The ESPN.com website features a list of the top 100 prospects compiled by draft analyst Chad Ford. He tabs 6-9 LSU freshman Tyrus Thomas the No. 1 prospect in the draft. LaMarcus Aldridge, a 6-10 sophomore from Texas, is No. 2. Arkansas junior Ronnie Brewer, a 6-7 wing, is ranked No. 8. Memphis wing Rodney Carney, a 6-7 senior, is tabbed No. 10.
How did these guys fare against Tennessee? Two did exceptionally well. Two were good, not great.
Thomas played like a mad man. The freakishly talented Tiger hit 7 of 7 from the field and just missed a triple-double – finishing with 17 points, 9 rebounds and 9 blocks as LSU beat Tennessee 88-74 Jan. 14 in Baton Rouge.
Aldridge was solid but not spectacular. The lanky Longhorn hit 4 of 5 from the field and finished with 15 points, 9 rebounds and 3 blocks. Still, Tennessee won 95-78 Dec. 17 in Austin.
Brewer had a half-decent game against the Vols. He hit just 4 of 12 floor shots and finished with a mere 9 points. He added 9 assists and 5 rebounds, however, as the Razorbacks prevailed 73-69 Feb. 25 in Knoxville.
Carney was pretty spectacular against Tennessee. He drained 8 of 17 from the floor – 6 of 12 from 3-point range – and finished with 22 points and 7 rebounds as the Tigers tamed the Vols 88-79 Jan. 18 in Memphis.
To view the top-10 prospects list go to espn.com and click on the “Ford’s Top 100 prospects” link. To view the entire 100 requires an “ESPN.com insider” membership.