Anthony Bennett, Freshman, Power Forward, UNLV
Overview:
Anthony Bennett came into UNLV with a lot of hype. He did not disappoint during his one season with the Runnin’ Rebels. Bennett led the team with 16.1 points and 8.1 rebounds and added 1.2 blocks per game. The power forward led his squad to the NCAA Tournament, where they bowed out at the hands of 12th seeded California in their first game. Despite a lot of talent on the UNLV squad, Bennett really stepped up his game and emerged as the leader on the floor.
Bennett garnered a whole slew of preseason and postseason honors. At the end of his freshman campaign he was named the College Sports Madness Mountain West Conference Player and Freshman of the Year. He was also named to the CSM All-American Third Team and the High Major First Team. That is very impressive for a freshman in a very tough conference.
Final Projection:
At 6-8, Bennett is a tad undersized for a power forward at the next level, but he weighs in at 240 pounds and has the strength and athleticism to defend and rebound in the NBA. Bennett will be a great fit on a team that wants to play smaller and have a power forward that can shoot the long ball. He did connect on 37.5 percent of his three-point opportunities at UNLV. Bennett is absolutely loaded with potential and that has NBA scouts and teams very excited. This may not be a top three player in the 2013 NBA Draft, but Bennett is certainly a high lottery pick and it would be very surprising if he makes it out of the top ten.
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