Jordan Bell and Dillon Brooks have been a big reason for Oregon’s Final Four run. There had been concern after Chris Boucher’s season-ending injury but the duo’s play during the tournament has helped the Ducks survive Boucher’s absence. Their March Madness performances have many fans wondering how their games translate to the NBA.
DraftExpress has both players going in the early second round. They have Bell going to the Kings at 37 and Brooks going to the Celtics at 38. Bell’s play during Boucher’s absence has certainly helped his case.
ESPN’s Chad Ford has Bell 36th on his big board with Brooks at 44th.
NBADraft.net is the most optimistic on Bell having him sneak into the first round at 29 to the Spurs. They have Brooks going 44th to the Knicks.
Bell stands at 6’9″ and 225 pounds. He is averaging 10.9 points, 8.6 rebounds, 2.2 bpg and 1.8 apg for the Ducks this season. Bell has been particularly effective during the tournament.
He had double digit rebounds in all four games leading into the Final Four. Bell had 11 points, 13 rebounds, eight blocks and four assists in Oregon’s win over Kansas to advance to the Final Four. Ford wrote about Bell’s ascent up draft boards on ESPN.
Bell was the breakout star of the weekend for both Oregon and NBA scouts. His dominant defensive performances against Michigan and Kansas drew raves from scouts…Bell has always been a strong defensive presence, but he has been especially potent with Chris Boucher out. It seems to have freed him up to be the leader of this team defensively and he has embraced it. Coming into the tournament he looked like a potential second-round pick. Now the question is whether he could sneak into the first round. Teams are always wary of drafting undersized centers who don’t have much offensive game, but Bell’s defensive upside is huge and may be worthy of a pick in the first.
Brooks has been more of a known commodity over his time at Oregon. The question surrounding him is what position he would play in the NBA.
He has been able to play power forward in college, but at 6’7″/225 pounds he would be an undersized four at the next level. What Brooks has going for him is his ability to score, particularly his long-range shooting touch. He is averaging 16.3 points, 3.1 rebounds and 2.8 assists while shooting 41 percent from behind the three-point line this season.
Draft Express’ Julian Applebome wrote about how Brooks’ game translates to the next level.
While Brooks has been a dynamic offensive option throughout the season and has hit big time shots in clutch situations, there are still questions surrounding his transition to the NBA game. At 6’7″, he has just decent size for a combo forward type, and lacks the plus length or outstanding athletic ability to make up for it. He is a powerful athlete when he has space and momentum to load up, but can be somewhat heavy footed in a crowd or laterally. Given his strength and skill set he is a major mismatch at the college level, but will have to improve his overall consistency on the defensive end, as well as his decision making, shot-selection and at times questionable demeanor around teammates.
Both players are juniors and have an additional year of eligibility if they decide to use it. However, Oregon’s Final Four run could mean this is the right time for both players to test the waters.
Here’s a look at the highlights of Oregon’s dynamic duo: