TDR is back to pull the covers off another round of sleepers to watch out for this season. These 11 athletes may have what it takes to receive serious consideration for the 2008 NBA Draft, NBDL, or play overseas.

The criteria necessary to qualify for this list: (1) Must be from a Division II, III or
NAIA school. (2) Must be a senior. No underclassmen are listed.

Sean Barnette - Wingate - 6'4 215 - DIV II -SG
50FG% 39 3PT% 76FT% 1.3SPG 1.0BPG 7.5RPG 2.3APG 21.6PPG

Barnette is a well rounded scorer who may prove to be the best in Division II. He has some range on his perimeter shooting to go with the body strength he uses to drive in the lane and absorb contact. Barnette is still an average defender at best, but has improved each year. Although not explosive, he’s athletically solid and able to take his defender off shear athleticism. Off the court he’s a great person and solid student. Barnette could really gain some interest as an NBDL candidate or at the very least a mid-level overseas player. With his creative scoring ability and competitive nature, don’t be surprised if you start to hear his name as the draft approaches.

Marcus Hubbard – Angelo State - 6'9 230 - DIV II –PF/SF
45FG% 38 3PT% 79FT% 1.0SPG 1.1BPG 8.9RPG 1.3APG 21.7PPG

“Intriguing” may the word that best describes Marcus Hubbard. Despite his 6-9 stature he really can’t be classified as a power forward. His body type doesn’t suggest he’ll be able to add serious weight necessary for post play, but what does makes Hubbard a standout is his perimeter shooting. He owns solid range 17 feet from the basket and has developed into a more reliable shooter from three point range. Hubbard’s downside revolves around inconsistencies in play and aggressiveness when attacking the basket. He’s a year older than most college seniors, and although it’s not damaging, it may cause observers to question his potential. Ball handling and improved defensive play from the premier is a must for Hubbard to play the small forward position on the pro level, whether in the NBA or NBDL.

Willie Irick – Oklahoma City - 6'6 220 - NAIA –SG/SF
58FG% 41 3PT% 74FT% 0.8SPG 0.8BPG 5.0RPG 0.8APG 15.9PPG

Irick is a Division I talent competing in an NAIA setting. Coming out of high school many considered him a tweener - too small to play power forward and lacking the perimeter shooting to play small forward. Irick has since made progress to develop his perimeter shooter but is still not a consistent threat. On the positive, he does a solid job of driving to the basket and drawing fouls, which may be his greatest ability. Irick shows good athleticism on defense but has yet to develop the mindset or consistency needed to standout. If he can improve a bit more on his court vision and ball handling this season he stands a good chance of being included in the Portsmouth Invitational Tournament. Irick has already piqued the interest of some pro teams but we’ll have to see if he can justify their attention.

Othyus Jeffers – Robert Morris (Ill.) - 6'5 210 - NAIA – SF/SG
47FG% 17 3PT% 66FT% 1.7SPG 0.2BPG 8.6RPG 2.6APG 15.4PPG (Illinois-Chicago)

Jeffers is a powerfully built forward who attacks the basket with intensity, but his height and lack of range on his jumper is a problem that limits him from having a defined position. Despite his height, there’s no doubting his skill level; he has no problem grabbing rebounds and using his athleticism to finish. Jeffers is known around Chicago as a playground legend because of his tremendous power and leaping ability. His mental toughness is superior as he’s literally gone through more in his young life than most will go through in a lifetime. He recently suffered a gunshot wound in the leg while trying to protect his sister from an abusive boyfriend. Jeffers left Illinois-Chicago with the intention of helping his family financially by playing ball overseas, but now it seems he will play his final year for Head Coach Al Bruehl at Robert Morris. Othyus Jeffers isn’t a forward or a guard, simply a basketball player who may remind some of 8-year pro Darvin Ham.

Sean McKeon - Kutztown - 6-10 250 - DIV II -PF
49FG% 39 3PT% 78FT% 0.7SPG 4.2BPG 8.6PPG 1.5APG 14.8PPG

McKeon began his college career at the University of Duquesne but became homesick. After 2 years he transferred to school around the block from his house and made an immediate impact on the program. Despite his build and height he isn’t what one would call a banger. He’s more of a finesse player. McKeon isn’t as comfortable with his back to the basket as he is facing it, but owns a nice 15-foot jump shot that he can hit with some consistency. McKeon’s mobility enables him to run the floor with ease. He’s also an above average rebounder and shot blocker which allows him to make an impact on the game without scoring. Athletically, McKeon isn’t an explosive shot blocker, but is good enough to be decent on the NBA level. He’ll need to have a big year to catch the attention of scouts.

