Name:  Corey Brewer
Age:  21
Height:  6-9
Weight:  185
College:  Florida (Jr.)

Strengths/Weaknesses:  Corey Brewer has the physical abilities to become a premier lockdown defender in the NBA.  His height, wingspan, quickness, and agility give him the tools necessary to mature into a dominant defender that will punish opposing wingmen in the league.  His incredible work ethic and winning mentality will be an asset to whichever team selects him in the Draft.  His remarkable athleticism allows him to be a force in transition and his awareness on the court enables him to finish strong while attacking the rim.  When paired with smaller defenders, he has a limited number of post moves that can be effective in the half court set.  As demonstrated in this year?s Final Four, he also possesses the versatility to shoot the three-ball when he receives the ball in a set position.  During his freshman year, he shot 43.6% from 3-point territory.    

While Brewer remains one of the most versatile players in the Draft, his skill set also contains some limitations.  While he delivers well in each area of his offensive game, he doesn?t overwhelm defenders in any single facet.  He is not the type of player who can create his own shot and has trouble keeping the ball low while dribbling.  His handle must improve if he wishes to develop into a scorer, and often he settles too much for his jumper, which seems to lack consistency.  However, with his gifted athleticism and ideal size and length, another 20 pounds of muscle could propel him into the elite ranks of defensive NBA wingmen.

Marquee Performances:  As one of the core members of the back-to-back national champion Florida Gators team, he has thrived in his opportunities to play in the Big Game.  His hounding defense helped stifle the Ohio State outside game (3 steals, 1 block) while his 13 points and 8 rebounds helped him to earn Most Outstanding Player award for the 2007 NCAA Tournament.  

However, it was his all around game in the Final Four semi-final win over UCLA that won him the award.  His 19 points on 5 of 7 shooting, including 4 of 5 from downtown, only illuminated the vicious defense he put on one of the college game?s elite scorers.  Brewer was able to keep Bruin star guard Aaron Afflalo to only 17 points on a ghastly 5 of 14 shooting.  Brewer added two blocks as he frustrated the UCLA team and ultimately ended their season the same way it did in the 2006 national championship game.

Ideal Fit:  Brewer could step in almost immediately and battle for a starting swingman position for almost any team.  He fits perfectly into a team-oriented kick and cut offense, where his set jump shooting and cutting athleticism can be fully utilized.  On defense, he will be able to step into any system and cover many of the 1?s, 2?s and 3?s in the league.  He could also help a youthful team that lacks leadership, as he comes from the championship purebred Florida Gators, and knows what it takes to battle until the final horn sounds.

He is likely to go in the Lottery, and is being projected anywhere between the 4th and 10th pick in this year?s Draft.   Teams with much needed wing play such as the Milwaukee Bucks or the Minnesota Timberwolves.  The Milwaukee Bucks have been waiting for stability at the wing position ever since Bobby Simmons failed to earn a penny of the massive contract they gave him two years ago, and Brewer would fit perfectly into their system.  The Wolves could also use Brewer at the three position, which would allow them to either shift Ricky Davis to the two guard position, or deal him for a better big man.

As for teams in the Draft who could possibly trade up to acquire this menacing Gator, don?t be too surprised to see the New Orleans Hornets make a deal to maneuver into striking position.  Saddled with the 13th pick in the Draft, the Hornets could also pass on making a deal for Brewer and select either Al Thornton of Florida State or Thaddeus Young of Georgia Tech.  However, inserting a slashing defensive swingman with long range spot shooting capabilities might be just what the Hornets need.  Adding Brewer to a strong core of Chris Paul, Peja Stojakovic, David West, and Tyson Chandler could be the final piece to making the Hornets a scary out in the Western Conference.

Best Case: Tayshaun Prince: A long and lean lockdown defender who shows up in clutch situations and can also play a bit in the post and stroke the outside shot.

Worst Case: Trevor Ariza: A solid defender who can finish strong at the hoop, but possesses a very limited outside game or shooting touch.  

Do you want Corey Brewer on your favorite team?  Feel free to contact Jason M. Williams with your thoughts.  He can be reached at [email protected] for comments or questions.