Jerry Lai-USA Today Sports
Name: Norvel Pelle
Age: 20
Height: 6-foot-10
Position: Power Forward
School/Country: L.A. City Prep (former St. John’s/Iona commit)
Latest Stats: N/A
If you are looking for the most intriguing prospect within the 2013 NBA Draft field, look no further than Norvel Pelle. An original member of the high school class of 2011, Pelle had the intentions of playing his collegiate ball at St. John’s. After he was originally ruled ineligible prior to the start of the 2011-12 season, Pelle was forced to look elsewhere.
His next step: Iona. However, Pelle was once again ruled ineligible this past season and now he’s had enough of the collegiate ranks and the NCAA.
Pelle, a 6-foot-10 power forward, has made himself eligible for this year’s draft, but he remains the definition of an enigma to NBA scouts. Pelle will have a huge opportunity to turn some heads in pre-draft workouts and at the NBA combine, but there are no guarantees that he will hear his name called in June — he simply doesn’t have the experience that most draft entries feature on their resumes, but that’s why his play leading up to that final Thursday in June is crucial
Strengths: Pelle has good size at 6-foot-10 and he has no trouble playing above the rim. It’s a shame that the NCAA never cleared him in either of the past two seasons because he is a true talent with a decent upside. Pelle is an improving shot blocker with strong defensive skills. He’s active in the half court and he can attack the glass and make a move with his unique face-up game.
Weaknesses: Pelle’s biggest weakness is of course his experience. He needs to add some strength and improve on his skill set on the offensive end even more. Pelle is basically making the leap from the prep ranks to the NBA, so we will see what he brings to the table against better competition.
Draft Projection: Late Second Round to Undrafted
Follow Paul Seaver on Twitter: @PaulSeaverRS