Avery Patterson – Tarleton State - 6'4 195 - DIV II -SG
36FG% 33 3PT% 71FT% 0.8SPG 0.3BPG 3.7RPG 1.1APG 10.4PPG (St. John’s)

Coming out of Iowa Western Community College, Patterson was one of the nation’s best junior college players, but his first season in Division I basketball became a challenge when issues arose between he and St. John’s head coach, Norm Roberts. Coach Roberts would often pull Patterson out of games for his lack of defensive play. This caused a rift between coach and player that led to Patterson’s transfer request. Offensively, Patterson possesses good athleticism. There isn’t much he can’t do as he demonstrates excellent perimeter shooting and a good work ethic. The biggest hole in his game centers on inconsistency. One night he’s unstoppable, the next he appears frustrated. Patterson is now playing in one of the nation’s best Division II programs in a tough Lone Star Conference. Look for him to enjoy a scoring average of 20 points per game with a potential invite to the Portsmouth Invitational.

Jonny Reibel – Rollins - 6'2 170 - DIV II -PG
53FG% 40 3PT% 77FT% 1.9SPG ---BPG 4.2RPG 7.6APG 15.9PPG

According to most sources I’ve spoke with, Reibel is a coach’s dream - someone who will sacrifice his scoring numbers for the benefit of the team. Despite his below 20 point average, many say he could average 24 plus points if he was selfish. Reibel runs a team with professionalism rarely found on the college level. He enjoys running the fast break and takes care of the ball extremely well despite having it in his hands for an extended period of time. He is a confident shooter that has no problem shooting from the perimeter or from three point range. If Reibel has flaws, it’s his average athleticism and level of competition. Defensively, some might wonder out loud about his perimeter defense, but a very close source explained to me that the team runs a zone because of others on the team. It’s not to hide or mask Reibel’s ability.

Ted Scott - West Virginia State - 6'2 180 - DIV II -SG/PG
53FG% 44 3PT% 81FT% 1.4SPG 0.2BPG 4.3RPG 1.7APG 27.0PPG

Scott is less of a sleeper to the NBA scouting community thanks in large parts to the work of Marty Blake. Scott’s primary ability is scoring. Few players are capable of putting up his number. He’s a tremendous shooter capable of creating off the dribble or pulling up from mid-range. Scott made improvements this past season by focusing on catching and shooting, and has now become a legit three point shooter. He demonstrates Division I athleticism, capable of driving in the lane and finishing with a dunk or acrobatic lay-up thanks to his body control. Scott’s biggest questions marks are undoubtedly his average defense (which isn’t unusual for big time scorers) and point guard skills. At 6-2 he will need to develop the mentality to set-up and run an offense. Ted Scott will more than likely finish the season as the nation’s top scorer.

John Smith – Winona St. - 6-8 240 - DIV II -PF
59FG% 29 3PT% 63FT% 1.7SPG 2.8BPG 9.8PPG 2.3APG 16.8PPG

The best player in Division II is Smith, a relentless rebounder and dangerous low post scorer. What really sets him apart from most power forwards in the country is his passing. Double teaming him is usually not an option as he sees the floor extremely well and reacts quickly. Smith has good hands, upper body strength, and solid post footwork. If there is any part of his game that needs work it may be extending his range and improving from the free throw line. Smith’s intensity level and no nonsense demeanor have had some observers comparing him to Tyler Hansbrough. There are questions about his long term potential and his ability to guard explosive forwards on defense, but either way Smith should have a solid mid- to high-level overseas career with a shot at the NBA through the NBDL or NBA draft workouts. Don’t be shocked if Smith wins the Division II player of the year which will all but ensure him a spot at the Portsmouth Invitational Tournament.

