While the A-10 has always played second (or seventh) fiddle to the six power conferences, there are a ton of useful prospects that NBA scouts are keeping an eye on for the future. With round one missing on the higher profile teams, lets take a look at the lesser known prospects that have some intriguing upside.
Aaric Murray - C, La Salle
One of the A-10's best prospects has plenty of Philly roots. He's flashed a ton of potential in various points in the game but doesn't do well in dominating his opponents. He's got a lot of Lavoy Allen in him -- good on the glass, a nice outside shot, and a high basketball IQ. But unfortunately he's got the bad Lavoy as well. Too much complacency and not demanding the ball or controlling the tempo from the post. If he can continue improving his outside shot, his 6'10 frame will be really tough to stop anywhere on the court. He already said he won't be coming out this season, but after his junior year I think he'll jump ship.
Andrew Nicholson - F, St. Bonaventure
Matching up against Murray will be the Bonnies best player, Nicholson, the senior from Ontario. As a 6'9 junior without an outside shot, he's strictly an inside player in the vein of a Jeff Adrien minus the strength. He's a bit wiry at 225 pounds and despite a nice little post game, he could use a more reliable jump shot to turn himself into a guy like Anthony Tolliver. His offensive production is deniable though, he's gone for 30+ four times this season and topped off at 44 in a 4-OT game against Ohio on his way to a First Team All A-10 selection. It's unlikely he'll be drafted because of his limited defensive ability and unspectacular rebounding.
Delroy James - F, Rhode Island
It seems like Delroy has been at URI for a decade at least. Unfortunately, as his role and points have increased, his efficiency has gone down. He shoots an awful percentage from the outside and isn't tough enough on the boards to pass as an inside player. The best thing DJ has going for him is his defense. He gets to balls everywhere on the court and can guard three positions if need be. He'll be crucial if URI beats St. Louis to take on the tough Richmond squad. As a senior, he could get the Ryan Reid treatment as a surprise late second rounder in June.
Chris Wright - F, Dayton
Recognized as one of the most athletic wings in the entire conference, Wright hasn't improved upon his bright freshman season as much as scouts hoped. He shot 60% as a freshman and intrigued everyone with his tools, but it's gone down to a light 46% as a senior. His rebounding has steadily increased and with his ability to block shots at 6'8, he could be worth a shot in the draft for a team with patience in the second round. While his jump shot is still lacking, he has improved in other, less box-scorey places. His pro prospects may be the best in the conference.
Murray and La Salle tip off against Nicholson and the Bonnies at 5 PM.