Valentine's Day in July

Valentine slipped to pick 14. 

Denzel Valentine was the most efficient player on a winning team during quarterfinal play of the 2016 NBA Las Vegas Summer League Tournament. Valentine, a rookie from Michigan State that was selected 14th in the 2016 NBA Draft, showed off his all around game as the Chicago Bulls advanced with an 88-85 victory over the Washington Wizards. Valentine scored 14 points (4-9 FG, 4-6 3-pt., 2-2 FT), grabbed ten rebounds, and dished three assists with zero turnovers in 26 minutes. ...Other individual standouts Saturday included...

Jarell Eddie - Wizards. 22 points (7-12 FG, 5-7 3-pt., 3-3 FT), 6 rebounds, 4 assists 25 minutes. 

Alan Williams - Suns. 11 points (5-12 FG, 1-2 FT), 16 rebounds, 2 steals in 25 minutes. ...The Suns beat the Nuggets 82-81 on a Tyler Ulis three point shot at the buzzer to close overtime. Williams assisted on the play. 

Beau Beech - Nets. 15 points (5-7 FG, 5-7 3-pt.), 7 rebounds in 26 minutes. ...The Nets lost to the Cavs 91-83 in overtime. 

Raphiael Putney - Cavs. 10 points (2-4 FG, 2-2 3-pt., 4-4 FT), 5 rebounds, 3 blocked shots in 22 minutes. 

Delon Wright - Raptors. 7 points (3-6 FG, 1-3 3-pt.), 8 rebounds, 3 assists, zero turnovers in 22 minutes. ...Wright suffered a dislocated shoulder in the second half. X-rays were negative. ...The Raptors lost to the Timberwolves 81-79. 

Nate Wolters - Wizards. 16 points (6-10 FG, 2-4 3-pt., 2-2 FT) 5 rebounds, 7 assists in 32 minutes. 

Troy Williams - Suns. 22 points (9-15 FG, 2-5 3-pt., 2-4 FT), 6 rebounds, 3 steals in 32 minutes. 

Jamal Murray - Nuggets. 29 points (13-26 FG, 2-6 3-pt., 1-2 FT), 7 rebounds, 3 assists in 35 minutes. 

Bobby Portis - Bulls. 17 points (6-14 FG, 3-4 3-pt, 2-2 FT), 9 rebounds in 29 minutes. 

Juan Hernangomez - Nuggets. 10 points (5-11 FG, 0-1 3-pt.), 12 rebounds, 4 assists in 32 minutes. 

Adreian Payne - Timberwolves. 19 points (6-11 FG, 2-4 3-pt., 5-6 FT), 10 rebounds in 32 minutes. 

Notes: Isaiah Whitehead posted a per-minute efficiency rating of "zero" in 29 minutes. What does a zero efficiency game look like? 5 points (2-12 FG, 0-2 3-pt., 1-3 FT), 4 rebounds, 4 assists, 3 turnovers. 

Russ-diculous goes up on a Tuesday

Smith is leading the Grizz

Russ Smith hit a game-winning floater in sudden-death, and he was the most efficient player on a winning team in Tuesday's (July 7, 2015) NBA Summer League play. With games taking place in both Orlando, and Salt Lake City, Smith shined brightest in the Memphis Grizzlies 73-71 double overtime win versus the host Orlando Magic (Blue). "Russ-diculous" came off the Memphis bench to score 20 points (9-12 FG, 2-3 3-pt.), grab three rebounds, dish three assists, and snare two steals in 28 minutes. Smith has been a part of our Hoop Obsession All-Summer League daily teams in each of his three games. Not coincidentally, the Grizzlies ended Tuesday with a perfect 3-0 record. (See Smith's game-winner)

Hoop Obsession All-Summer League Team for games played Tuesday July 7, 2015:

Kyle Anderson - Spurs. ..."Slo-Mo" rebounded from a poor outing in the opening day (Monday) of play in the Utah NBA Summer League. Tuesday, Anderson was in scoring mode. The second year pro from UCLA notched 25 points (8-14 FG, 1-1 3-pt., 8-9 FT), and reeled in eight boards in 30 minutes. His San Antonio team however lost to the Utah Jazz 72-20. 

Furkan Aldemir - Sixers. ...While Jahlil Okafor is getting the hype, Aldemir was the true star for Philadelphia Tuesday in their 76-62 win over the Boston Celtics. Aldemir scored eleven points (4-8 FG, 3-5 3-pt.), ripped down 14 rebounds, and blocked three shots in 28 minutes. The three made shots from beyond the arc were eye-opening as Aldemir is not known for providing offense. 

