Steve Urkel (Chicago)
What are your thoughts on Nerlens Noel's injury? Is he still going to declare for the draft this year?
Chad Ford (1:46 PM)
He hasn't indicated one way or the other, but I think it's likely. Every GM and scout I spoke with believes that he's still a Top 5 pick as long as his rehab is going well. They're willing to be patient. And with Andrew Wiggins coming next year, it's unlikely he'd be the No. 1 pick in 2014 anyway.
Pete (Minneapolis)
Victor Oladipo had another great game last night. Do you think its possible he is a top 5 pick? Not a ton of comps out there with his combination of athleticism and defense.
Chad Ford (1:48 PM)
Yes. He's moved into the Top 5 on our Big Board and for the first time, I've had a couple of GMs tell me that they like him more than Ben McLemore. They are in the minority right now ... but still. What a rise. In all my years of covering the draft, I've never seen a player improve as much as I've seen him improve in such a small period of time. He has weaknesses, but major, major upside. If he continues to improve, I don't think it's out of the question he could be the No. 1 pick in June. He's not there yet, but he's special.
Kendra (Lansing)
Archie Goodwin over Gary Harris???? Really??? Is it only because Goodwin went to UK because if the roles were reversed . . .
Chad Ford (1:51 PM)
Goodwin has been ranked ahead of Harris all year, but lately Goodwin has been sliding and Harris rising. Last night we moved Harris ahead of Goodwin on our Top 100. But ... I will say this. Harris is surrounded by veterans which take a lot of the pressure off. Goodwin is drowning on a team without much experience and without a real point guard. If they changed teams? Other than the fact that Tom Izzo will kill Goodwin for his shot selection, I don't know.
Moses (Maryland)
Ben McLemore vs. Marcus Smart tonight on ESPN2. Which player has a better NBA career?
Chad Ford (1:53 PM)
I could see them going 1 and 2 in the NBA draft. And I'm not sure which guy would go No. 1. Probably depends on team need. I love them both. Both have their weaknesses. But both have the potential to be NBA All-Stars someday.
Chad Ford (1:55 PM)
Yes. Poythress and Goodwin have really done damage to their draft stocks the past few weeks. Both were considered by scouts to be Top 10 picks before the season began. Poythress still clinging to the end of the lottery. Goodwin now out of it. Cauley-Stein flubbed his first game starting in place of Nerlens Noel. Scouts love the upside, but he's going to have to produce to stay in the lottery.
nolen (canada)
If Payne from Michigan State leaves early, when does he get picked?
Chad Ford (1:56 PM)
Has really helped himself this year. Good size. NBA athlete. Showing off surprising range on that jump shot. He's a bubble first rounder right now.
Ryan (Ohio)
Could Anthony Bennett be a SF in the NBA?
Chad Ford (1:57 PM)
Maybe. Most scouts see him as a power forward. He's a bit undersized, but those long arms and explosive athletic ability help. Doesn't really matter on the offensive end. Just needs to be able to guard someone. Think he's a lock for the Top 5.
