Eric Hampford:
Future150 GM / Senior National Analyst. Covering high and middle school basketball.
Birmingham, AL (Future150) -- Every NBA Draft is special for the staff at Future150, as we see prospects chosen every year who are alumni of our camp and tournament brand, but the 2017 NBA Draft is a special year for us. We are expected to see a record number of Future150 products chosen, with as many as eight prospects expected to be taken by the end of the night. Let's take a look at what each prospect brings to the table, and what we saw from them when they attended a Future150 event years ago.
De'Aaron Fox
College: Kentucky
Future150 Event Attended: 2013 Future150 Houston Camp
What We Said Then: "Coming into the camp, De'Aaron was ranked as the #10 prospect nationally in his class. After the weekend was through, he left as a fringe top 5 prospect. He has all the tools to become a special point guard and what is most impressive about him is that he gives 110% every time he steps onto the floor." - Eric Hampford
What We Say Now: Not a lot has changed for De'Aaron, as he rode his trajectory from elite high school prospect to a special college guard during his one and only season at Kentucky, where he showcased his blinding speed and uncanny ability to get to the rim. An animated personality, he should be a star in the NBA for years to come.
John Collins
College: Wake Forest
Future150 Event Attended: 2014 Future150 Main Event Atlanta
What We Said Then: "Already holding offers from the likes of Maryland, Miami (FL) & Texas, the 6-foot-8 forward showed a high level of skill to our staff. His polished offensive game was quite impressive, including his low post moves and footwork, and you can expect more schools to offer scholarships early on in the spring. He came into the tournament as an unknown to the majority of the country, but left as a no-brainer high-major." - Eric Hampford
What We Say Now: One of the most productive big men in America this year, he took the country by storm, dominating a loaded ACC conference. While we didn't quite see him turning out to be THIS good so soon, we definitely knew he was one of the elite big men in the country after showing up and showing out with his Florida Flash AAU program in Atlanta years ago.
Justin Jackson
College: North Carolina
Future150 Event Attended: 2010 Future150 Houston Camp
What We Said Then: "The 6-foot-5 inch shooting guard may have been the best overall prospect in the camp. He has range beyond the arc and at one point in the Top 20 All-Star Game, he made four straight 3-point shots. He showed a very good floater game and despite his slender build, he was not afraid to mix it up. Unselfish almost to a fault, Jackson is a high-major prospect." - Jason Pratt
What We Say Now: We've all been waiting for a huge college season from the 6'8" wing, and he finally put it together for North Carolina, helping them win an NCAA championship while picking up ACC Player of the Year honors. Not only do teams love his perimeter scoring ability, but he's also proven to be a productive defender using his length.
Jarrett Allen
College: Texas
Future150 Event Attended: 2011 Future150 Houston Main Event
What We Said Then: "An athletic 6'5" forward prospect, he's developing his skills. He's a very athletic prospect, and it's clear that his frame is growing. He's definitely going to stretch out more over the coming years, and he's a prospect who will most likely make his mark as a shot-blocker and rebounder down the road, provided he grows into a big man, which we expect." - Jason Pratt
What We Say Now: A late-blooming prospect, once he grew into his now 6'10" frame, he became one of the most sought-after prospects in the country, and showed why during his only season at Texas. NBA people love his measurables and upside potential, but he isn't all upside, as he put together a very strong second half of his only college season.
OG Anunoby
College: Indiana
Future150 Event Attended: 2013 Future150 All-American Camp
What We Said Then: "The biggest surprise of the camp has to be Anunoby. The wing was dominant at times throughout the weekend and did a little bit of everything. He was equally comfortable scoring on the block as he was on the perimeter and is a big time athlete. To top it all off, he was incredibly coachable." - Brian Flinn
What We Say Now: Some of the same things that made him such an intriguing prospect years back are what NBA scouts are excited about now. He's a lockdown defender with excellent measurables, and is a great kid. While a torn ACL cut his season short at Indiana, he's definitely the type of prospect that could make teams pay for letting him slip down the draft board.
Kyle Kuzma
College: Utah
Future150 Event Attended: 2011 Future150 National Camp
What We Said Then: "A super long prospect, he recently hit a huge growth spurt and is developing his guard skills. He shoots the ball extremely well, and it's clear to see that with further development, he can be a star combo forward prospect down the road. Also, he's one of the more humble, hard workers that we've seen." - Jason Pratt
What We Say Now: At 6'8", his offensive versatility is exactly what the NBA game covets, and after a solid season at Utah, he really shined at the NBA Combine, making him an even more intriguing draft prospect. When his shot is falling from deep, he's a whole lot of fun to watch, and can provide NBA teams with a viable offensive threat.
Johnathan Motley
College: Baylor
Future150 Event Attended: 2011 Future150 Houston Camp
What We Said Then: "The 6-foot-8 inch forward is a super long player who can score on all three levels. He likes to block shots and has a nice soft touch with both hands around the rim. He showed one of the most consistent mid-range jumpers from anyone in the camp. Motley runs the floor extremely well in transition and can finish with contact. There is nothing but upside on this high-major prospect." - Jason Pratt
What We Say Now: A prospect who really took advantage of his time in college, he consistently improved his game, positioning himself well to be taken somewhere in the second round tonight. After averaging an impressive 17.2 points and 9.9 rebounds per game last season, he's more prepared for the professional game than the majority of his peers in this draft.
Dwayne Bacon
College: Florida State
Future150 Event Attended: 2013 Future150 Orlando Camp
What We Said Then: "Dwayne came into the camp as the highest profile recruit nationally, and he didn't disappoint with his play. The 6'6" guard is a smooth wing who is confident with the ball in his hands, and even more confident playing off the ball. He uses his length and awareness to score easy baskets at the rim as well as in transition, and his jump shot has improved over the past few months. Overall, a big weekend from the prospect with recent offers from Louisville and Miami (Fl)." - Eric Hampford
What We Say Now: A polished scorer on the offensive end, he averaged 17.2 points per game in the ACC this season, showing off his strong frame and smooth scoring ability from the wing position. It's no secret that his calling card is his ability to get buckets, but he can also defend at a high rate on occasion. Another aspect of his game to love is his ability to attack the rim.
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