4. Bruno Fernando
While I don’t feel the same way, I do know quite a few Charlotte Hornets fans that would like to see the team draft Bruno Fernando with their lottery pick.
He’s an enticing prospect, simply because he’s a load down low and the Hornets could really use a young player in the front court. He was a beast for Maryland as a sophomore, averaging 13.6 points and 10.7 rebounds while shooting 61 percent from the field.
Fernando is solid in the post, with crafty footwork and an array of moves. However, the NBA has been moving away from post players, so I’d like to see him become more aggressive in the pick-and-roll, and work on developing a jump shot.
He’s also not the best rim protector, but he has had some good moments. He fills a need for the Hornets, but is he the right guy for them? That remains to be seen. He’ll have a chance to leave an impression on the front office during the Draft Combine.
I, in particular, am eager to see how he tests athletically compared to other centers in the draft. He’s not an elite athlete, but he’s a good one and that will help him when he gets to the NBA.