Illinois Basketball: Illini NBA Draft Prospects

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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Mar 12, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini forward Leron Black (12) battles for a rebound with Michigan Wolverines guard/forward Kameron Chatman (3) during the second half in the second round of the Big Ten Conference Tournament at United Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 12, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini forward Leron Black (12) battles for a rebound with Michigan Wolverines guard/forward Kameron Chatman (3) during the second half in the second round of the Big Ten Conference Tournament at United Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports

Leron Black

The case of Leron black is complicated.  He is a talented player that has skills that would be useful in the NBA.  But, we all know about his anger issues on and off the court.

Black has a game that can work in the NBA.  He is athletic and can body players on the block.  His shooting touch also developed a little over the last few seasons.

The two downfalls to Black are that he fouls a lot and that keeps him off the floor.  He also had an off-court issue this offseason.

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These issues could hamper him come time for him to enter the NBA Draft.  Despite the issues, I think he could have a chance to get drafted down the road.

Best Case

The best case scenario for Black is early second round.  If he continues to develop and manages to repair his image then I think this is a possibility.

Black needs to turn into a player that Illinois can go to in big time situations to get a bucket.  This hasn’t happened yet but I think it could with time.

Worst Case

The off-court issues could end up costing Black.  He might not get drafted into the NBA, but I think he has a chance to land with a D-League squad.

So the worst case scenario is that Black doesn’t get drafted and probably plays for some summer league team.  He then will see a career in the D-League.

Next: Tracy Abrams