Soaring Down South
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Atlanta Hawks: Players To Target With The No. 44 Pick

By Colby Giacubeno

Feb 28, 2016; Corvallis, OR, USA; Oregon State Beavers guard Gary Payton II (20) celebrates a victory after a game against the Washington State Cougars at Gill Coliseum. The Beavers won 69-49. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 28, 2016; Corvallis, OR, USA; Oregon State Beavers guard Gary Payton II (20) celebrates a victory after a game against the Washington State Cougars at Gill Coliseum. The Beavers won 69-49. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 19, 2016; Charlottesville, VA, USA; Virginia Cavaliers guard Malcolm Brogdon (15) dribbles the ball as Clemson Tigers guard Gabe DeVoe (10) defends in the second half at John Paul Jones Arena. The Cavaliers won 69-62. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 19, 2016; Charlottesville, VA, USA; Virginia Cavaliers guard Malcolm Brogdon (15) dribbles the ball as Clemson Tigers guard Gabe DeVoe (10) defends in the second half at John Paul Jones Arena. The Cavaliers won 69-62. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports /

Malcolm Brogdon- Virginia

2015-16 statistics: 18.2 PPG, 4.1 RPG, 3.1 APG

Brogdon is the definition of an ‘old-school’ draft prospect. The 6’6″ wing had a very successful four years as a member of the Virginia Cavaliers by collecting a number of awards including: Consensus first-team All-American (2016), ACC Player of the Year (2016), NABC Defensive Player of the Year (2016), three-time first-team All-ACC, and Consensus second-team All-American (2015).

Brogdon shined in Tony Bennett’s strict system on both ends of the floor. His discipline and hard work paid off as he improved every season he was at Virginia, but nothing improved more quite like his three-point shot. Brogdon went from shooting 32 percent after his freshman season to 41 percent when his senior campaign was all said and done.

Most importantly, Brogdon comes from a winning culture. This season, he led the Cavaliers to a 29-8 record and an Elite Eight appearance in the NCAA Tournament.

With Kent Bazemore expected to receive several huge contracts after he becomes an unrestricted free agent in July, Brogdon could be a good fit to step in and play minutes behind Thabo Sefolosha. It would also give the Hawks the freedom to play Sefolosha and Brogdon at the same time, which would bring an immense amount of defensive prowess.

Brodgon is going to immediately be viewed as a 3-and-D type of player that every team needs. His strength and athleticism will help him if he is ever matched up on bigger players like LeBron James and Kevin Durant.

Next: Isaiah Whitehead