C.J. Aiken, Junior, Power Forward, St. Joseph’s
Overview:
A 6-9, 200-pound threat with the basketball, Aiken has been a strong defensive presence for St. Joseph’s each of his first two years. During the 2010-11 campaign, Aiken set the second-highest mark for blocked shots in a season (117) and ranked third in the nation at 3.5 blocks per game. To go with 7.4 points and 4.3 rebounds that first season, Aiken quickly established himself as a player who was a strong defender, if not a sharp shooter.
Aiken’s first season was followed by an even sharper second. Not only did the forward post 120 blocks and come within one of the team’s all-time blocks record, his offense increased markedly. Aiken had plenty of single-digit games in his freshman season, but that changed as a sophomore when Aiken had 10.9 points and 5.1 rebounds per game. It was still a far cry from the 16.9 points and 10 rebounds that Aiken posted at Plymouth-Whitemarsh (PA), but Aiken proved he was learning quickly. For his efforts, Aiken earned Atlantic 10 Defensive Player of the Year honors.
Final Projection:
Aiken is getting better with each passing game, but it is hard to tell if that improvement will transfer over to offense. His draft position, which right now sits toward the bottom of the first round, could rise to lottery status if Aiken’s numbers dramatically rise and St. Joseph’s has a stronger season overall. Even if his offense doesn’t improve, teams could still use a strong defender so Aiken’s draft status should not drop too far down.
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