On March 30th, I wrote a post "Name To Keep in Mind Second Round" about Jeremy Tyler. 

http://www.netsdaily.com/2011/3/30/2080855/name-to-keep-in-mind-second-round

When I wrote this post, I do not believe he was getting any draft publicity whatsoever, but I was familiar with him mainly due to his trailblazing the idea of leaving HS to play (and get paid) professionally overseas.  Initially he was in Israel and it was a disaster and he left when not getting playing time.  He had the opportunity to work with Bob Hill in Japan (and Robert Swift) and is now training with Hill in Texas after the earthquake in Japan.

The NY Times ran a great story on him in today's edition:

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/04/21/sports/basketball/21iht-BASKETBALL21.html?pagewanted=1&_r=1&ref=sports

Over the past few weeks, I have seen his name discussed more in regards to the draft, and with so many of the big names pulling out of the draft - it is possible this kid ends up in the mid to late 20s....I am not sure I would take him that early and give him a guaranteed contract - solely because he really has not played against top tier talent in the past 2 years.  That said, the positive from this experience is that he realizes how hard you have to work to make it, and is more mature from these experiences than the average 19 or 20 year old.

NBADraft.net is actually projecting him to us with the 27th pick in the draft - and he could very easily rise in workouts. I think he is an intriguing name but ideally we would get someone with that 27th pick who could make an impact on our rotation in his rookie year.  But with guys like Kenneth Faried and Alec Burks unlikely to fall to us - he begins to make a bit more sense.  And if we could get him with our 2nd round pick - it becomes a huge steal.

Another name (I know very little about him) to keep in mind with our second rounder is DeAndre Liggins from Kentucky.  He was a defensive specialist who just declared today but will not hire an agent. He is a 6'6'' guard from Chicago who recently had a child - so my guess is that the financial pressures will force him to remain in the draft as second rounder.  Plus in a weak draft - this is probably his best shot at going high in the second round. I know very little about him - but if he is an elite defender at the wing position - could be worth a look.  Probably our second round pick would be far too high for him - but in a weak draft, you never know how things play out.  And the importance of having at least 1 defensive stopper on a roster is something you can not overlook if thinking about deep playoff runs and championship aspirations - particularly in the Eastern Conference.

I also am a real big fan of Jacob Pullen as an undersized guy with a huge heart who can score in bunches with the second unit.  Again - scoring bench players are very important pieces to acquire in the second round.