Five Heels could be going to the Pro's next year?

Reading around the Worldwide Leader in Sport's web page I found this top 100 NBA prospects list done by Chad Ford. And while it is way too early to have anything like this, especially when you think that it is less than a week from the draft, I thought I would look at it and make my comments when it comes to the players from Chapel Hill. I also looked at it since I do think Ford knows his basketball and when he does something like this it merits a "look over" of sorts.

Having said that let's talk about the Tar Heels that he has in this list of his. We all know that last year three of the UNC players "tested the waters". Of course he has them all in this list. He also has the 2007-08 National Player of the Year, as he will be graduating from college and heading on out to the pro's, plus he has one incoming freshman, making it a total of five altogether.

17 Ty Lawson PG 5-11 195 20 North Carolina Lottery to mid-first round Lawson led the charge on one of the best teams in the country.

I would say that is the right number for Lawson now. But let's not forget here that this UNC team could be one for the ages. If the team plays on the court as it is showing on paper this is going to make each of the player's stock rise, and let's be realistic here, if this team is going to do what it should, it is going to be in great part because the point guard did his job.

I would have to believe that with a great showing during the season and a great run into the NCAA's (with the big possibility of seeing a national title) Ty Lawson could easily be a top 10 pick because of his involvement in getting it done at the point. So, in conclusion, I think that seeing Lawson as a lottery pick because of the great things that UNC should do this year is not a far reach. Actually, I believe it to be right on target.

22 Tyler Hansbrough PF 6-9 250 22 North Carolina Mid- to late first round Scouts love the tenaciousness with which he plays the game.

Everytime I see a ranking with the returning National Player of the Year Tyler Hansbrough in it I am pretty baffled. Late first round? That is a worse prediction than if he had gone this year! I like Ford, but he of all people should know that the NBA Draft thinking changed somewhat this year. Case in point, Alexander (WVU) vs Greene (SU), where a couple of years back how many teams would have taken Greene over Alexander because of the "upside/potential" and this year Greene instead fell like a lead balloon and Alexander's stock rose?

In my opinion, be it non professional, be it biased, is that Hansbrough will be in the lottery, and if not just outside of it. Add the fact that if UNC does win it all they will be thanking in great part number 50, and he has a good chance of winning the NPOY once again, how much more do you need to see that this kid is going to be a good player, maybe not a star, but a good solid player?

39 Wayne Ellington SG 6-5 194 20 North Carolina Late first to early second.

I agree with Ford here, I think that right now Ellington is a late first rounder. With the right work this season, he will become a lock to have a guaranteed contract with an NBA team. With the Heels having the possibility of making a great run, his stock could rise even more. Ellington is a sharp shooter, if he can now become a cold blooded one, he's going to be in the NBA next year without a doubt.

In my opinion 20^th to 25^th is where Ellington will land if all things stay as is. If he can have a great run in the NCAA, being a major part of why the team wins it all, then maybe he could slide into the high teen's.

45 Danny Green SF 6-6 210 21 North Carolina Late first to early second.

Everytime I read things about Ellington and Green I have a problem trying to make sense of it all. It's hard to think how both of these guys can go into the NBA Draft and both make it. But then, I take a step back, and realize, or better said, remember, who they play for. Roy Williams. That name should make anyone understand how so much talent can all levitate to the top and both of these young man can make it into the pro's at the same time.

I think that right now Green is a second rounder, but a good one, one that will make it in the pro's. I also believe, that just like the first three if he can have a good year, with the team going all the way (or close to it), his stock will rise. There is no doubting that Green is perfect as a sixth man, bringing energy and passion for the game onto the court . If he can add to that mix a good vision to the game and a cold blooded shot anytime, everytime, Green will be a name you will hear often in the NBA for years to come.

82 Ed Davis PF 6-9 215 19 North Carolina Late first to early second.

I am not going to say I disagree with this pick by Ford, because of one fact, I haven't seen the young man play at the levels he needs to do this year. However, I think that Ed Davis isn't going to stay just one year at UNC. I see him doing two, especially since his second would definitely be as a starter (in my opinion), alongside Deon Thompson. But this year he would be the third option for the big men at Chapel Hill, making him a great player, but I'm not sure if he would be ready for the NBA yet.

In my opinion I think this is a "potential" pick that Chad Ford has made. And I think with what happened with the trio "testing the waters" last year, someone like Davis won't budge unless he is much lower than late first round. I truly believe that this kid has the skills to go from a high 20's pick to a lottery pick if he is at Chapel Hill long enough.

And there you have it, what Chad Ford has for UNC and what I think of it. Like? Don't like it? Have your own ideas? Let me know (leave a comment). I know that lists like this will come and go, will change all the time, and I will love to try and make some sense of them (at least in my mind) and write about them!