Authored by Andrew Perna

Name: Al Horford
Age:  21
Height:  6-10
Weight:  245
College: Florida (Jr.)

Strengths/Weaknesses:

Al Horford possesses many strengths, even some not often found in a guy of his size. While Gator teammate Joakim Noah may have gotten more publicity following their second national championship season, it?s Horford that will make the batter professional player. Al is a superior inside player on both ends of the floor, including an impressive knack for shotblocking. He also handles the ball much better than most players his size, and his the ability to find open teammates with relative ease.

While Horford is considered a great post defender, his performance against Greg Oden in the national title game opened him up to some criticism. In the final game of his college career Al failed to properly contain Oden, the best post player he faced all season. He?ll have to use his high basketball IQ to help improve his man-to-man defense in the post. Using his upper body and long arms, as he did at Florida, won?t always lead to stops in the NBA.

Marquee Performances:

He was a pretty constant player throughout his three seasons in the SEC, and he did record a career-high 22 points and 13 rebounds against Tennessee in early February. In that game he bullied his way to the foul line sixteen times, also a career-high. In the first round of the 2007 NCAA Tournament against Jackson State Horford was at his best, scoring 15 points and grabbing 16 boards in just twenty-nine minutes of play.

He put up those fifteen points despite taking just eight shots (and hitting six of them). His three offensive rebounds allowed him to get easy putbacks and close looks around the basket. He?ll be the type of player that doesn?t need to have plays drawn for him in order to put up quality scoring numbers in the League (see Lee, David).

Ideal Fit:  

The Grizzles seem to be the ideal fit for Horford, but rumor out of Memphis is that Jerry West is quite high on Florida?s other forward ? Noah. As Christopher Reina said in his latest Mock, placing Horford between Rudy Gay and Pau Gasol would help out both existing Grizzles, while allowing Al to adapt in the League alongside some supremely talented young players.

If Memphis doesn?t grab Horford with the fourth pick, I?m assuming Atlanta doesn?t take him with the third (although they?re rumored to be very high on him), I like him going to Milwaukee. He?d allow Bogut and Villanueva to play more at their natural positions, while adding a hint of strength and tenacity to the Bucks? interior.

Best Case:

Emeka Okafor, Charlotte Bobcats: This is a comparison quite a few people have drawn since Horford starting winning titles as a member of the Gators. Okafor showed more promise when he left UConn for the NBA, but I think Horford has the potential to be at the caliber player that Emeka has been when healthy.

Worst Case:

Tony Battie, Orlando Magic: Ultimately I feel Horford is more talented and better fit for the NBA than Battie ever was. However, they are similar physically and could end up be called at the same slot (Battie was taken by Denver with the fifth pick ten years ago). Battie entered the League known for his defense and shotblocking ability, as will Horford.

Do you want Al Horford on your team? Feel free to let Andrew in on your thoughts? Andrew.Perna@RealGM.com