NLL Insider

NLL Insider's top dawg in the '09 NLL Entry Draft, Ilija Gajic.

Last year NLL Insider brought you our Hot 30, looking at the top 30 pro prospects we liked heading into the ‘08 National Lacrosse League Entry Draft, Daryl Veltman leading the pack and eventually going first overall to the Boston Blazers.

With this year’s draft not only more top-heavy but also deeper than we’ve seen in years, NLL Insider has dropped another 20 names in this year’s ranking, looking at the best 50 players available in tomorrow’s draft, the New Westminster Salmobellies’ rugged, tenacious, two-way power forward, Ilija Gajic, taking the top spot.

So after the jump, check out some of this year’s top prospects available, the guys we deem the best pound-for-pound ballers from 1-50, and make sure to check in during and after the draft for more extensive coverage at NLL Insider.

THE HOT 50

(1) Ilija Gajic – Denver University & New Westminster Salmonbellies (WLA)
He might not go first overall, that title looks like it will go to Sid Smith, but for anyone that has seen Gajic in a Bellies’ sweater over the past three summers, you know how good this guy already is, playing in two Mann Cups against and with the sport’s best, all at the age of just 24. He’s tough, skilled, athletic, has off the charts leadership skills and on the right team, could be a Top 10 scorer in the NLL during his rookie year.

(2) Sid Smith – Syracuse University & Six Nations Chiefs (MSL)
Smith looks like he’ll join Brodie Merrill as the NLL’s only defensive players to go first overall in the draft, the recent NCAA National champ already getting and nailing down top level assignments playing for the Chiefs in the MSL (and MLL with the Nationals). He’s a hard as hell checker and plays exceptional fundamental, one-on-one D. He’ll go first overall on Wednesday unless something earth shattering happens.

(3) Zack Greer – Bryant University & Long Island Lizards (MLL)
Do not, we repeat, do not buy into the talk that Greer is too soft for box. For anyone that saw him during the OLA Jr. A post-season final against the Six Nations Arrows in ‘04 (an epic seven game war), you know Greer is more than capable of playing in heavy, hard hitting traffic with still enough left in the tank to carry the load. The head hunting on Greer the following summer was absolutely disgusting at times, but if you wanna pass over Greer cuz he hasn’t been playing amateur box over the last couple summers (see Sean Greenhalgh, Merrick Thomoson and Jeff Zywicki, all NLL first rounders who took a number of summers off while at school) after setting insane NCAA scoring records, you’ll be shaking your head for years to come, guaranteed.

(4) Cliff Smith – Denver University & New Westminster Salmonbellies (WLA)
Smith’s game is so mature, so effective and so NLL-ready it’s not even funny. He’s currently playing like a seasoned vet at the Mann Cup, bringing amazing footwork, on-floor O leadership, great decision making ability and even a “not gonna be pushed around” toughness that will easily see him starting 16 games in the NLL this winter. He’s also one of those slippery, shifty kinda forwards that is so hard to get a handle or clean hit on in tight. Should be  nightmare to put a leash on in the NLL.

(5) Garrett Billings – Virginia University & Langley Thunder (WLA)
He was named the WLA’s top rook playing for a very young Langley Thunder team this past summer and might be the most natural goal scorer available in the draft this year. Billings always finds a way to put points on the board and is seemingly always in a scoring opportunity due to his solid first step, creativity and smarts. Might make short work of Rhys Duch’s new pro rookie scoring record, he’s that good.

(6) Joel Dalgarno – Ohio State University & Maple Ridge Burrards
Dalgarno has posted 100 points in his first two seasons of Sr. A ball with Maple Ridge, which is even scarier when you factor in that he’s only played 23 games out of a possible 36 during that time. Dalgarno brings good size, a solid work ethic, good mobility in traffic and an ability to score that just can’t be taught.

(7) Alex Gajic – Denver University & Langley Thunder (WLA)
Another in a long line of solid O prospects this year, Gajic’s early entry in this year’s draft continues to load up a first round that could go down in history as the best ever. Gajic, one the the junior game’s most prolific scorers and O leaders over the past ten years, the younger Gajic brother is a beast on O (6′4″ 225 lbs) due to his size, but also has some gifted hands which saw him kill the scoring charts during his junior days, scoring almost 160 goals during his time with the Burnaby Lakers. The two-time Minto winner was an NLL Insider All-Canadian First Team member in his last year of junior in ‘08.

