Suns draft workouts: UA's Rondae Hollis-Jefferson sells defense, activity

Rondae Hollis-Jefferson is faster than almost any draft prospect. Few collegians project to be a more versatile wing defender. If personality had a metric, he would rank first.

When it comes to the draft, Hollis-Jefferson is still making the case to be more than a late first-round pick. He can save teams the trouble of poring over video and analytics with his own scouting report, which he delivered in third person as requested after his Suns pre-draft workout Friday.

"First, you got to match his intensity," Hollis-Jefferson said. "Second, you got to know where he is at all times. He's a good offensive rebounder, a good defensive rebounder, great defensive player. He's good in transition, getting to the basket. He's good at finding his teammates. He struggles a little bit from beyond the arc. He has a solid pull-up game. Watch out for that."

Hollis-Jefferson has the mindset of a defensive stopper, welcoming physical play. It is the role that could put the 6-foot-7, 215-pound UA sophomore on an NBA floor early in his career, especially with his athleticism and a 7-2 wingspan.

"He's not afraid to take on a defensive challenge," Suns General Manager Ryan McDonough said. "He feels like he can guard multiple positions. He's certainly capable of doing that in the NBA. He's also not afraid to talk. He's one of the more loquacious guys we've had in, over the past couple years."

Hollis-Jefferson needs a team to bank on his strengths and believe that his flat jump shot can be retooled for adequacy. He certainly will not be dismayed by the hole in his game — or much else.

"I can bring that energy," he said. "I can make guys feel comfortable. I can help push guys even though today is not my best day. You can count on a smile."

Another Wildcat, point guard T.J. McConnell, was in Friday's second six-prospect workout. He tied the Suns post-workout 3-minute run record with 28 ¾ court lengths, set last week by BYU's Tyler Haws.

"I'm just trying to show people I can shoot the ball," McConnell said. "I didn't really have to do that at U of A. I was so worried about getting other people the ball. I know teams, if I make a team, will go under and leave me open so I have to keep defenses honest."

Double workout

The Suns' first workout featured six first-round candidates: Jefferson, Louisville power forward Montrezl Harrell, Utah point guard Delon Wright, Georgia State shooting guard R.J. Hunter and Nevada-Las Vegas duo Christian Wood and Rashad Vaughn.

They are expected to go in the back half of the first round with Harrell being the most heralded at 6-8 with a 7-4 wingspan and a sturdy 253-pound frame. Harrell, 21, is an aggressive, mature player who averaged 15.7 points and 9.2 rebounds this season as a junior.

The second workout featured second-round and free-agent candidates: McConnell, UC-Santa Barbara forward Alan Williams, Wyoming forward Larry Nance Jr., Bosnian forward Nedim Buza, Temple guard Will Cummings, D-League and Delaware guard Jarvis Threatt.

Williams is a Phoenix North High graduate whose father, Cody, is a former Phoenix city councilman who is now a justice of the peace. His rebounding makes him a strong second-round draft candidate.

"Chills," Williams said of putting on Suns gear as a potential pro at US Airways Center.

Nance Jr. got a kick out of seeing his father's name on the arena hallway's record lists. Nance Sr. is first in franchise history for blocked shots (940) and fourth for field-goal percentage (56.1) and rebounds (3,791).

"He's a freak," Nance Jr. said.