VITALS: 6-9, 210, Starkville HS (MS) OVERVIEW: Outlaw is an early entry candidate out of Starkville, Mississippi who signed with Mississippi State before deciding not to attend college. Outlaw led Starkville High School to a 28-3 record and it fell short of the state title with a 61-54 overtime loss to Vicksburg. Outlaw was an all-state selection his final three years of high school. Outlaw participated in a pair of high school postseason all-star games, scoring 10 points in the McDonald's All-American game in Cleveland and collecting 13 points and six rebounds in the Roundball Classic in Chicago. Outlaw also participated in the 2002 ABCD camp and was a consensus top-25 player. LIKELY DRAFT POSITION: Second round. If Outlaw goes in the first round, it would likely be to either Portland, the Lakers or San Antonio. Portland has had success with teenage draft picks in the past, and the Lakers and Spurs can afford to wait on a project because of their current talent. COMPARATIVE UPSIDE: Darius Miles COMPARATIVE DOWNSIDE: Kei Madison, Jervaughn Scales, Sunday Adebayo ROLE PROJECTION: Reserve. POSITIVES: If there is a player made to compete in an up-tempo offense, Outlaw is it. At 6-9 with a 40-inch vertical leap, Outlaw beats defenders down the floor with his light feet and will challenge any shot-blocker that stands in his way. SHORTCOMINGS: Outlaw has virtually no basketball skills. He is a mediocre ballhandler and a poor shooter by small forward standards. His 210-pound frame would make him the thinnest power forward in the league by 20 pounds. So what is really Outlaw's position? That is a trick question; he does not have one. WHAT THEY'RE SAYING: "Outlaw is great athlete, one of the best in the draft. He's really light, but he can get to the basket and finish. His jump shot has improved. He eventually will be a great player." Memphis Grizzlies scout Rodney Heard
With his athletic ability he could be a starter, but not for a several years. He's a freakish athelete but he is incredibly raw, even for a high schooler. It makes me question his work ethic, why isn't he a better player at his age? With his tools even a token about of work on his fundamentals would make him a much better player. Outlaw made a mistake by not pulling a Wagner/'Melo and doing a one and done. If he goes in the first round I wouldn't be surprised to see him enjoy his fat, guarenteed paycheck and squander some of his athleticism while he languishes on the bench for a good team. For his sake I hope he slips to the 2nd round and goes to a poor team where he has to fighting for minutes, money and his career everyday.