(8) Max Siebald – Cornell University & Denver Outlaws (MLL)
Likely going higher than eighth on Wednesday, Siebald has long been considered the top American prospect available in this year’s draft, many feeling he’ll fill an offensive defender role in the indoor game, similar to what Paul Rabil did with the Stealth in ‘09. The former Big Red captain has size, speed, legit skills at either end of the court and can even take draws if needed. Plus, and maybe most importantly, he’s interested in making the transition to the indoor game.

(9) Stephen Leblanc – Queens University & Langley Thunder (WLA)
Playing DII ball mighta kept him a bit off of some’s radar over the past year, but after scoring a ridiculous 54 goals at Queens, followed up by a solid rookie season with the Langley Thunder, the former Burnaby Lakers’ Ontario import (formerly of the Burlington Chiefs) and scoring ace is no doubt on absolutely everyone’s wish-list heading into tomorrow’s draft. Although his goal numbers at Queens this year were impressive, it’s likely the unselfish Leblanc might be more of a set-up man in the NLL, due to his impressive on-floor vision.

(10) Bobby Snider – Bellarmine University & New Westminster Salmonbellies (WLA)
He might be catching a ton of attention recently for his “hit” on Colin Doyle at the Mann Cup, but Snider’s game really should be getting ink for a variety of other reasons. The three-time Minto Cup winner and little bro to the Philadelphia Wings’ Geoff Snider, is a stud at the circle just like Geoff and is also a steady defensive presence for New West, playing good, consistent D for the Bellies, athletic enough to push the press and transition things very quickly. Snider is far from flashy, but is a good, honest, hard working player that also just got named to Canada’s final 55 camp.

(11) Corey Small – Albany University & K-W Kodiaks (MSL)
He was a prolific scorer both with the St. Catharines Athletics and at school in Albany, putting up decent numbers during his first year of Sr. A ball this summer with the Kodiaks (16G, 13G, 22A). Small overcame a serious injury (compartment syndrome in his calf and then post-surgery complications) this past year, his comeback to the game truly amazing. Small, who coincidentally is on the small size (5′9″), plays with a ton of heart and shows up in money situations.

(12) Matt Beers – Coquitlam Adanacs (BCJALL)
Beers’ last minute inclusion in this year’s draft has created a real buzz and generated a lot of interest from all over the league, the Jr. Adanacs’ defensive leader considered by many to be this past season’s best pure defender in the BC junior loop. He’s tough as hell, hard checking, smash mouth and can more than handle himself when the mitts hit the court. The gritty Coquitlam captain could slip into the first round depending on how things play out mid-way through the first ten picks.

(13) Brad Richardson – Denver University & Coquitlam Adanacs (WLA)
A big, strong, athletic pure defender, Brad Richardson has easily settled into the Coquitlam Adanac’s back court after a junior career with the Burnaby Lakers that saw him haul off three Minto rings. Richardson plays solid, tight, one-on-one D and has a pretty decent stick that could see him score the odd goal on the press.

(14) Damon Edwards – Orangeville Northmen (OLA Jr. A)
This could end up being a wasted pick, or a bit of a steal depending on how things play out behind the scenes. Edwards, who just won a Minto Cup with the Orangeville Northmen after getting picked up at the trade deadline via the Toronto Beaches, has pro potential written all over him. He’s got maybe the best speed of anyone in the junior game, is a looseball vacuum, tough on D and plays with a style and energy that would no doubt flourish in today’s up tempo NLL. With past opportunities to play on scholarship at both Denver University and Onondaga CC, Edwards went to Brock University last year, which would make him eligible for this year’s draft. If Edwards opts for the pro game this year, he could end up being one of the biggest pickups tomorrow. If not though, the NLL is still three-ish years away from seeing him on pro courts.

