana; Jamelle Hagins, Deleware

            As of now, nothing has been reported regarding Mbakwe’s inclusion on some team’s summer league roster. This is a bit surprising to me, as Mbakwe may be the top talent out of the undrafted free agent pool.

            With an extremely athletically-gifted body, Mbakwe is a force in the lane. He has huge hands to go along with a 7’4” wingspan. To go along with his physical skills is his dominance on the boards, which allowed him to dominate players all season for Minnesota. However, at just 6’8”, NBA teams may worry that his size will put him at a disadvantage against larger NBA power forwards. Regardless, Mbakwe should find a place on someone’s summer league team and ultimately compete for a final roster spot.

 

Center: Zeke Marshall, Akron

Others to note: Dewayne Dedmon, USC; Brandon Davies, BYU; Jack Cooley, Notre Dame

            Zeke Marshall will play for the Philadelphia 76ers in the Orlando summer league.

            To many insiders around the league it was a surprise that Akron big man Zeke Marshall went undrafted on Thursday night. As difficult as it is to find skilled big men who can defend, Marshall must not have made the cut on team’s big boards. He is a great shot blocker at that skill will definitely translate to the NBA.

            Marshall has all the tools to succeed in the NBA, and will certainly be given a chance to show his skills for some team. The Los Angeles Lakers have already expressed interest in the big man’s services. I would expect the Miami Heat to get involved as well.