Jared CohenIs Alex Len number five?
After Nerlens Noel, Len is the best big man in the draft. Len is very athletic for being a seven footer and displayed a great ability to rebound and block shots in two years at Maryland. It remains to be seen whether or not Marcin Gortat is the future center of the Suns or if as soon as this off-season they decide to go in another direction. If so, Len would be an interesting pick at five. It should be noted that Len did face off against Noel and Kentucky early last season and posted a career-high 23 points, 12 rebounds and four blocks. There is a lot of room for improvement on the offensive side of the ball for him but he has the physical makeup to be a very productive post player in the league.
Len did not work out with the Suns and did not participate in any NBA pre-draft workouts because he had ankle surgery to “stabilize” the partial stress fracture in his left ankle. He played with the stress fracture in the final month of the season. He still is making his rounds to various NBA teams to meet and get to know them. Len plans to be able to begin his rehab around August and doesn’t anticipate missing much time in his rookie season with whichever team ultimately drafts him.
Career Highlights: Holds career averages at Maryland of 9.7 points, seven rebounds and 2.1 blocks per game and started 48 of his 60 appearances. A standout player of the Ukraine U-18 national team at the U-18 European Championships in 2010. Averaged 16 points, 11.4 rebounds and 4.3 blocks in nine games in the tournament. Nearly posted a triple-double in a game against Germany with 20 points, 17 rebounds and nine blocks. Last year with Maryland he averaged 11.9 points and 7.8 rebounds (fifth in the ACC) while leading the conference with 78 blocks (2.1 per game) in just 24.6 minutes per game. Named Honorable Mention All-ACC and All-ACC Defensive Team.
Strengths: Outstanding size and reach. Highly productive shot blocker and rebounder. Finishes around the rim. Has the tools to eventually regularly contribute on the offensive end at the next level. High upside prospect.
Personal: Grew up as a gymnast because he liked Jackie Chan movies.
Stats and accolades provided by the Phoenix Suns.
