Name: Deshaun Thomas
Age: 21
Height: 6-foot-9
Position: Small Forward
School/Country: Ohio State
Latest Stats: 19.8 ppg, 5.9 rpg, 1.3 apg
After three seasons in an Ohio State Buckeyes‘ uniform, junior forward Deshaun Thomas has made the decision to enter his name into the 2013 NBA Draft. Thomas, who stands at 6-foot-9, is an intriguing prospect that can play either the small or power forward positions at the professional level. Some will have Thomas listed as a power forward, but his ability to play on the perimeter is what his biggest strength is headed into the draft. Thomas is a rangy, left-hander who can step out and hit the three ball, possibly making him a difficult match-up for power forwards. Thomas can score in bunches and is not afraid to shoot the basketball from anywhere in the half court. In fact, he averaged 5.6 three-point attempts just this past season in Columbus.
Thomas has continuously improved during his time on the collegiate level and there shouldn’t be any doubt to the fact that he can’t come in and be a valuable contributor for some NBA organization next season. Thomas averaged 19.8 points and 5.9 rebounds per game in 2012-13 for an Ohio State team that advanced to the Elite 8 this past March.
Thomas should hear his name called in either the late first or early second round this upcoming June.
Strengths: Thomas’ biggest strength is his offensive game. He has proven the ability to score the basketball and he has stepped up his production when given added minutes and a bigger role over the years. Thomas’ craftiness with the basketball and ability to step out and hit the three-ball makes him a valuable commodity.
Weaknesses: Although Thomas is an offensive threat, he needs to improve on his outside shooting. One of his biggest advantages is his ability to hit from distance, but he needs to do so on a more efficient level in the NBA. Thomas shot only 34.4% from beyond the arc this past season, a number that needs to improve if he wants to see added minutes. Thomas can play either forward position, which does make him versatile, but he may be better suited as a small forward at the next level.
Draft Projection: Late First, Early Second Round
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