Name: Kenneth Faried Position: Power Forward Height: 6-8 (2.03m) Weight: 225 (102kg) College Team: Morehead State Eagles Nationality: American Birthplace: Newark, New Jersey Birthdate: 11/19/1989 Drafted: Declared for the 2010 NBA Draft but withdrew... Selected by the Denver Nuggets in the first round (22nd pick overall) of 2011 NBA Draft.

Background: When you look up the definition of sleeper, Faried’s name should pop-up. Despite earning the honor as top rebounder at the prestigious Five-Star Basketball Camp, quintessential late bloomer, Faried, didn’t have the publicity or huge stats early on in his high school career. This rugged forward had Division I skill in rebounding, but few thought his 6-foot-6 frame and intense playing style were suitable. To compound the issues, Faried’s grades were an issue as Fairleigh Dickinson, Morehead State and Marist wondered if he could get the necessary NCAA scores.

At Newark’s Technology High School, Faried averaged 23.2 points, 15.8 rebounds and 3.7 blocks per game. His play helped advance his school to the sectional semifinals, while earning first team all-state honors in New Jersey. Despite this, as a mid major prospect and 2-star white chip recruit, Faried was barely ranked in the top 800 of high school seniors. He chose Morehead after obtaining an acceptable SAT score by NCAA standards. Since entering Morehead State, Faried lead the school to a NCAA berth, ending their 25-year drought. He withdrew from the 2010 NBA draft, citing the need improve on his offensive skills and graduate. Regardless how well Faried improves on his offense, the intrigue and main interest of NBA teams is his rebounding. He finished the past two seasons among the top 2 leaders in rebounding throughout all of Division I basketball.