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SALT LAKE CITY — The consensus choice to be selected No. 1 overall in Thursday's NBA Draft, John Wall is leaving the University of Kentucky after just one season to — everyone around the league suspects — take over as point guard for the Washington Wizards.
Ohio State shooting guard Evan Turner and Georgia Teach power forward Derrick Favors may be the next two to go, likely in that order, to Philadelphia and New Jersey, respectively.
Many have Syracuse forward Wesley Johnson penciled in at No. 4 to Minnesota, unless the Timberwolves somehow manage to trade up and grab Turner.
Kentucky center DeMarcus Cousins may go No. 5 to Sacramento, and if not, perhaps No. 6 to Golden State.
In any event, those five seem bound to be gone by the time Utah picks up at No. 9 with its first-round selection originally owned by New York and acquired from Phoenix.
And that, of course, raises the question of just whom the Jazz are considering.
They would have gladly worked out any of the aforementioned five to be prepared just in case one or more unexpectedly fall, but none would come.
But beyond that, they've said they were able to bring in for an up-close workout everyone they are seriously considering.
Kentucky center Daniel Orton did not make the trip to Utah, which would seem to eliminate him from contention. Shot-blocker Hassan Whiteside did, but even with his freakish 7-foot-7 wingspan, the Marshall center may not make the cut.
Fresno State swingman Paul George and Texas combo guard Avery Johnson both made the trip, too, but while either or both could wind up being lottery picks, they evidently didn't make it.
That leaves this pool, into which the Jazz just may dip, a collection of nine that very well could produce the one who goes at nine.
GREG MONROE
6-11, 247-pound Georgetown power forward/center
UPSIDE: Long, lefty big with 7-2 wingspan can play with back to the basket, shoots well and might be an ideal fit for the way Utah plays.
DOWN: His skills supposedly trump his athleticism, and the consistency of his intensity has been questioned.
ALL-AROUND: With two-time All-Star Carlos Boozer perhaps exiting via free agency, the Jazz would love for him to fall — but Monroe could go as high as No. 5.
AL-FAROUQ AMINU
6-9, 216-pound Wake Forest small forward
UPSIDE: Super-athletic with a 7-3 wingspan, Aminu runs the floor well and has a rebounding nose for the ball.
DOWN: Something of a 'tweener, he needs to muscle up in order to play power forward and doesn't really have an NBA 3-point shot.
ALL-AROUND: While Aminu is certainly a possibility for the Jazz, Detroit supposedly is considering him at No. 7.
ED DAVIS
6-10, 227-pound North Carolina power forward
UPSIDE: Son of former NBA player Terry Davis, rebounding, shot-blocking and solid defensive play supposedly are among his strengths.
DOWN: Unpolished with unproven shooting because he played mostly close to the basket in college, Davis' game is more finesse than power.
ALL-AROUND: Utah seemingly likes him, but Detroit may take Davis at No. 7 if not Monroe or Aminu, or the Los Angeles Clippers could tap him at No. 8.
LUKE BABBITT
6-9, 218-pound small forward
UPSIDE: If he really can play like a taller Matt Harpring, the Jazz just may be on to something here with the smart and solid-shooting Babbitt.
DOWN: He's probably not big enough to guard NBA power forwards and may not be quick enough to guard elite small forwards, creating question marks.
ALL-AROUND: ESPN.com draft analyst Chad Ford seems convinced Utah has zeroed in on Babbitt if Monroe doesn't fall, but that's not consensus thinking.
XAVIER HENRY
6-7, 210-pound Kansas shooting guard
UPSIDE: Oklahoma native will arrive somewhere with an NBA body in tow, a super shot with 3-point range in his holster and finishing ability to boot.
DOWN: Henry's athleticism is unproven, and during his lone college season, he didn't always stand out.
ALL-AROUND: Under serious consideration, the Jazz could replace free-agent swingman Kyle Korver with him; he thinks he can contend to be Utah's starting off-guard.
COLE ALDRICH
6-11, 236-pound Kansas center
UPSIDE: He's a solid shooter and great passer, but perhaps more importantly to the Jazz, he's a physical rebounder and shot-blocker.
DOWN: His funky-looking shot shouldn't be a major concern, but Aldrich's post moves are limited, and he's not as nasty as some might like.
ALL-AROUND: Detroit seemingly has no interest, and the Clippers already have Chris Kaman at center, so Aldrich — a safe pick at nine — may be on the board.
EKPE UDOH
6-10, 237-pound Baylor power forward
UPSIDE: With a nearly 7-5 wingspan, Udoh's length is intriguing, and both his rebounding and shot-blocking skills are enticing.
DOWN: Having transferred to Baylor after two ordinary seasons at Michigan, Udoh already is 23 years old — yet he's still a bit raw.
ALL-AROUND: Utah really likes Udoh as a person, but how much as a player? Detroit's considering him; Indiana's looking hard at him and Orton at No. 10.
GORDON HAYWARD
6-8, 211-pound Butler small forward
UPSIDE: Solid but streaky shooting and good rebounding from the perimeter top Hayward's skill set, as does a knack for steals.
DOWN: Butler's run to the NCAA title game created plenty of Hayward buzz, but he doesn't exactly have an NBA build yet.
ALL-AROUND: The Clippers at eight like him and have a need at the 3 spot, so Utah may dodge the issue of whether nine really is too high for Hayward.
PATRICK PATTERSON
6-9, 240-pound Kentucky power forward
UPSIDE: Long and athletic with good hops, Patterson has good strength and comes with an NBA-ready game.
DOWN: A bit undersized vertically, he had to take his game outside during his third season at Kentucky — prompting perceived need for improved post play.
ALL-AROUND: He may not be top-10 on Utah's first-round board, but the Jazz are confident Patterson can play in the NBA.
NBA Draft
Thursday, 5 p.m.
ESPN
e-mail: tbuckley@desnews.com
