Lester Hudson: NBA Draft Profile

Lester Hudson

College:  Tennessee-Martin

Class:  Junior

Position:  SG

Height: 6’3”

Weight: 195lbs

Accolades:  OVC Player of the Year (07-8), All-OVC First Team (07-08), OVC All-Newcomer Team (07-08), AP Honorable Mention All-American (07-08), CollegeHoops.net Mid-Major All-American (07-08)

Scouting Report:  Late-blooming JUCO transfer who can light up the scoreboard.

Strengths:  Big-time scorer. Averaged 25.7 ppg in just his first D1 season. Has made big strides every season since being a relative unknown in high school. Great length (over 6'9") for his size, and is physically superior to most prospects. Quality jumper, and shows more offensive diversity than most prospects. Has mid-range game and enough core strength to score when off-balance or coming off curls. Strong frame, especially if he can be molded into a point guard. Numbers didn't just come against small schools, but lit up Memphis for 35.

Weaknesses:  Age - he'll be 23 on Draft day and is 3 to 4 years older than most serious prospects. Head - didn't graduate from high school or Junior College. Size - Many claim he's not even 6'3", though the length makes up for it. Position - Though a great scorer, Hudson isn't automatic from three (38%) and he's also not particularly adept at beating guys off the dribble and finishing at the pro level.  Teams will probably try to mold him into a point guard, though his ball-handling skills and speed is only mediocre.

Projected 2008 Draft Range:  Late first round to middle-second round pick.

Consensus:  No doubt some team will take a chance on his natural scoring instincts and impressive physicality, hoping he develops ala Rodney Stuckey.

Stats:  http://sports.espn.go.com/ncb/player/profile?playerId=37439

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