Marreese Speights SELECTED BY: Philadelphia 76ers, Round 1(16)

SI Rank 6 GRADING SYSTEM

BIOGRAPHY: Speights is an intriguing prospect in the Al Jefferson mold who is long and at his best with his back to the basket. In his first season starting as a sophomore for the Gators in 2007-08, he averaged 14.5 points and 8.1 rebounds. He had 10 double-doubles for the season and averaged 15.5 points and 9.5 boards in four NIT games. Though he certainly made strides as a sophomore, his most significant experience could have been going against current NBA players and former Gators Al Horford and Joakim Noah in practice as a freshman. Speights is long, quick and has little trouble getting to the basket where he usually finishes strong. Is loaded with plenty of upside and potential because he has good natural talent and is athletic. However, he is young and raw and his drive to fulfill that potential will always surround him. Could be a solid inside role player to start his career with a team that has a strong rotation in the post. While he doesn't possess the overall skills of a big man that likely early lottery centers Brook Lopez and DeAndre Jordan do, Speights' freakish talent makes him a certain first-round pick who just might find his way into a late lottery spot.