Trey Lyles is another Kentucky boy with a lot of upside. He stands 6-foot-10 with a 250 pound frame, and has great moves around the basket. He can knock it down in the mid-range, a shot he would find regularly within the Magic offense. His sound rebounding techniques and high basketball IQ would render him an ideal power forward for many years to come.
Lyles also has a 7-foot wingspan which means he could potentially help guard the rim. Shot blocking has been a forte of John Calipari-coached players (yes, even Daniel Orton), and it is quite possible he emerges as a decent rim protector.
Lyles has played some time next to Towns and also on his own at both post positions. Again, Kentucky just seems to have an unlimited well of talent.
He does not have the same height or length as Towns, but he is also a bigger body to move. He is going to be a load when he makes it to the NBA, provided he continues to develop.
So far this year, Lyles is averaging 7.8 points and 5.8 rebounds per game. His numbers translate 15.3 points and 11.4 rebounds per 40 minutes.
Draft Express currently has Lyles going 15th in next year’s Draft, so it is not entirely clear at this early stage whether he would declare. With Kentucky, it is hard for freshman to stay put. Playing alongside Willie Cauley-Stein also covers up a lot of defensive mistakes and helps make both Towns and Lyles look a little better on defense.
Next: Montrezl Harrell, Louisville