(15) Dan Hardy – Syracuse University & Denver Outlaws (MLL)
A proven winner, scorer and leader, Hardy’s stock has grown immensely over the summer after landing the MLL’s rookie of the year nod, his past experience in box leagues growing up a huge plus not many US field studs bring to the table. Might be the most NLL ready of any US NCAA prospects since someone like Ryan Boyle, who took like a fish to water during his first year in San Jose.

(16) Kyle Clancy – Peterborough Lakers (OLA Jr. A)
His big numbers turn heads, but his toughness, grittiness, intensity, size and zero quit are what make Clancy easily one of this year’s most intriguing junior level offensive prospects. This kid won’t get knocked around in the NLL even as early as this year if he can nail down a spot. Clancy is also just over a year away from making some noise playing for Canada at the U19 Worlds.

(17) Shaun Dhaliwal – Burnaby Lakers (BCJALL)
He’s capable of playing a variety of roles on O due to his aggressive, athletic, yet very much skilled game, Dhaliwal already getting called up to put time in with both New West and Langley’s senior squads this past summer.

(18) Rhys Jones – Victoria Shamrocks (BCJALL)
Although he’s received little buzz heading into this year’s draft, look out for Rhys Jones. Named the Jr. Shamrocks’ top defender this year, Jones is an absolute beast on D, a mobile monster at 6′4″ and 225 lbs, and will pound O guys into the ground if they try getting away with anything in front of his cage. His straight D game is solid and he comes complete with an edge that had a lot of guys fearing him this year.

(19) Kenny Nims – Syracuse University & Chicago Machine (MLL)
Not sure Nims is anywhere near as eager as Orange teammate Dan Hardy, but you can bet due to his clutch play and leadership at Syracuse, and just overall lacrosse ability, Nims will be a fairly high pick on draft day. He’s not necessarily known for his physical play, so an obvious knock against him might be that he won’t be into the hard hitting NLL, but in the right situation, Nims could definitely work in this league, if he’s interested.

(20) Carlton Schuss – Delta Islanders (BCJALL)
A power forward in every sense of the position, Schuss is as strong as an ox, not afraid to put it all on the line to open lanes up for the rest of the O on the floor, but also has good hands (for fightin’ and for scoring). The kinda guy you hate to play against, but love to have in your locker room.

(21) Brandon Corp – Colgate University & Boston Cannons (MLL)
Corp told NLL Insider earlier this summer that he’s not interested in the NLL, but even with that said, he’ll still go relatively early on the day. Corp was actually considered by a number of GM’s and scouts as a better probable future NLL player than Siebald due to his aggressive, physical and high scoring brand of ball. Some NLL GM’s feel that if Corp lands on a team like the Blazers, he might change his mind. Unless a team has already touched base with Corp, taking him tomorrow will be a very dicey move, but could pay off down the road.

(22) Holdon Vyse – Onondaga CC & Six Nations Arrows (OLA Jr. A)
A similar game to Sid Smith, both relying on playing solid positional D versus using full out speed or athleticism. A hard checking, smart, pure defender that could even find a starting gig in 2010 in the right situation.

(23) Dane Stevens – Brampton Excelsiors (OLA Jr. A)
Don’t be surprised to see Stevens go even a bit higher, catching a lot of buzz after an impressive Minto Cup with the Brampton Excels. The former Delta and Burnaby forward is one of those guys that does all the gritty stuff on O to make things happen, but is also skilled enough to just as easily pour on a hat-trick. Very versatile, very dynamic and isn’t afraid to push the opposition’s buttons. He brings good size (6′3″ 200 lbs.) and doesn’t shy away from physical play.

(24) PT Ricci – Loyola College & Washington Bayhawks (MLL)
Ricci is getting pegged as a probable speedy two-way defender that can likely push the press and maybe even net the odd break. Ricci is serious about trying to make a go of it in the NLL, his speed and looseball nabbin’ ability his greatest transferable assets from the field game.

(25) Ryan Learn – Burlington Chiefs (OLA Jr. A)
A shifty, speedy, clutch offensive threat, who had a big bounce back year on the Chiefs’ charts, leading the team in scoring this past summer. Hard to get an angle or good straight check on, Learn is considered a solid offensive prospect whose speed and smarts might land him a secondary O gig in the NLL as early as 2010.

