Top NBA Draft Prospects in the Big Ten, Part Two (#6-10)
by: Jonathan Givony - President, Matt Kamalsky, Kyle Nelson, Joey Whelan
August 31, 2009
#8 Dallas Lauderdale, 6-8, Junior, Power Forward/Center, Ohio State, 4.7 points, 6.8 rebounds, 0.4 assists, 1.3 turnovers, 2.0 blocks, 71.8% FG, 45.8% FT
Kyle Nelson
Dallas Lauderdale is a relative unknown in scouting circles, though, he was a starter for most of last season and was considered to be the defensive anchor for the 22-11 Ohio State Buckeyes. He has backed up Kosta Koufos and shared time with B.J. Mullens during their brief stays in Columbus and, despite seeing his minutes nearly quadruple last season, still commands just 7.1% of his team?s offensive possessions. With Mullens now fighting for minutes as a member of the Oklahoma City Thunder, Dallas Lauderdale has a tremendous opportunity this season to prove himself in an even bigger role this season.
Standing just 6?8, Lauderdale is undersized for a power forward, let alone a center, at the next level. He compensates for his lack of height, however, with a gigantic wingspan that is reputed to be over 7?6, and an incredibly strong 255-pound frame. While Lauderdale runs the floor well, he is just an average athlete, lacking the lateral quickness and agility to stay with perimeter oriented big men and the lift to play consistently above the rim.
His offensive game improved last season, but he is still very raw and has a lot of work to do to convince scouts that he will be able to contribute at the next level. He is still very limited in the post, but his footwork is developing and he has incorporated some nice, albeit simple, moves into his repertoire. He has a good, soft touch inside and though most of his offense consists of catch-and-dunks and put-backs, he definitely could add a reliable jump hook or baby hook in the next year. He lacks counter-moves, though, which is not only symbolic of his need to become more comfortable using his left hand, but also results in him being foul prone and turnover prone when he tries to do too much.
Outside of the post, he is still extremely awkward, although he does move much better without the ball, and, considering his size and flashes he showed throughout last season, he could develop into a reliable finisher on pick-and-roll opportunities.
On the defensive end, he is a mixed bag, primarily because he is a center in a power forward?s body. His wingspan and good timing allow him to be a good shot blocker on the collegiate level, as does his above average quickness in the post. He alters many shots, as well, and is an intimidating presence in the post. That said, he oftentimes compromises his defensive positioning looking for shots to block and while recovering, commits unnecessary fouls.
Even more concerning is the fact that he is not nearly as active as he could be on the defensive end. This is evident while looking at his rebounding ability. For a player with his physical advantage at the collegiate level, 7.2 rebounds per 40 minutes pace adjusted is simply not good enough. Last year, he grabbed just 3.6 rebounds per 21.5 minutes and most of those rebounds are in his immediate vicinity. Increasing his defensive intensity would increase his stock in scouts? eyes, not to mention solidify his playing time and impact in the Ohio State frontcourt.
With questions about his size and position, not to mention how raw he is on both ends of the floor, Lauderdale is anything but a sure-fire NBA prospect at this point. He has reportedly working very hard this off-season, though, and may still be able to make significant strides on his all-around game. His combination of length, strength, and shot blocking ability are nearly unrivaled at the collegiate level and if the rest of his game continues to develop, scouts will certainly take notice.