Troy Daniels - Hornets ...Never known previously as a rebounder, Daniels exploded for 14 boards to go with 16 points (5-11 FG, 4-6 3-pt., 2-2 FT) Tuesday. His Charlotte Hornets beat the hapless summer version of the Brooklyn Nets 64-55. Daniels logged 30 minutes in the contest. 

Treveon Graham - Spurs. ...Graham came off the bench to score 17 points (5-9 FG, 1-4 3-pt., 6-6 FT). He added three rebounds in an efficient 20 minutes. Graham went undrafted in the 2015 NBA Draft. He played his college ball at VCU. We ranked Graham 37th in the draft. 

Rodney Hood - Jazz. ...The Utah Jazz have a good player in Rodney Hood. The NBA sophomore-to-be had his second excellent game in as many days. Hood poured in 18 points (8-14 FG, 0-2 3-pt., 2-3 FT), and added five rebounds in 26 minutes. 

Branden Dawson - Clippers. ...Dawson continues to excel as an athletic forward that, at 6'6", CAN battle with the BIGs in the NBA (at least in Summer League). Dawson thrived in the open court, coming up with four steals that helped him score 14 points (7-14 FG, 0-1 FT). He added eleven rebounds in 28 minutes as a starter. Dawson had previously come off the bench for the L.A.C. summer squad. 

Aaron Gordon - Orlando (Blue). ...Gordon's strong play continued Tuesday as he scored 22 points (8-19 FG, 3-5 3-pt., 3-3 FT), while adding seven rebounds, four assists, and three blocked shots in 35 minutes. 

Brian Qvale - Hornets. ...Qvale has been a revelation in early summer play. The BIG from Montana (undrafted in 2011) scored ten points (5-11 FG), and added a dozen boards, two steals, and three blocked shots Tuesday. Qvale has been playing professionally in Turkey. 

Jonathan Holmes - Celtics. ...The lone bright spot for Boston Tuesday was Jonathan Holmes, the rookie forward from Texas. He scored eight points (2-9 FG, 1-6 3-pt., 3-3 FT) to go with seven rebounds, two steals, and two blocked shots in just 21 minutes.  Holmes went undrafted in the 2015 NBA Draft. 

Cady Lalanne - Spurs. ...Lalanne was the 55th pick in the 2015 NBA Draft. He has shown an ability to hit face-up jumpers as a BIG. That has to be pleasing to the San Antonio coaching staff. Tuesday Lalanne was solid, with six points (2-5 FG, 0-1 3-pt., 2-4 FT), eleven rebounds, and two blocked shots in 24 minutes. 

Nate Wolters - Clippers. ...The more we watch Wolters play, the more convinced we are that he is ready to be a useful back-up point guard in the NBA. Tuesday he helped lead the Los Angeles Clippers to their first summer win of 2015, an 80-63 whopping of the Oklahoma City Thunder. Wolters had 12 points (4-9 FG, 2-3 3-pt., 2-2 FT), five assists, three steals, and three blocked shots in 32 minutes. 

Notes: Perhaps the compacted summer schedule that had many players competing for the third time in four days, or at minimum, in a back-to-back, was responsible for some horridly poor individual play. Four players who logged over 20 minutes in their game came up with efficiency ratings "below zero" on our scale. Levi Randolph (four points (2-6 FG, 0-3 3-pt.), three turnovers in 28 minutes) was a big part in OKC's Tuesday failure. ...Akil Mitchell provided further evidence that he cannot provide enough offensively to warrant a spot in the NBA. Tuesday Mitchell played 23 minutes for Brooklyn and scored two points (1-6 FG). ...After a strong showing in his first game, the Celtics' Jordan Mickey was awful Tuesday. The LSU rookie managed just four points (1-7 FG) and two rebounds in 26 minutes. ...Finally, Marcus Thronton (William and Mary, 45th pick in 2015 draft) struggled to say the least in the Celtics loss. Thornton missed all five of his three-point jacks on his way to 2 of 11 overall field goal shooting.  

