Prospect Watch: Cole Aldrich

There was little doubt amongst draft experts that Cole Aldrich is a top ten prospect heading into this year’s draft. Unfortunately, he’s also proving to be one of the most confusing and frustrating players to evaluate as well. Blessed with an incredible combination of size, length, and athletic ability, the 6’11 junior often shows glimpses of a player that will wreak havoc on opponents at the next level for years to come. And then there are other games when he becomes very passive and disappears when he is needed most. The potential he has is immense, but sometimes I wonder if he will ever become consistent enough to be worthy of a top pick this season.

What makes Aldrich such a headache to analyze this season is that the offensive version of Cole and the defensive version are two totally different players. On offense, Cole has a tendency not to be involved for long stretches, and he seems content not being a key option for his team. One reason for the dip in his numbers this season it the infusion of freshman Xavier Henry, who is a top prospect in his own right, and along with Sherron Collins gets most of the shots for the Jayhawks on a nightly basis. Another factor is that he is constantly double teamed every time he touches the ball in the post. But instead of demanding the ball like a big man should, Aldrich has been more apt to stay on the weak side of the court or stand on the perimeter. He has range out to fifteen feet and often scores on raw talent in the post as he currently has a limited number of go to moves with his back to the basket. Cole needs to find other ways to get involved offensively in order to show scouts that he can be a force in the paint night and night out in the NBA.

As for his defense, that is where Cole truly shines. He has a great nose for the ball, whether its blocking shots or grabbing rebounds. He makes it very difficult for teams to attack Kansas in the paint, always seeming to be in position to help when teammates on the perimeter get beat off the dribble. Averaging over 10 rebounds, and 3 blocks every night, Aldrich is proving to be an elite collegiate defender for the second consecutive year. He is alert and plays with a lot of energy and effort, which is a complete contrast from his offensive style. If Aldrich can raise his level of play offensively, he can show executives he is still is capable of being the complete player his potential once suggested. He has yet to accomplish this as of yet, but he certainly has shown that the skill set is there.

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Had Cole Aldrich decided to leave last year after his sophomore year, he would have likely been seen as the second best big man behind Blake Griffin. Now halfway through this season, his game is inspiring more people to question what player he will become instead of billing him as the answer to lottery teams’ future. I think that Cole will be a great defender and rebounder, and could play in the league for 10 plus years, but nothing he has done this year has shown me that he will be a high level offensive player at the next level. And with the talent believed to be coming out this year, I no longer see Cole as a top ten pick. I think he will go anywhere from late lottery to the early 20s. He is still easily a first round pick, but in my mind he is no longer a can’t miss prospect.

By: Walter Wilson
Big 12 Fans Staff Writer