In May, the NFL Draft took center stage in New York City, as all 32 teams welcomed a new class of talented young players. On Thursday, all eyes will once again be on New York. This time it's the best and brightest basketball players who are ready to take their games to the next level in the 2014 NBA Draft.
Just as there were countless NFL mock drafts a couple of months ago, NBA mock drafts are extremely prevalent leading up to tonight's event. But here is a basketball mock draft that you probably haven't seen yet. The Eagles have a charity basketball team that moves around the area to play at different local gyms to help support some great causes. We've watched the tape, seen the pictures and compiled the stats, so without further adieu, here is the Eagles Basketball Mock Draft 1.0 ….
1st overall: Brad Smith
Just like that, we have our first surprise pick of the draft. After a midseason trade to the Eagles last season, Smith gave fans a glimpse of all that he can do on offense and on special teams, and he's continued that strong work this spring with impressive showings at OTAs and minicamp. Smith's versatility on the football field translates to the hard court as well. At the Eagles most recent charity hoops game at Octorara High School in Chester County, Smith posted a triple-double with 28 points, 13 rebounds and 10 assists. Smith appears to have the most complete game of the Eagles players, and for that reason, the highly fashionable wide receiver goes first overall.
2nd overall: Brandon Boykin
Many Eagles Mock Draft "experts" predicted Boykin to go first overall, but perhaps falling to second will motivate him. Simply put, Boykin is a baller. He can jump out of the gym, as evidenced by his frequent highlight film dunks. Just as he did on the football field in 2013, Boykin can come up with the big play on the court to get the crowd on their feet. Boykin may have the highest basketball ceiling, so he goes second overall.
3rd overall: Connor Barwin
Barwin is the first player taken in the Eagles Basketball Mock Draft that actually played basketball collegiately. Barwin has taken his game to the next level since his college days. He's always been a physical player down low, but now Barwin is more of a playmaker. He is the "Jack" of the Eagles defense on the field and the court. In the Eagles' most recent basketball game, the former Cincinnati Bearcat stuffed the stat sheet with 12 points, eight rebounds and eight assists. It's rare to see this kind of size/athleticism combo on the court.
4th overall: LeSean McCoy
McCoy was in his element back in March when the Eagles charity hoops team took the court at Bishop McDevitt High School, the running back's former stomping ground. McCoy carries a similar style of play from the field to the court, displaying an innate ability to run the floor with remarkable court vision. He's a blur when he gets out on the fast break, and he also has the range to knock down the long range shot, as he did with a game-winning buzzer beater at McDevitt.
5th overall: Bennie Logan
You may often hear the expression that "You can't teach size," and that holds true with a player like Logan. The former LSU Tiger is a force in the paint on both sides of the ball, and his long arms can cause defenders to alter their shots around the rim. Logan posted seven points and 13 rebounds in his last game, and his solid production in the paint is adequate reasoning to make him the final selection in the Eagles Basketball Mock Draft top five.
Plus, he's always willing to help out a fan.