Terrence Jennings looks NBA ready. Day eight, NBA Las Vegas Summer League

For the second time in eight days of play at the NBA Las Vegas Summer League, Terrence Jennings was the most efficient player on a winning team. Jennings, a 6'10", 230 lb. athletic, shot blocking, power forward, played college ball at Louisville and has yet to crack an NBA roster. The 24 year-old helped lead the New York Knicks summer entry to a 91-80 win over the Los Angeles Clippers on Friday. In just 19 minutes, Jennings scored 14 points, grabbed nine rebounds, and had two steals. Jennings played in Belgium in 2011-12, and he was in the D-League in 2012-13. 

Jennings looks like an NBA ready BIG

Erik Murphy quieted critics with 19 points, 13 rebounds, and three blocked shots in the Bulls 94-87 victory over the Mavericks. ...Hollis Thompson scored 21 points (8-12 FG), grabbed four boards, and blocked two shots in the Spurs 90-80 triumph over the Bucks. ...Lorenzo Brown was super efficient in Minnesota's 72-66 win over Portland. Brown had 13 points, eight rebounds, four assists, and two steals in 24 minutes. ...David Lighty came off the Sacramento bench to score 18 points in 20 minutes. Lighty only missed one field goal attempt, going 8 for 9 as the Kings won their first summer league game of 2013. The final was Sacramento 93, Atlanta 87. ...Memphis beat Denver 91-84. Matt Howard had 12 points and 12 rebounds for the Grizzlies. ...Washington beat New Orleans 78-77. 

The BasslineSpin All NBA Las Vegas Summer League team for day eight (July 19, 2013)... Point guards: L. Brown, Nate Wolters. Shooting guards: Andrew Goudelock, Lighty. Small forwards: H. Thompson, C.J. Leslie. Power forwards: T. Jennings, Murphy, Samardo Samuels, M. Howard. Centers: Jeremy Tyler, Dwayne Dedmon. 

Point Guards to Watch in the 2013 NCAA Tournament

In any basketball contest - the player who handles the ball the most is a crucial component. Here is a look at the 15 point guards in the 2013 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament that we will be watching the closest from an NBA scouting perspective...

Michael Carter Williams - Syracuse. Sophomore. 6'5" 176 ...Carter-Williams boasts a 2.36-to-1 assist to-turnover ratio which is not often seen in a dynamic, young guard. He is long, and lean and he has terrific explosion in his decisive moves on the court. His length makes him a tough match up for smaller point guards. Carter-Williams is still learning the value of shot selection. His career field goal percentage is just 39%. He helps his team on the boards, and he can create his own shot off the dribble. ...Carter-Williams has a "red-flag" for being caught shoplifting during his stay in Syracuse (Read this). He was a 2011 McDonald's All-American. I think he has the highest ceiling of any point guard in the Tournament. 

Nate Wolters - South Dakota St. Senior. 6'4" 190. ..."Nater's Gonna Nate". That is the slogan for Nate Wolters who seems to always find a way to score, and hit big shots. Wolters - the Summit League Player of the Year, and MVP of their conference tournament, is a complete player that fills the stat sheet with whatever his team needs. He often looks to score which led to him pumping in a Division-1 best, 53 points in a game this season (vs. IPFW). At 6'4", Wolters is usually bigger than the opposing point guard and he uses his gym-rat senses to do damage. ...I project Wolters as a low-tier starter in the NBA. 

Trey Burke - Michigan. Sophomore. 5'11" 180. ...The best in the college game at running a team (in my opinion) is Trey Burke. He is a diminutive yet highly confident and skilled point guard. While not blessed with supreme athleticism or length, Burke closes the gap on the deficiencies with his high basketball I.Q., and leadership ability. Burke has an excellent 2.42-to-1 assist-to-turnover ratio and he can also put the ball in the basket. He averages 19.2 points per game. Sports Illustrated named Burke their National Player of the Year for 2012-13. 

Jalan West is mostly unheralded. 

Jalan West - Northwestern St. Freshman. 5'10" 178. ...The Southland Conference Freshman of the Year is one of two main reasons (DeQuan Hicks, the other), why Northwestern State is in the "big dance". West served up a gaudy 2.78-to-1 assist-to-turnover ratio this season while making 83% of his foul shots, and leading his conference in steals. He was a red-shirt last season. 

Quinn Cook - Duke. Sophomore. 6'1" 175. ...Cook stepped up his offensive game this season and it helped make Duke a better team. Cook averaged 12 points and five assists in 2012-13 and maintained his outstanding 2.5-to-1 career assist-to-turnover ratio. He is solid not spectacular. I view him as a low-tier starter or dependable back-up point guard in the NBA whenever he finishes his NCAA career. 

