NBA: Prognosticators, coaches confident about Jonathan Isaac's pro prospects

On the eve of the NBA Draft, prognosticators and coaches alike are bullish about former Barron Collier High School and Florida State player Jonathan Isaac’s chances at a successful pro career.

In a sampling of 10 widely read NBA mock drafts, the 6-foot-11, 210-pound forward was selected no lower than seventh to the Minnesota Timberwolves (CBS Sports, USA Today), with some publications and websites having him going at No. 4 to the Phoenix Suns (Sporting News, MSN News, Bleacher Report). Half of the sampled mock drafts had the former Florida State standout remaining in Florida, predicting him going sixth to the Orlando Magic.

No matter where he’s picked, that team will be getting a tremendously skilled and intelligent player with an extremely high ceiling, according to FSU coach Leonard Hamilton. Isaac played for Hamilton during his lone college season, averaging 12 points and 7.8 rebounds per contest as a freshman. Isaac helped the Seminoles finish 26-9 and advance to the second round of the NCAA tournament.

“He’s what I call a stat stuffer,” Hamilton said. “Any part of the game, anything you need done, he’s going to do it.”

NBA: Naples native Jonathan Isaac of Florida State expected to go early in draft

Hamilton said he knew he recruited a special player, but there some aspects of Isaac’s game that surprised him.

“I knew he could shoot. I knew he could pass. I knew he could defend,” Hamilton said. “But what surprised me was his ability to rebound the basketball in traffic and block shots. He’s a guy who can really impact the game in so many ways.”

FGCU coach Joe Dooley found that out firsthand in the first round of the NCAA tournament, where his Eagles fell 86-80 to the Seminoles. Isaac scored 17 points, pulled down 10 rebounds, dished out five assists and blocked three shots. He added two steals and shot 5 of 8 from the field.

“The hard part for us was, he was bigger than our guys at that position,” Dooley said. “He knows how to use his height to create shots. He can shoot over you, but he also has the ability to drive past you. He’s got the athleticism and length the NBA is looking for, while also being a terrifically skilled basketball player. He fits all the criteria of what you want (in an NBA prospect).”

College basketball: Ex-Barron player Jonathan Isaac fitting in well at Florida State

Dooley says that NBA teams are not only looking at the player as he is now, they’re also projecting on what that player might be four or five years from now. And that’s where Isaac can really excite a team, he said.

“You’re projecting what a guy is going to be when he’s 24 or 25 years old,” Dooley said. “As he gets bigger and stronger and works on his game, he’s got really good upside. The skill level is there now, and it should continue to improve.”

Hamilton said Isaac is the type of player that can fit in on any team because he does so many things well. Not only that, Isaac’s team-first mentality makes him an attractive prospect.

“He’s an extremely unselfish player, while also being extremely talented,” Hamilton said. “He’s also a very smart player who sees the game through a mature set of eyes.”

Isaac’s college coach says he looks forward to seeing his former player match up against the best professional basketball players in the world.

“He’s going to get bigger and stronger as he gets older,” Hamilton said. “He’s only 19. He’s just scratching the surface of his talent.”

POSSIBLE LANDING SPOTS

Basketball Insiders: No. 6, Orlando Magic

Bleacher Report: No. 4, Phoenix Suns

CBS Sports: No. 7, Minnesota Timberwolves

Draft Express: No. 6, Orlando Magic

ESPN: No. 6, Orlando Magic

MSN News: No. 4, Phoenix Suns

NBA Draft.net: No. 6, Orlando Magic

Sporting News: No. 4, Phoenix Suns

Sports Illustrated: No. 6, Orlando Magic

USA Today: No. 7, Minnesota Timberwolves