Arizona Basketball: Latest mock draft projections for former Wildcats

It seems as if we have two first rounders on our hands

We're just two months away from the 2015 NBA Draft and we're taking a look at some of the latest mock draft projections.

Stanley Johnson

Much like Aaron Gordon last year, Stanley is projected to go no later than 8th among almost every mock draft out there. However, with this draft class, it's hard to believe that Stanley can make the jump into the top five like Gordon did. If he doesn't go 7th to the Denver Nuggets, he's going 8th to the Detroit Pistons, which would actually be a great fit for him. Many scouts are comparing him to Kawhi Leonard, which is a pretty fair comparison. At 18 years old, Stanley Johnson has the ability to be great in this league. Sean Miller has yet to produce a super star in the NBA, but Johnson has the potential to be a perennial all-star, similar to that of Kawhi Leonard or Paul George

Rondae Hollis-Jefferson

Rondae was projected to be a lottery pick this time last year. Now a year later, he definitely sharpened his skills, but has slipped to becoming a late first rounder. No mock drafts have him going before 20, with most having him go around 23. Rondae is by far one of the most athletic wings in the draft this year, which could elevate his draft stock during the evaluation period, but that could be said about any prospect in the process. Bruce Bowen seems to be a pretty reasonable comparison for Rondae, minus the three point shooting ability. But as a late first rounder, Hollis-Jefferson will be looking at a contract worth just over $1 million.

Brandon Ashley

One that many believe should have really returned, especially considering the slow start to his season after coming back from a season-ending injury last season, Ashley is going to really have to impress scouts at the combine, work outs and interviews to lift his stock. Many sites have him going undrafted, but Sports Illustrated has him coming in at 50 to the Atlanta Hawks. It's hard to tell how Ashley will translate to the pro game. He's someone who could thrive as a role player or just come in for typical reserve minutes.

T.J. McConnell

Despite his success, McConnell has never really been considered as an NBA player. The similarities to former Ohio State guard Aaron Craft are there, who went undrafted in 2014. McConnell's age, 23, certainly doesn't help his case here either, as most guys in the draft are around 20 years old. The way the draft system works nowadays makes it so that picks outside the lottery rarely make it to the team roster immediately unless it's a significant need of the team. Any pick in the second round has to be a perfect fit for the team in order for them to truly find success in the league. For TJM, it seems as if he'll be working his way through the D-League or go overseas. Unless, of course, he wants to return to Arizona and join the coaching staff somehow.

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