Khalif Wyatt - Temple. Senior. 6'4" 215. ...Nobody in college basketball has as much "junk" in his game as Khalif Wyatt. He is the 2012-13 Atlantic 10 Player of the Year. Wyatt is a below-the-rim, savvy, crafty, skilled, and determined point guard that can score in a variety of ways. Wyatt hits circus shots with regularity. He improved his scoring average with each season at Temple, now hitting for 19.8 points per game. 

Lorenzo Brown - N.C. St. Junior. 6'5" 189. ...I've seen Lorenzo Brown dominate a game with his vision and court-sense. I've also seen Lorenzo Brown look disinterested and lazy. This season, his scoring, and rebounding are down and his turnovers are up. He enters the NCAA tournament having made just five of his last 25 field goal attempts. While most of that sounds negative, Brown has the tools to "flip the switch" and be brilliant. Due to his inconsistency - I view him as an NBA back-up at best. 

Weber is a defensive force.

Briante Weber - VCU. Sophomore. 6'3" 160. ...The Atlantic 10 Defensive Player of the Year is a certified pest. He averaged 2.8 steals per game in VCU's "havoc" defense. He only scores five points per game but his ability to make opponents uncomfortable is so strong that he deserves to be mentioned among the best point guards in the tournament. 

Hugh Greenwood - New Mexico. Sophomore. 6'3" 205. ...Greenwood is an Australian with experience as an international player. He starred on the Australian Under-19 team at the FIBA World Championships in Latvia in 2011, showing a high hoops IQ. He has a nice jumper and he is proficient as a three-point shooter (35% 3-pt). 

Aaron Craft - Ohio St. Junior. 6'2" 195. ...I started "scouting" college basketball in 1999. Since then - a small handful of players have passed through the NCAA ranks as "great defenders". I would put Aaron Craft at the top of that list alongside the likes of Shane Battier, Chris Singleton, and Kenyon Martin. Craft is full of energy. It is not unusual for him to play the entire 40-minute game. He is relentless on defense. He makes life miserable for opposing point guards, and as long as Craft is in the game, Ohio State has a chance to win. 

Shane Larkin - Miami. Sophomore. 5'11" 176. ...Larkin is the son of Hall of Fame shortstop, Barry Larkin.  Shane was a first team All-ACC selection this season due to his complete game. He is especially hard to stop on dribble penetration. He has tremendous quickness, and ability to turn the corner. Shane is only limited by his 5'11" size - which makes him a target of bigger guards. 

Rasheed Sulaimon - Duke. Freshman. 6'3" 175. ...Sulaimon actually plays shooting guard at Duke but he is a combo-guard that will likely lean toward the point position in the NBA. The McDonald's All-American is mature beyond his years. He shoots the ball well (81% FT, 37% 3-pt), while maintaining a solid assist-to-turnover ratio of 1.5-to-1. He scored 17 points in the second half of a Duke come from behind win over Ohio St. in late November. 

Phil Pressey - Missouri. Junior. 5'10" 168. ...The best vision in college hoops this season belongs to Phil Pressey. He is a playmaker's playmaker. His assist-to-turnover ratio is better than two-to-one despite the fact that he will "swing for fences" with spectacular passes. He ranks eighth in the nation in assists per game (7.1). He is fun to watch. 

Anthony Marshall - UNLV. Senior. 6'3" 200. ...Playing in his fourth straight NCAA Tournament, Anthony Marshall is as experienced as a point guard can be at this level. He plays the game at NBA speed. He is an instinctive player that could definitely tighten up his decision making and free throw shooting (67% FT). But Marshall has some unteachable intangibles in my opinion. He is tough-minded and not afraid to make a play.  

Kerron Johnson - Belmont. Senior. 6'1" 175. ...Johnson is in the "big dance" for the third consecutive season as the floor general of the Bruins. He was the Ohio Valley Conference Tournament MVP. He hustles, he runs his team, and he scores 13 points per game. 

Point Guards to watch in the 2012 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament

It is always our intention to bring light to those that may not be getting mass-media hype. Annually we list the players in the NCAA Tournament that we feel have the best chances to succeed someday at the next level. This year – we found it exceedingly difficult to narrow down those worthy of mention. The talent pool is deep. 

Please use this list of the top point-guards (and the forthcoming lists for other positions) to consider guys that could be the game-changers that alter your bracket.  Just as upsets happen in the games, you may consider some of the players listed here as underdogs. You will see several "big-name" guards in the "also-considered" category. Trust that we are not hating on anyone. It is simply one person's VERY independent opinion. 

