Kansas big man Jeff Withey went No. 39 overall to the Portland Trail Blazers in the 2013 NBA Draft.
NBA Draft 2013: Portland Trail Blazers select Jeff Withey at No. 39
Withey, the Big 12’s all-time leading shot blocker, is headed to Portland.
More: Blazers Edge
Originally set to attend Arizona, Withey transferred to Kansas and turned a full five years of college into an NBA future. Stuck behind Marcus Morris, Markieff Morris and Thomas Robinson, Withey didn't blossom until his junior season. In 2011-12, he and Robinson led the Jayhawks to the championship game, where they fell to the Kentucky Wildcats. But Withey improved upon his junior averages of nine points, 6.3 rebounds and 3.6 blocks per game. He put in 13.7 points, 8.5 rebounds and 3.9 blocks per game in his final season.
One of the best pure defenders in the draft, Withey will provide an NBA team with a true shotblocking presence. With a 7'2 wingspan, Withey shows elite timing on his blocks to boot. But he has several weaknesses, as well. Though he's a true seven-footer with shoes, Withey checked in at just 222 pounds. He'll need to build his lower body in order to hold his position in the post. And although nobody is expecting Withey to be an scoring force, his lack of an offensive repertoire makes him a one-dimensional player.
Look for Withey to come off the bench in his rookie year and help protect the rim for the rebuilding Trail Blazers.
More from SB Nation:
• Draft resources: Scouting reports | Team Needs | Big Board
See More:
