Prospect Profile

** Traded to New York on Draft night

Strengths:

  * Huge
  * Good rebounder
  * Has become workout freak
  * Can shoot the face-up jumper with three-point range

Weaknesses:

  * Not a great athlete
  * Can he guard elite four or five men?
  * Free throw shooting
 

NBA projection:
This season, Harrellson impressed NBA scouts with his work ethic on and off the court. They were particularly intrigued by his rebounding ability, and though he didn't show it, his face-up game. Harrellson could be a pick-and-pop guy in the NBA. There's a chance he sneaks into the second round and ends up on an NBA roster, because as NBA director of scouting Ryan Blake said, "you can't coach big."

2010-11 Season:
Harrellson's story was one of the best and most compelling in college basketball. Harrellson had hardly taken his warm-ups off in 2009-10, but he started all 38 games this season and gave Kentucky an inside presence it had to have after the NCAA ruled freshman Enes Kanter ineligible. He was a consistent rebounder and defensive presence all season while mixing in some big scoring games. Harrellson earned NCAA East Regional All-Tournament and SEC All-Tournament honors.

Key statistics:
7.6 ppg, 8.7 rpg, 1.5 bpg, 28.5 mpg, .611 FG, .200 3PT, .589 FT

Cool statistic:
After barely playing the season before, this season Harrellson led the Southeastern Conference in two statistics: field goal percentage and offensive rebounding (3.7 per game).

Reminds me of:
Bill Laimbeer

What Insiders Say:
Kentucky coach John Calipari
"I'm telling you, I get calls every day about Josh. It makes me laugh. It makes me like, ‘What?' I talked to [former assistant and now Auburn coach] Tony Barbee and he said, ‘I've talked to pro scouts who are saying it. You know that kid's playing well for you.' I mean, I'm like, ‘You're talking about Josh right?' I'm proud of him. I'm happy for him."

What Outsiders Say:
Boston College coach Pat Chambers
"I love that kid. He does everything that you want a center or a big man to do. He plays ball screens great, he rebounds the basketball, he blocks shots. I really like him. He's perfect for this team."

Indiana coach Tom Crean
"He's a legitimate five who can step out and shoot the ball and does a lot for them," Indiana coach Tom Crean said. "You see how [Calipari] has him out on the floor so much. [Calipari] knows. [Harrellson's] a big, big part of their team."

Chris Dortch is the editor of the Blue Ribbon College Basketball Yearbook.