The Center Spectrum

Hasheem Thabeet, University of Connecticut: 7 foot 3, 263 lbs. 13.6 ppg, 10.8 rpg, 4.2 bpg. 64% from the field, 62.7% from the line.

Luke Nevill, University of Utah: 7 foot 2, 265 lbs. 16.8 ppg, 9 rpg, 2.7 bpg. 60.7% from the field, 78.6% from the line.

Thabeet, co-Big East Player of the Year, is a work in progress on the offensive end, scoring single digit points in 30% of his teams games in 08-09, and is also a below average free throw shooter, but what he lacks in offense is more than made up for with his defense, evidenced by his National Defensive Player of the Year award. Thabeet had his share of big games, but also had a couple of games where his impact wasn't felt, due to foul trouble. Playing in a big conference on the East Coast on a Final Four team, everyone knows about the second team All-American.

Nevill, Mountain West Conference Player of the Year & honorable mention All-American, is a skilled offensive player. He has shown that you can run an offense through him, as the Runnnin' Utes' offense was run primarily inside-out, through the big Aussie. Showing a deft touch inside for a man of his size, and good passing skills, Nevill is not your typical lumbering big man, but rather a very skilled center. No slouch on the defensive end, Nevill was also named the Mountain West Conference Defensive Player of the Year. Nevill did not have much exposure this year, playing in the West, and in a non BCS conference, despite the MWC's ranking as the 7th best conference.

Hasheem Thabeet is currently projected to be a top 3 selection.

Luke Nevill is projected to be taken in the 2nd round to un-drafted.

Why?

Age is not a factor, as Thabeet is almost exactly one year younger. Aesthetic minutia isn't a factor, as Nevill looks like Gary Busey, and Thabeet looks as though he wears a diaper on the court. Thabeet is the superior defensive player, but Nevill is better on the offensive end.

You won't find anyone arguing that Nevill is a better prospect than Thabeet, but I find it hard to believe that the difference between these two gargantuans is in the 60 pick range.

Update: Accounts say that Mr. Nevill dominated BJ Mullens at the Minnesota workout.