NBA Draft 2012 Prospect Profile: Terrence Ross

Orlando Pinstriped Post turns its attention to the 2012 NBA Draft with a look at mid-tier draft prospects who might be available when the Orlando Magic select 19th overall. Previously in the series: Meyers Leonard, Terrence Jones, Arnett Moultrie, Moe Harkless, Doron Lamb, Tony Wroten, Jeffery Taylor, Andrew Nicholson, Marquis Teague, Kendall Marshall, Perry Jones, Royce White, Fab Melo, John Jenkins, and Quincy Miller.

Terrence Ross is a 6' 7" inch, 191 pound small forward/shooting guard who played two seasons for the Washington Huskies. The Oregon native, who turned 21 years old in February, helped lead the Huskies to a 24-11 record and to the semifinals of the NIT. Ross led the team in scoring, averaging 16.4 points per game on 45.7% shooting, including 37.1% on three-pointers, and 77.4% free throw shooting. He also added 6.4 rebounds per game and 1.3 steals per game.

Ross really helped his draft stock with a strong performance in the NIT. In four tournament games, he averaged 25.0 points per game on 47.9% shooting, including 40.5% on threes and perfect 15 of 15 free throw shooting.

Hoopshype.com has high praise for Ross, writing that Ross is a talent with a legitimate chance to be the top shooting guard prospect from this year's draft class, and that he is getting respect from scouts after tremendous pre-draft workouts.

Joe Treutlein of draftexpress.com also praises Ross, writing that he possesses "great size and athleticism for either wing position, and has taken some positive steps with his game on both sides of the court." Treutlein notes that Ross has very good accuracy in space and does not need much time or room to get his shot off due to his high and quick release, and his size, speed, and terrific explosiveness make him very dangerous on cuts, offensive rebounds, and in transition.

Treutlein also raves about Ross's defense, writing that his size and athleticism allow him to be a superb defender in isolation, and he's combined those tools with the aggressiveness needed, and describes Ross as "a real terror both on and off the ball."

According to Treutlein, Ross remains largely limited in attacking the basket in the half-court due to his still unpolished ball-handling and average basketball IQ, but that playing more of the two-guard will give him more opportunities at having a size advantage in the post.

Ross would be an ideal player for the Orlando Magic because the Magic really need a talented, athletic swingman such as Ross, with his combination of physical tools, defense, perimeter shooting, and ability to attack the rim off the ball. There is practically no chance, though, that Ross will be available when the Magic pick 19th, and has a good chance to be picked in the top ten of the draft.