(26) Brett Mydske – New Westminster Salmonbellies (BCJALL)
Last year, the BCJALL’s voted on best defender, Mike Gilmore, was amazingly passed over during the ‘08 draft, later landing a spot on the Coquitlam Adanacs’ senior squad, starting for the team all summer as a steady and effective pure defender. Mydske, this year’s top defender in the province, is a versatile D prospect that has good speed on the press, dropping 11 goals throughout ‘09.

(27) Steve Priolo – St. Catharines Athletics (OLA Jr. A)
A year ago, Priolo was on absolutely no one’s radar, pursuing a basketball career at the University of Windsor. Priolo later left the school and instead landed a spot on the A’s ‘09 roster, turning into a solid defender, with a mean streak to match. Plays solid positional ball, has really good wheels and is one tough SOB. Might need a bit of extra time to adapt to the pro game, but the potential and raw athletic talent Priolo has is through the roof.

(28) Chris Corbeil – Brampton Excelsiors (OLA Jr. A)
Like Stevens, Corbeil turned a lot of pro heads during this year’s Minto, another strong, big, intimidating, athletic defender, who has the tools to transition to the fast paced NLL.

(29) Kory Kowalyk – Victoria Shamrocks (BCJALL)
One of this year’s top graduating BCJALL forwards, Kowalyk excelled with added responsibilities on the Shamrocks’ O, scoring over 40 goals during both the regular season and playoffs combined. The big thing with Kowalyk, is the kid is built like a truck (6′2″, 225 lbs.) and hard to knock off the ball.

(30) Michael Evans – Johns Hopkins & Washington Bayhawks (MLL)
A very interesting US defensive prospect, Evans’ hard checking, physical, pounding, high profile coverage game is exactly what NLL GM’s look for when searching for fresh meat for the indoor game.

(31) Ryan Hoff – University of Notre Dame & Chicago Machine (MLL)
A bull with good hands in traffic, Hoff is already getting mentions as a future Jake Bergey type player in the NLL. He’s a big time shooter and even bigger scorer with a slick shooting percentage.

(32) Brandon Turner – Coquitlam Adanacs (BCJALL)
Turner actually showed up to an NLL free agent camp a few years back, and although ineligible at the time, he was pretty impressive. A good, no-nonsense defender that was a final five finalist during this year’s JOTY’s, Turner reads the floor well, plays hard hitting pure D and carries a work ethic and desire few players have.

(33) Matt Miyashita – Burnaby Lakers (BCJALL)
Extremely underrated even in just the junior loop, Miyashita is a tenacious, athletic, in your face defender, constantly pushing the pace. A work horse whose style of play is always one teams are looking to fill effectively in the NLL.

(34) Matt Abbott – Syracuse University & Washington Bayhawks (MLL)
Like teammate Nims, not sure where Abbott stands as far as taking the plunge in the NLL. On skill and athletic ability alone, he could do big things in the NLL, a likely looseball vacuum, playing a two-way role.

(35) Dave Hodgins – Mars Hill College
You can’t teach a scoring sense like Hodgins has possessed over the years, both with Mars Hill and previously as a dominating Jr. B scoring champ with the Fratmen. Between his long list of bullets on his resume, floor vision, physicality and extreme eagerness to land a spot in the NLL, a team looking to improve their O would be nuts to not give this guy look.

(36) Matt Campbell – Bellarmine University & K-W Kodiaks
Another guy that might not be on everyone’s radar, Campbell, a former Orangeville Northmen Jr. B starter, quietly started all season on the Kodiaks’ D during his first full season of everyday Sr. ball, and ya know what, he looked pretty good. A great team guy that would do anything asked of him, Campbell is a solid overall athlete that should be able to keep up with the NLL’s style of ball. He’s got “sleeper pick” written all over him.

(37) John Glynn – Cornell University & Long Island Lizards (MLL)
The Big Red middie can do a bit of everything, including taking face-offs, leaving some to think he could be this year’s Stephen Peyser, or close to this year’s Stephen Peyser. Is apparently interested in trying to land a gig in the league, a huge plus.

