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Illinois Basketball: Illini NBA Draft Prospects

By Rees Woodcock

Nov 18, 2015; Providence, RI, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini guard Jalen Coleman-Lands (5) and guard Malcolm Hill (21) celebrate during the first half of a game against the Providence Friars at Dunkin Donuts Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark L. Baer-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 18, 2015; Providence, RI, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini guard Jalen Coleman-Lands (5) and guard Malcolm Hill (21) celebrate during the first half of a game against the Providence Friars at Dunkin Donuts Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark L. Baer-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 23, 2015; St. Louis, MO, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini guard Jalen Coleman-Lands (5) drives the ball against the Missouri Tigers during the second half at Scottrade Center. The Illinois Fighting Illini defeat the Missouri Tigers 68-63. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 23, 2015; St. Louis, MO, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini guard Jalen Coleman-Lands (5) drives the ball against the Missouri Tigers during the second half at Scottrade Center. The Illinois Fighting Illini defeat the Missouri Tigers 68-63. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports /

Jalen Coleman-Lands

One of the sure-fire NBA Draft players for the Illinois basketball team has to be Jalen Coleman-Lands.  The first season he spent in Champaign was magical.

When I first saw JCL on the basketball court shooting the ball I was amazed by his talents.  He is going to end up being one of the best, if not the best, shooters in Illinois history.

Last season JCL showed why he was one of the best in the Big Ten already.  He averaged 26.1 MPG while putting up 10.3 PPG.

Illinois Fighting Illini
Illinois Fighting Illini /

Illinois Fighting Illini

JCL scored at a decent clip and shot the ball well.  He was 42.2-percent from the three-point arc.

I see JCL improving greatly this upcoming season and continuing his great run with the Illini.

Best Case

JCL is a super talented player that can shoot the ball from three.  He needs to develop a bit on his driving abilities but that will come with time.

The NBA is always looking for three-point shooters, especially in today’s game.  This is going to be great for JCL.

I think JCL will continue to develop his game and I could see him going in the top 14 in the NBA Draft when it is all said and done.

Worst Case

While the ceiling is high for JCL, he might not be able to develop that driving game.  He may just end up being an outside shooter.

I still see a spot for him in the NBA with these talents alone.  His stock would drop if he can’t develop his game, though.  If that happens, the middle of the second round is most likely for JCL.

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