NBA Mock Draft 2013: Predicting Picks 21-30
By Andy Serbe
28. San Antonio Spurs: Jeff Withey, Kansas (C)
Age: 23 (Senior)
Height/Weight: 7’0/222
Mar 29, 2013; Arlington, TX, USA; Kansas Jayhawks guard Travis Releford (left) and center Jeff Withey (right) run onto the court prior to the semifinal game against the Michigan Wolverines in the South regional of the 2013 NCAA Tournament at Cowboys Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
Jeff Withey’s first talents are on defense. He elevates very well and has great instincts, which combine to make him a fantastic prospect on that end of the floor.
To add to that, he complements his large frame and athleticism with a 7’3 wingspan. The only knock is that he could use a bit more strength, particularly on his lower body. That would have the added benefit of making his leaping ability and potential for blocking even greater.
Withey bears some similarity to the player picked ahead of him in this mock draft in that he doesn’t take many shots and doesn’t have much offensive prowess.
However, he’s very efficient on those few attempts. He’s not overly quick, has no true back to the basket game and lacks a mid-range game to complement that inside game. His defensive instinct and game added to his size and physicality make him easily worth this pick for an increasingly defensive-minded Spurs team.