Memphis Tigers Josh Pastner Calls Current NBA Draft Predictions Total B.S., Seriously

As we approach the new year, you will begin to hear more and more about NBA draft predictions, including predictions about Memphis Tigers sophomore forward Adonis Thomas.

At the end of his freshman year, he considered entering his name into the draft, however, he decided to not enter. He also missed part of the season due to an ankle injury which probably influenced his decision to come back for his sophomore year.

According to DraftExpress, Thomas is a coveted NBA prospect because he is a prototypical NBA small forward physically standing between 6’6 to 6’7 with a long 7’0 wingspan and a rugged 241-pound frame. He is a good athlete, as well, who runs the floor in transition, moves well laterally, and is capable of making plays around the basket.

On Tuesday, Josh Pastner was asked his thoughts on some analysts’ belief that Thomas’ NBA draft stock is dropping.

Pastner’s response was shocking giving how positive he is and the fact that he does not use profanity.

“I think it’s total B.S. It’s total B.S.,” Pastner said to the Commercial Appeal. “Adonis is a high-level player and we have a whole season left. Those things are B.S., especially when everything is based on (Thomas’) 3-point percentage right now. That’s what it’s all based on.

“If he had made some more 3s (in games), then we wouldn’t be having this conversation about him.”

It’s quite natural for a coach to want to be protective of his players.

Although Thomas is second on the team in scoring (10.9 ppg), he has not done anything overly impressive since the Virginia Commonwealth Rams game to make himself stand out as a player or THE PLAYER for the Tigers. It was reported that Pastner had to “light a fire” into Thomas during halftime of that game to motivate him into that performance.

Over the last couple of games, Pastner has been bragging about a player that’s bringing much energy to the team and changing the dynamics of the team with his presence – and it has not been Thomas. It’s been junior guard Geron Johnson.

Draftexpress once projected Adonis Thomas as a 2013 lottery pick. The site currently has him listed as an early second-round pick (going No. 33 overall to the Toronto Raptors).

ESPN’s Chad Ford currently has Thomas projected as the draft’s 32nd-best prospect and a late first-round pick.

NBAdraft.net, meanwhile, has Thomas going in the late first round of the 2014 draft.

Patosha Jeffery is the Memphis Tigers Featured Columnist at Rant Sports. Follow her on Twitter: @patoshajeffery and add her Google + to your circles.