Brook Lopez's sophomore season at Stanford fulfilled the cliché, it's not how you start it's how you finish.
Due to academic issues Brook missed the first nine games of the season. The former McDonald's All-American came into Palo Alto with high expectations, but some questions arose about his off the court issues. They were no questions that couldn't be answered by dominating performances on the court though, which Brook had many of this season.
One of the main reasons why the Pac 10 was regarded as the best basketball conference in the country is due to all the talented big men in it. Lopez averaged 18 points, 9 rebounds, and 2 blocks a game going against guys like Ryan Anderson, Kevin Love, Jordan Hill, and Jon Brockman on a nightly basis.
Few people, included Lopez, in the conversation of best center in the country before the season started, but after its conclusion there was no denying that Brook had vaulted himself above the likes of Roy Hibbert and Hasheem Thabeet.
At a legit 7-0, Lopez brings the athleticism and versatility to play either post position on both sides of the floor. He's got a very solid low post game that includes a reliable jump hook and also posses range on his jump shot out to the free throw line. Defensively he holds his ground well and is active off the ball. Rebounding is the one area that he really left something to be desired, but it was more of an inconsistency issue rather than questionable ability.
With the dominance he displayed in Pac 10 play and the NCAA tournament, Lopez became a projected top-five pick. In fact, if he performs well in private workouts and shows scouts the same scoring ability he showcased at Stanford this year he should be picked fourth at the latest.
Minnesota at the number three spot would have a hard time passing up on Lopez. Pairing him alongside Al Jefferson in the paint would form a formidable duo inside that would be the first big step in the right direction for Minnesota competing again in the Western Conference. If the Timberwolves decide to pass on Lopez, don't expect Memphis to do the same. Their most glaring need even when they had Pau Gasol was a true center, and Lopez would certainly provide that.
Last summer was probably one of the worst of Brook's life due to failed classes putting him under a negative spotlight and costing him to miss a portion of the season. This summer will be the best of his life though, as he'll hear his name called early in the 2008 NBA draft – likely right after Derrick Rose and Michael Beasley.
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