Michigan Basketball: NBA mock draft, Wolverines edition
Jordan Poole to the rescue
The buzzer beater three to take down the Houston Cougars during March Madness is exactly what March Madness is all about. That three will also go down as one of the greatest shots in Michigan basketball history, right next to this three by Trey Burke.
Play the video all the way through to watch Poole’s magical tournament-saving three-pointer.
As for Jordan’s draft stock, Bleacher Report‘s February mock draft had Poole going in the first round as the 23rd pick to the Philadelphia 76er’s.
"Poole isn’t for everyone, but the Sixers could be drawn to his shot-making skills (40.8 3PT%). An advanced shot-creator and streaky scorer, he projects as an instant-offense weapon—though his shot selection and playmaking are suspect."
Unfortunately for Poole, when the Madness ended this year so did any mention of his name on several draft boards. Prior to March, draft analysts were high on Poole but mentioned the need to step it up in the tournament to cement his name on the board.
Jordan did score 19 in the win against Florida but he went 1-for-6 from inside the arc and didn’t impress the scouts against Texas Tech.
Even though Poole was dropped from several draft boards, he has arguably the most potential out of any of the Michigan basketball players on this list and ESPN ranks Jordan as the No. 15 shooting guard in the draft. They also ranked Jordan as 70th overall.
Luckily for Poole, SportsIllustrated didn’t lose faith in the 6-foot-5 19-year-old as they rank Poole at the 55th best player on the board.
SI’s Jeremy Woo had this to say about Jordan.
"If Poole stays in the draft, he’s likely looking at G League time next season, but his catch-and-shoot potential should continue garnering enough interest to get him drafted. He had a somewhat disappointing sophomore year at Michigan, and while he’s still relatively young (turning 20 in June), Poole is seen by teams as a project who will have to be willing to put the work in to carve out an NBA career. He’s a solid athlete and capable shooter who can get hot and swing games, but it’s unclear what else there is to really sink your teeth into consistently at this point."