Peter G. Aiken-USA Today Sports
Name: Deniz Kilicli
Age: 22
Height: 6-foot-9
Position: Center
School/Country: West Virginia
Latest Stats: 8.9 ppg, 4.3 rpg, 1.1 apg
West Virginia center Deniz Kilicli had a solid season as a junior in 2011-12 and his expectations for this past year were on the rise. However, Kilicli never took that next step in terms of his contribution or leadership and in turn, West Virginia struggled as a team. At 6-foot-9, Kilicli is undersized, but he makes up for that height disadvantage with his bruiser-like approach to his game.
Kilicli does not have much NBA hype at this point, but he is an original native of Turkey, so his best professional options are of course overseas. Don’t expect Kilicli to hear his name called on that final Thursday in June.
Strengths: Kilicli is a bruiser and he brings a sense of physicality to the paint. He can finish around the rim particularly well and he can be utilized in pick and roll scenarios.
Weaknesses: Kilicli is undersized at 6-foot-9 and he lacks quickness and athleticism. Kilicli plays with a sense of physicality, so it’s surprising that his rebounding numbers were so down.
Draft Projection: Undrafted
Follow Paul Seaver on Twitter: @PaulSeaverRS
