The Sixer Sense
Fansided

2018 NBA Draft Big Board 2.0: College basketball is here

By Owen Nelson

DURHAM, NC - NOVEMBER 04: Marvin Bagley III #35 of the Duke Blue Devils moves the ball against the Bowie State Bulldogs at Cameron Indoor Stadium on November 4, 2017 in Durham, North Carolina. (Photo by Lance King/Getty Images)
DURHAM, NC - NOVEMBER 04: Marvin Bagley III #35 of the Duke Blue Devils moves the ball against the Bowie State Bulldogs at Cameron Indoor Stadium on November 4, 2017 in Durham, North Carolina. (Photo by Lance King/Getty Images) /
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PORTLAND, OR – APRIL 7: Nick Richards #8 of the World Select Team looks on against the USA Junior Select Team during the game on April 7, 2017 at the MODA Center Arena in Portland, Oregon. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Sam Forencich)
PORTLAND, OR – APRIL 7: Nick Richards #8 of the World Select Team looks on against the USA Junior Select Team during the game on April 7, 2017 at the MODA Center Arena in Portland, Oregon. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Sam Forencich) /

15. Nick Richards, C, Kentucky

Enter the fifth Kentucky player on this list. Jamaican center, Nick Richards, follows in a long list of Kentucky big men who specialize in protecting the rim, grabbing rebounds, and having a very basic offensive game. Since 2013, Kentucky has had centers similar to Richards, such as Nerlens Noel, Willie Cauley-Stein, Dakari Johnson and Bam Adebayo.

Richards was a strong finisher around the rim during his high school career. Weighing 235-pounds, collegiate players may also struggle to stop him around the paint. Additionally, collegiate players will likely struggle in scoring over Richards as the center will probably send the shot into the stands. How active Richards is in the paint — getting blocks, rebounds and dunks — will play a big role in how successful Kentucky is this season.

Similarly to past Kentucky centers, Richards lacks a variety of post-moves. Richards isn’t like Jahlil Okafor, from his Duke days, offensively, there’s a lot of work to be done. Moreover, Richards must improve his face-up game before he enters the NBA.