Ben Strong - Guilford - 6-11 220 - DIV III -PF
58FG% 80FT% 0.4SPG 2.5BPG 11.2PPG 1.4APG 25.4PPG

Strong might be the best Division III prospect since Devean George. At 6-11 he has the ability to play in the post with soft touch when shooting 16 foot jump shots from the perimeter. He also has great feel for the game as he seems to understand where everyone should be on the floor. Strong is as fundamentally sound as they come and blessed with a good basketball IQ. He gets a majority of his rebounds by out-working and reading where the ball is going opposed to depending on sheer size. Although Strong’s shot blocking numbers are solid he lacks the explosiveness to become a threat at the pro level. Many will naturally focus on Strong’ level of competition, but to his credit he scores more because of his ability, not just because he’s 6-11 playing in division III. He’s also decently mobile when running the floor. Although the cards will be stacked against him there’s no question Ben Strong will have the chance to prove himself to scouts.

DeMario Williams - Miles - 7'1 225 - DIV II -C
48FG% 43FT% 0.8SPG 3.0BPG 5.8RPG 0.7APG 6.9PPG

Williams is the rawest player on this list but his size and mobility are what make him unique. It is highly doubtful he’ll get an immediate shot at into the NBA, but his solid shot blocking ability could make him a prime candidate to develop and play in the NBDL. Williams is extremely thin and lacks the necessary body strength to withstand banging in the low post. Even more detrimental is his failure to raise his intensity level. Offensively, Williams remains a work in progress and exhibits inconsistent touch around the basket. Again, it might take him some time to reach the level of consideration as a quality NBA prospect. Williams’ greatest skill at this time is his natural shot blocking, long arms, and quick reaction time and mobility.

Check back for in-depth scouting on these sleepers as well the analysis of players listed on TDR’s 2008 mock draft.

Here’s a look back at my list of last year’s 2006-07 sleepers and how they fared at the end of the season. In alphabetical order, listing notable awards or honors:

Christian Burns - Philadelphia U - 6'9 240 - DIV II - PF
55FG% 66FT% 1.6SPG 2.1BPG 11.2RPG 1.2APG 21.7PPG

*Named Division II Player of the Year
*Earned a spot at the Portsmouth Invitational Tournament
*Selected to the Collegiate Basketball Invitational Camp
*Currently playing overseas for AZS Koszalin in Poland’s top League

Eric Dawson - Midwestern State - 6-9 235 - DIV II -PF
62FG% 29 3pt% 69FT% 3.2BPG 1.5SPG 11.4PPG 1.6APG 17.4PPG

*Led Division II in rebounding
*Selected to the Collegiate Basketball Invitational Camp (MVP)
*Currently playing in the Austin Toros training camp (NBDL)

Kerry Gibson - Wisconsin-Oshkosh - 7'1 245 - DIV III - C
58FG% 73FT% 3.8BPG 7.9RPG 2.4APG 14.1PPG

*Left school as the 3rd best shot blocker in Division III history
*Selected to the Collegiate Basketball Invitational Camp
*Currently playing overseas for Panevezys in Lithuania’s top league

Armand Ivory - West Virginia Tech - 6'3 180 - NAIA - SG
42FG% 23 3pt% 70FT% 2.0SPG 3.4RPG 2.3APG 15.9PPG

*Earned honorable mention all Mid-South Conference

Nicholas King - St. Augustine's - 6'7 195 - DIV II - SF
41FG% 33 3pt% 75FT% 1.2SPG 0.8BPG 6.5RPG 1.8APG 16.6PPG

*Selected to the Collegiate Basketball Invitational Camp
*Currently playing for the Atlanta Krunk in the CBA

Zack Whiting - Chaminade - 6-3 205 - DIVII - PG
51FG% 43 3pt% 71FT% 1.5SPG 5.0RPG 8.1APG 14.1PPG

*Led nation in assists (regardless of classification)
*Earned a spot at the Portsmouth Invitational Tournament
*Currently playing overseas for Leverkusen in Germany’s top League

Avis Wyatt - Virginia State - 6'11 220 - DIV II -SF/PF
53FG% 55FT% 3.3BPG 7.3RPG 1.1APG 17.2PPG

*Earned a spot at the Portsmouth Invitational Tournament
*Played in the Orlando NBA Predraft Camp
*Currently playing overseas for MyGuide Amsterdam in Holland’s top League