Sports (FPN) Twin Brothers Marcus and Markieff Morris NCAA As Followed By Their Cousin Van Stone Downing Is Kyrie Irving the Best NCAA Prospect?

Is Kyrie Irving the Best Prospect in the NCAA Tournament?

Markieff Morris

Markieff Morris Might Look Better To Scouts in 2011 NBA Draft

The Kansas Jayhawks have two great forwards who should go in the first round of the NBA Draft without a problem. One is perimeter great Marcus Morris, and the other is his twin brother, inside force Markieff Morris.

While Marcus is a great offensive threat, Markieff has been a great defender and rebounder for the Kansas Jayhawks during their NCAA Championship run. Would Markieff be able to become a lottery pick if they won the tournament? Perhaps the bigger question is whether or not he can overtake his brother.

Most NBA mock drafts have Marcus going a couple picks ahead of Markieff right now, which on the surface makes sense since he does have better college numbers. ESPN's Chad Ford has Markieff ranked 25th on his big board, saying:

"Markieff Morris has improved his offensive game, though it's not quite equal to Marcus' yet. Markieff, however, is an inch taller and has proven to be a better rebounder and shot-blocker...Will he be a consistent enough threat in the pros to warrant a lottery pick?"

That's the main question surrounding Markieff right now, and where better than in the tournament to prove that he can be a threat?

I'm sure many would attack me for saying this, but if I were choosing around 15th or so and both players were on the board, I would actually draft Markieff. Yes, he's not quite as good offensively, but it's easier to find a guy who can throw up 10 points a night then it is to find a presence in the low post.

Markieff's rebounding and defensive talent also translates better into the NBA, so he would make a more immediate impact. Could Marcus be better in the long run? It's certainly possible, but Markieff's size and abiltiies make him an ideal power forward, and hopefully NBA scouts start seeing this.