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| Former Chaminade Prep star Bradley Beal has played well during his freshman season with the Florida Gators and some NBA scouts feel that the St. Louis native is already a lottery pick in the NBA Draft if he chooses to leave Florida. - Photo courtesy of MCP |
During his senior season at Chaminade, Beal was named the Gatorade National Player of the Year and during his freshman campaign under Florida coach Billy Donovan, Beal has put together quite an impressive season. So impressive, that many scouts believe that Beal is already a Top 10 Lottery Pick in this year's NBA Draft if he chooses to leave Florida after just one season.
Both Chris Ford of ESPN.com and CityNews Toronto have Beal listed as a likely lottery pick in the upcoming draft, something that could entice any star college player to leave school early. Both publications have Beal listed as the eighth best prospect in college hoops.
Beal has certainly played like a player with a high ceiling this season.
Beal is averaging 14.2 points per game for the Gators. Beal was known as an explosive offensive player with a silky smooth jump shot from the outside in high school and has shown the ability to score at the college level. But Beal has struggled modestly with his shot, shooting just 33.9% from three point range, a number that would figure to improve as he matures.
Beal's athleticism certainly has already blossomed in a Gators uniform. Despite standing just six foot, three inches tall, Beal plays the small forward for the Gators and is grabbing six rebounds per game. Beal's success on the boards and his ability to guard a bigger opponent has helped to silence NBA scouts who worry he may not be big enough to be play shooting guard in the NBA. Some still feel that Beal may be a "tweener" in the NBA, a player who has shooting guard skills but point guard height.
Most compare Beal favorably to New Orleans Hornets shooting guard Eric Gordon, who is similar not only in stature but also with his offensive skills and athleticism.
Comparisons to Gordon are something that can only help Beal as he continues to blossom at Florida this season and possibly in the NBA next year.
Beal has been spectacular during his freshman campaign and if he starts to hit some outside shots on a more consistent basis and continues to attack the basket on both ends of the court, the sky is the limit for the St. Louis product.
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