Prospect Profile

Strengths:
*Great competitor
*Great rebounder
*Explodes to the rim on put backs
*Mobile
*Good defender that can body up post players and block shots
*Good hands
*Makes his free throws

Weaknesses:
*Still working on low-post scoring skills
*Face-up jumper improving but can get more consistent

NBA projection:
Gordon has been projected as a second-round pick. He’s got skills the NBA can use. Notably, he’s not afraid to be a physical defensive presence in the post, and he’s a hungry rebounder. He’s athletic. And he makes free throws. His offensive game isn’t as far along as his defense, but he’ll have time to hone his jump shot and his low-post moves.

2011-12 Season:
Gordon averaged a double-double in leading New Nexico to the Mountain West regular-season and tournament championships. He elevated his play in the postseason, averaging 17 points and 11.8 boards in three MWC tournament games and two more in the NCAA Tournament. He was chosen MVP of the MWC tournament and was also a first-team all-conference pick.

Key statistics:
13.7 ppg, 11.1 rpg, 1.2 apg, 2.3 tpg, 1.0 bpg, 30.8 mpg, .542 FG, 1.000 3PT, .752 FT

Cool statistic:
In 13 games against teams that were ranked, from BCS schools, played in the NCAA Tournament or all of the above, Gordon averaged 16 points and 13 boards.

Reminds me of:
Carlos Boozer

What Insiders Say:
New Mexico coach Steve Alford
“He has gone to a whole other level in the past week from a points standpoint. He has always given us the rebounding and that athleticism and now he makes coaches look foolish for not letting him shoot more threes. He is doing a really good job with scoring. He has always been a high-rebound volume guy, but in the last three weeks he has put up points and that has really meant a lot to us. You are seeing our field goal percentage go up and I think it is going to open up a lot of things on the perimeter because we are going to force a lot of teams to trap us. That will open up a lot of things for our jump shooters.”

What Outsiders Say:
UNLV coach Dave Rice
“[Gordon] proved why he is one of the best guys in the country, he was terrific. [After racking up 27 points and 20 boards in a New Mexico win.]”

Former New Mexico (now Louisville) assistant Wyking Jones
“Drew should absolutely have a career in the NBA. Athletically, he fits with what those guys are looking for. His nose for the ball is something you can’t teach. He knows what is position is. He’s not trying to shoot 3s and be a three man. He knows he’s a four. He knows he’s going to make a living in the paint. And he’s OK with that.”

-- Profile by Chris Dortch, editor of the Blue Ribbon College Basketball Yearbook. Follow him @cdortch.