Derrick Favors

Derrick Favors

Power Forward

South Atlanta H.S., Atlanta, GA

6'9"

220

2009

Georgia Tech (verbal)

Looking at the scouting reports on Derrick Favors, one can't help but recall Michael Beasley. Favors has the same combination of size, strength, skill and athleticism that made Beasley one of the top players in Division I as a freshman -- and the second overall pick in the 2008 NBA Draft.

Unlike Beasley -- who can charitably be described as a "free spirit," Favors is reportedly an excellent student with great character and maturity. His tremendous wingspan and shot-blocking ability have drawn comparisons to Josh Smith of the Atlanta Hawks; his non-stop motor evokes comparison to 2008 Wooden Award winner Tyler Hansbrough. The praise doesn't get much higher.

Favors is mostly used as a power forward/center at the high school and AAU level, using his size and strength to get to the rim. He has range out to around twelve feet as well. But at the next level, he projects as more of a combo forward -- like Beasley, Shawn Marion or Indiana's Danny Granger. In order to reach that potential, he'll need to improve his perimeter game; though he's able to step out and hit the occasional three, his jumper has been described as "flat" -- his form needs work.

Staying Home

Favors gave a verbal commitment to his hometown Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets on January 15. The runners-up in the competition for his services were Georgia and North Carolina State.