(38) Zach Bowen – St. Catharines Athletics (OLA Jr. A)
Like we mentioned before, this year’s keeper pool is a lot tougher to predict than it was last year with Nick Rose and Matt Flindell at the head of the class. Bowen’s consistency and clutch play gives him the edge in the Top 50 this year, his overall athleticism and reflexes enough to think he’ll be able to transition to the bigger pro cages.

(39) Cody Johnson – Onondaga CC & Six Nations Arrows (OLA Jr. A)
Big time speed and enough skill to play at either end of the court, although a two-way defensive role is probably the best fit for Johnson at the big show. A Jeff Shattler or Tom Montour type player that could be deadly on the press.

(40) Erik Sage – Victoria Shamrocks (BCJALL)
Although we might start sounding like a broken record, Sage is another western prospect who played a D heavy role this year, but has enough tools in his box to give teams some added benefits elsewhere on the rug too. A good lockdown defender that can read the floor well and run the court too. Tough, intense and difficult to beat cleanly one-on-one.

(41) Ray Hodgkinson – Burnaby Lakers (BCJALL)
Although we have Bowen ranked as our first keeper in the rundown, Hodgkinson might be more pro ready than any other goaltender available this year. He can move really well for a big guy (6′4″, 225 lbs.) and has already had the opportunity to get a bit of Sr. time under his belt with New Westminster, Burnaby and most recently Langley during the WLA post-season. The best showing keeper at the BCJALL’s showcase game this summer.

(42) Jonathon Diplock – Nanaimo Timbermen (BCJALL)
“The key to Jonny’s game is the fact he is relentless, a tireless worker and someone who doesn’t let bigger opponents or defenders stop his game and his desire to get to the net.” – former Calgary Roughnecks GM and current Nanaimo assistant coach, Dave Bremner

(43) Brad Ross – Duke University & Toronto Nationals (MLL)
Ross is getting a lot of hype due to the fact that he spent his summer surrounded by some of the best NLL talent in the game while with the Nationals. He’s a quick middie that could be an effective two-way guy in the NLL. Likely to go higher due to his Nationals connections.

(44) Zac McIlmoyle – Peterborough Lakers (OLA Jr. A)
McIlmoyle had a really outstanding summer with the Lakers, finishing third in team scoring behind Jesse Guerin (’08 Rochester Knighthawks draft pick) and Kyle Clancy (ranked 16th above), good enough for seventh overall in Ontario. He’s a tenacious, aggressive, grinder on O, who moves the ball well but can also finish consistently too.

(45) Kiel Donahue – Calgary Mountaineers (RMLL Jr. A)
Although the Alberta junior scene is often overlooked, it’s gonna be hard to not give Donahue a serious look, a big, quick, athletic, smart, skilled ball player that has made a huge impact on the RMLL the past two summers. Best quote from our “Hello My Name Is…” series, “I never want to be out-worked, out-skilled, or out-muscled on the floor; and I hate losing.”

(46) Cam Appels – Burnaby Lakers (BCJALL)
The Lakers’ captain is a hard working, mature presence in Burnaby’s own end, also getting the call-up to the Sr. A Langley Thunder during their series against the New Westminster Salmonbellies.

(47) Geoff McNulty – St. Catharines Athletics (OLA Jr. A)
Quick, tough in traffic, good floor smarts and a solid play-maker that does all the little things to make the A’s O tick. A good prospect to have in your camp, who should do even bigger things next summer during his last year of junior ball.

(48) Jake Kicknosway – Six Nations Arrows (OLA Jr. A)
The Arrows second highest scorer in their post-Cody Jamieson offense, Kicknosway is a big body on O that doesn’t get pushed around, with solid feeding ability and a bit of a clutch twig, six regular season game winners over the past two summers.

(49) Billy Haire – Bucknell University
A big, athletic defender who excelled during routine high profile assignments while at Bucknell, brings a lot of the tools and game sense that transitions well indoors. Could be a bit of a steal pick. Confirmed with NLL Insider earlier this summer that he’s interested in landing a roster spot in the NLL.

(50) Mike Buck Jr. – Onondaga CC & St. Catharines Athletics
A regular in St. Catharines’ always impressive back court for the past four summers, Buck pays solid fundamental D but also can jump-start a team’s press.

Check back to NLL Insider during this year’s draft for live coverage from Buffalo, plus tons of post-draft coverage.

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