There are a number of players with tied to the state of Indiana in the 2016 NBA Draft. Here’s a look at the players with direct ties and a look at their NBA future.
Most Indiana fans know Deyonta Davis as a Michigan State Spartan. He played with Indiana-based travel program Spiece Indy Heat on the EYBL. He played with Caleb Swanigan and CJ Walker. Davis is expected to be a lottery pick in the 2016 Draft. Davis only averaged 7.5 points and 5.5 rebounds as a freshman at MSU. His size, length and athleticism make him a highly regarded prospect rather than his current production.
The prospect expected to be selected in the first round as well is Notre Dame’s Demetrius Jackson. Jackson is an Indiana kid that went to Mishawaka Marian. Jackson played his travel basketball with Rod Creech’s MBA Select program. He stayed loyal to the local team even when high profile teams were trying to pull him away. Jackson is expected to be picked in the mid to late first round. Jackson has been compared to Eric Bledsoe in the past. Athleticism and physical build are the link between the two players. Jackson was measured with a 43.5 inch vertical jump at the combine.
The second round can be a crap shoot with teams taking gambles on foreign players. Contracts are not guaranteed in the second round, so teams are more likely to take risks. Draft Express has Purdue’s A.J. Hammons slotted at 49 to the Detroit Pistons. Hammons started his high school career at Carmel High School before transferring to Oak Hill Academy in Virginia. He played with Spiece Indy Heat throughout his high school career. Hammons is a boom or bust type of player for the NBA. He has the potential to be a rim-protecting center that can stretch the floor with his shooting. The downside is that Hammons has been inconsistent throughout his career. There are questions about his work ethic to succeed at the NBA level.
There is a chance that Indiana’s Yogi Ferrell is selected in the second round as well. Ferrell had a storied high school career at Park Tudor. He thrived with Indiana Elite on the travel circuit in high school. He left Indiana University as the school’s all-time assist leader. Ferrell’s size is a major disadvantage for the NBA level. Small guards are expected to score at an efficient and high rate in the NBA to make up for the defensive disadvantage. Draft Express has Ferrell ranked as the 63rd prospect in the draft. There are 60 slots.
Troy Williams surprised some with his decision to head the NBA Draft after his junior year at Indiana University. Williams has been a player with potential for many years because of his size and athleticism. He was measured as 6’5.75” without shoes at the combine. His wingspan is 6’8” which is below average for an NBA wing. Draft Express does not have Williams getting drafted. He is a player that will definitely get summer league invites and likely training camp invitations. To make it in the NBA, Williams will have to improve his outside shooting and defensive awareness. If he improves those areas, team will live with his decision making.
Perry Meridian alum Max Landis had an outstanding senior year for IPFW. He was named an AP Honorable Mention All-American. Landis has worked out for a number of teams – Indiana Pacers, Chicago Bulls, Utah Jazz and the Milwaukee Bucks. Landis has already signed with a team in Belgium. The deal allows him to seek NBA opportunities, though. It is very unlikely that Landis gets selected in the NBA Draft.
Butler’s Kellen Dunham was a two-time All-Big East selection. He averaged 16 points per game as a senior. He is regarded as one of the top shooters in the 2016 NBA Draft. The former Pendleton Heights star has worked out for NBA teams like the Indiana Pacers and Boston Celtics. It seems unlikely that he will get drafted, but he will likely get picked up for the NBA Summer League.
Dunham’s Butler teammate Roosevelt Jones had a great college career. He played as an undersized power forward in college. Even in a small-ball era, Jones would be incredibly undersized in the NBA. He has a major uphill battle to make it in the NBA, but he could be a guy that plays overseas for many years.