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Adam Woodbury has NBA size, but perhaps not NBA athleticism. His name is unlikely to be called on June 23rd but that doesn't mean he won't get an opportunity at an NBA camp, in the D-League or in Europe. Although he has size, which as they say can't be taught, unfortunately, the NBA is moving somewhat away from traditional, plodding, seven-foot centers. The game is becoming faster, and versatile forwards who can guard bigger than their physical stature is what's valued now.
Out of high school, Adam Woodbury was a highly sought prospect. Many top programs wanted him, but originally, from Sioux City, Iowa, he opted to stay home. Some have been disappointed by his development, but he carved out an important niche for a talented Iowa team. The Hawkeyes had scoring (Jarrod Uthoff, Peter Jok) and perimeter leadership (Mike Gesell). Woodbury filled the rebounding void, and added physicality.
Woodbury plays with an edge, and that should help him no matter where he continues his career. (According to one story, he poked Frank Kaminsky, Melo Trimble and Nigel Hayes in separate games. Woodbury contends they were inadvertent pokes.) He's physical, and relishes in the dirty work required to be successful. (Anyone who watched Iowa for even a little bit could see that.)
As a senior, Woodbury averaged 25 minutes, 7.6 points and 8.3 rebounds a game. He also shot 55 percent from the floor, and helped set a physical tone for a very talented Iowa team. Statistically, he doesn't jump off the page, but his value resides in the intangibles.
Defensively, he'll need to leverage that intensity and physicality. At the next level, Woodbury will have to demonstrate better perimeter athleticism. Unfortunately, big men have been asked more and more to switch onto guards, or at least corral them in pick-and-rolls.
He'll also need to become a better rim protector. Last season, Woodbury only had 10 blocks in 836 minutes played. The NBA asks a great deal of its big men, which is why the whole league is going smaller, to be more flexible. He won't be able to make it in the NBA if he can't be a plus defender.
Offensively, Woodbury doesn't have an array of moves, but that's not likely his role at the next level anyway. Occasionally, Iowa could dump the ball to him, and get a jump hook or an easier basket around the rim. But, he won't be asked to do that in the NBA. Woodbury is a very capable and strong finisher around the basket. In most cases, though, he'll need to be fed by others.
Really, he'll have to make his mark on defense if he wants to sustain an NBA career. His effort and that edge will serve him well to develop in that role. Unfortunately, his career is likely not in the NBA. He may get a look at a camp, or could get some run in the D-League, if teams consider him a prospect worth developing.
Woodbury could also look overseas, and his talents would certainly be in demand abroad. Or, who knows? Maybe he'll actually pursue that career in the WWE.