Paul Davis

It seems like Davis has been on mock drafts for forever, and that we have been waiting for him to break out just as long. Statistically at least, this finally happened in 2006.

Davis has a formidable combination of size and skill, with range out to the college 3-point line and a deadly midrange jumper. Unfortunately, the Spartans have been lacking in the paint this season. Davis is definitely more of a finesse big man, and another post producer hasn't emerged in the frontcourt. At times he can dominate physically, but we have yet to see it on a consistent basis. A deep tourney run would do wonders for Paul Davis' draft stock.

Though Davis has seemingly been in East Lansing since the Carter administration, he seems to be finally putting all his abilities together. The Michigan State big was fantastic in scoring 26 points and grabbing 13 rebounds in a game effort against Gonzaga in the Maui semis. Most importantly, Davis was dictating the action and taking the team on his back, something that has eluded him at times in the past. Tom Izzo singled out Davis' 53 minutes (of 55 possible) against the 'Zags, calling it perhaps the kid's best game as a Spartan. After wearing the weight of two years of "next Laettner" press, the quiet Davis looked like his own man in Hawaii, and could be on his way to a solid first-round look. Always a nice shooter for a big man, particularly from 14-16 feet out, Davis was equally effective in transition and in the paint in three Maui games, holding his own against the best Arizona and Gonzaga had to offer. He showed great strides in his game by taking the ball up strong to the hoop time after time and making his way to the line 8 times per game, nailing a spectacular 92% of his attempts while there. Defensively, Davis has been taught well by Izzo & Co., bullying his way into position on the blocks and keeping the opposition from owning the lane. Though his blocks numbers aren't huge, he was timely with them, and there's no doubt his above-average coordination and conditioning will be attractive to potential suitors come draft night. So far there have been two scouting reports that have been written about Paul Davis, one for when he is focused, motivated and playing up to his potential, and one when he is not. How consistent Davis can be in his effort and mental approach throughout his senior year will dictate which one NBA general managers will remember on draft night. His stock fluctuates from being a late lottery pick to an early 2nd rounder depending on who you ask right now and which games they've seen of him.