Diamonds in the Rough

by **Myles (SAS)** Sat May 31, 2014 1:55 am

Neumann could be a steal if he's drafted at his projected 59th slot

Everyone loves value, they love discounts, and they love finding great deals. That's why Extreme Couponing is a real TV show (I still can't believe it's a thing). CSL GMs are no different, and any GM who can find a productive player in the 2nd round is always highly considered. Well, let's take a look at a few of those potential steals in the second round.

Philipp Neumann, Center, Germany
Neumann is a plug and play type player, he's ready to play in the CSL right now, he's definitely got the skills on offense. He is a great shooter for his size (hitting around 40% of his mid range jumpers currently) and he also has a well developed post game with good finishing ability. He's not a great rebounder or defender, but he's not exactly a liability either, and he certainly can be taught to play defense, as it seems his shortcomings have more to do with not knowing how to play defense rather than not being able to. He's a very coachable player who doesn't make many mistakes on the court. Look for a team that needs some scoring from the frontcourt to snap him up as he could be a very useful player when used properly.

Davion Berry, Shooting Guard, Weber State
This guy desperately needs some recognition. He's an elite shooter who can shoot either off the catch or off the dribble, which by itself should make him a valuable CSL player. Let's also add that he is an absolute pest on defense who should be able to guard both 1s and 2s at the CSL level already. And then let's make sure everyone knows he's a solid passer, leading the team in assists per game despite it being from the shooting guard position. He's still prone to making mistakes but those seem to be aggressive mistakes as he's counted on to make a lot happen for his team.

Yogi Ferrell, Point Guard, Indiana
After looking at his play for the last month, you can see why he dropped so much on the big board. He's a very raw player, prone to making mistakes and he definitely struggles playing against the bigger players in college. But he's shown too many flashes of the potential player he could be for us to simply ignore that. He's got a great knack for creating space and scoring the ball, his handle is so tight and he blows by so many defenders, and even his defense is underrated. He's got the quickest feet and hands which make him so problematic on that end. He reminds me a lot of Nate Robinson.

Chane Behanan, Power Forward, Louisville
At the end of the day, basketball is about two things: putting the ball in the basket, and stopping the other guy from putting the ball in his basket. Behanan is one of the best finishers in the game right now, you give him the ball and he will put it in the basket, and not just dunking either, but he has a soft touch inside the paint as well. His defense is very solid and fundamentally sound, and he has quick hands as well that stops offensive players from getting easy looks at the basket.

Cameron Clark, Small Forward, Oklahoma
Clark, like Berry, is currently predicted to be undrafted by our Big Board. I think that's a mistake, for the same reasons that Behanan should be drafted. Clark is an excellent shooter from mid range, 3 point, and the free throw line. Shooters are valued in the CSL, so he'd be the kind of player any coach would want to have. He's a bit more turnover prone at this stage in his career than most would like from a wing player, and his defense needs some work, but he looks like a solid overall CSL player when all is said and done.