In the days leading up to the NBA Draft, NYKnicks.com will look at the top-rated players potentially available to teams with lottery picks in the 2009 NBA Draft. We offer these profiles for fans to familiarize themselves with some of the biggest names in the draft. A player's inclusion in this series of articles is based purely on his rankings in the scouting services and mainstream media and does not necessarily reflect the Knicks organization's preferences for the June 25 Draft at the WaMu Theater at Madison Square Garden.

We continue our series with a profile of Arizona forward Jordan Hill, a consensus top lottery pick according to major scouting services and numerous publications.

Any team looking to add a rough and rugged player to their front court via this year’s draft can’t go wrong selecting Arizona’s Jordan Hill, a high-flying, extremely athletic power forward who more than fits the bill.

Measuring in at 6-foot-10, 235-pounds, Hill is a physical presence with an exceptional motor who also boasts freakish and explosive hops. Long, but not lanky, he is blessed with a strong sturdy build, allowing him to be a monster on the boards as well as an efficient shot blocker.

After two solid if not spectacular seasons for the Wildcats, Hill was one of the most improved players in the nation in 2008-09. He averaged a healthy double-double, recording 18.3 points and 11.0 rebounds per game in addition to 1.7 blocks and 1.9 assists.

Equally important, the dread-locked human pogo stick brings instant energy to his team and is a fan favorite for his all-out hustle. A 12th seed in the NCAA Tournament, Arizona’s spirited Sweet 16 run was sparked by Hill. In the opening round, his 17-point, 13-rebound performance pushed Arizona passed fifth seeded Utah into a match-up with Cleveland State, who they routed 71-54. In their Sweet 16 loss to Louisville, Hill recorded 16 points and nine boards in what would be his final collegiate game.

The biggest knock on Hill is that even as a 21-year old junior, he is still very, very raw. His basketball IQ needs improvement along with his inside post moves, and on the defensive end, he lacks the basic fundamentals to be a consistent shot-blocking force.

Nonetheless, being referred to as “Chris Bosh with the athleticism of Chris Wilcox” is an attractive package for NBA teams, and as a result, Hill figures to be selected early on June 25.