IS JEREMY TYLER READY FOR THE NBA?

He is considered by many as the “sleeper” in the 2011 NBA draft. Meet Jeremy Tyler, a 6-11, 260 pounds slotman, who had a storybook career, and is coming out of the Tokyo Apache squad in the Japanese pro league. The 20 year-old San Diego (Ca.) native went directly from being a prep star at San Diego HS in 2008-09 to playing pro ball overseas. During the 2009-10 season, Tyler saw action for Maccabi Haifa in the Israeli pro league and averaged paltry numbers of 2.1 points and 1.9 rebounds in 10 games. Tyler, who averaged a whopping 28.7 ppg as a junior at San Diego HS, later made his mark in the Japanese pro circuit during the past season. He submitted norms of 9.9 ppg and 6.4 rpg in 33 outings with the Apache. He scored a career-high 27 points as the Apache defeated Saitama Bron, 91-83 last November 7. He also grabbed 13 caroms in the Apache’s 97-72 thrashing of Fukuoka Rizing last January 27. According to scouting reports, Tyler, who is likely to be a late first round or early second round choice in the coming draft, shows fluidity in his game despite his size and likewise has a strong post game, according to NBA Draft.net.

“Moves well and shows good coordination and fluidity for a guy his size … Possesses a monster 7’5 wingspan and big hands, so he’ll be able to play larger than his height … Shows a potentially solid post game with a raw, albeit, interesting amount of moves and counters, that he definitely flashes with the ball at times … Shows good footwork for his size … Has the raw ability to score some with both hands already … Possesses a feathery soft touch, and it allows him to face-up with consistent range out to 18 feet … Generally looks to finish emphatically when in point blank range … Can operate in the high or low post … Provides pretty good rebounding ability and has the size for that to translate ...”