We break it down by position. Let’s start with the Point Guards!

He barely plays on a deep team but MCW is a top-prospect!

Michael Carter-Williams – Syracuse 6’5” 176 Freshman - Carter-Williams is buried on a Orange team that has experienced guards in Scoop Jardine, Brandon Triche, and Dion Waiters - but the freshman, when it’s all said and done - may be the best NBA player among the bunch. Carter-Williams has logged only 269 minutes this season but his play stands out each time he appears. ...A 2011 McDonald's All-American, Carter-Williams was rated 20th overall and fourth among shooting guards on the 2011 ESPNU 100. ...While some may see him as a SG, I think is best position will be at the POINT - where he can better use his height as an advantage. He owns an impressive assist-to-turnover ratio of better than 3-to-1.

Nate Wolters – South Dakota St. 6’4” 190 Junior – Wolters is averaging 21 points, five rebounds, and six assists, giving NBA scouts a reason to visit South Dakota. He is right-handed with average to below average speed - which he makes up for with tremendous skill. He hits a variety of runners, floaters, and mid-range shots. ...Wolters is an excellent passer that runs the pick and roll well. His 2.82 to 1 assist-to-turnover ratio is rock solid. ...80% free throw shooter (career). On December 18, 2011 - Wolters scored 34 points (with seven assists, and five boards) in Seattle versus good Washington guards. ...He could be better as a finisher with his left hand. ...He also plays tennis. See video of Wolters big game at Washington here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8XYRK61RfHo

Waiters is dynamic!

Dion Waiters – Syracuse 6’4” 215 Sophomore – Waiters is one of four Syracuse guards that can run the point. In our opinion – he is the most dynamic scorer among the group. He averages 13 points per game – despite playing only 24 minutes per contest. …He is a pesky defender that thrives at turning teams over and then finishing in transition. Waiters is far from a complete player. He still takes rushed, bad shots, and he doesn’t always share as much as I would like him to. He’s the kind of kid that has an aggressive scorer’s mentality, and if it’s close on the break – he will keep it for himself. …He is right handed. …Waiters was recently honored by CBSSports.com as the National Sixth Man of the Year.

Michael Dixon – Missouri 6’1” 185 Junior – Missouri’s success can be directly attributed to the team’s over-abundance of talented point guards. Michael Dixon is one of three PGs that keep the ball moving and going into the hoop for the Tigers. Dixon is a confident kid that can beat you with his accurate shooting (36% 3-pt career) or his better than 2-to-1 assist to turnover ratio. Dixon is a career 85% free throw shooter that helps close out games.

Marcus Denmon – Missouri 6’3” 185 Senior - Denmon is an unselfish, right handed, guard with toughness. He gets 17.6 points per game and helps as that little guy that can rebound, pulling down 5.1 boards per game this season! He is quick.  ...Shoots 79% from the line (career), and his three-point shooting accuracy hovers above 40%. He can take you off the dribble with his super-quick first step - or he can bury the long range shot. He reacts quickly. ...Makes good cuts to the hoop. ...Improving rapidly. …Would like to become a basketball coach following his playing career. He owns a 1.69 to 1 assist-to-turnover ratio (career). ...Suffered a fractured knee-cap as a freshman. 

Paul Pressey's son Phil is a playmaker!

Phil Pressey – Missouri 5’10” 175 Sophomore - The son of one of the original (if not THE original) NBA "point-forward" Paul Pressey (pictured), Phil inherited dad's ability to find the open-man. Phil is a "true point guard". ...He averages an impressive six assists per game while chipping in ten points per contest. He is a 76% free throw shooter than can also knock down the three-ball at a reasonable rate (.351 career). ...He is small at 5'10" and he will be vulnerable to being posted up. He could be better with his left hand around the basket. ...But overall the positives outweigh the negatives.

Kendall Marshall – North Carolina 6’4” 195 Sophomore - Please do not mistake what I am about to say for hyperbole. Kendall Marshall is the best passing Point Guard since Magic Johnson. Seriously. I mean that. This kid does not have Magic's complete game but from a standpoint of strictly judging court-vision, Marshall is THAT good. His look-ahead assists are routine, and his assist-to-turnover ratio is at 3-to-1 for his career. ...Marshall has some ability to drive and score but getting more points is something he needs to do to raise his level of play. He is left handed. …He uses the hesitation dribble to get into the lane. …Always looking for teammates. ...Keeps defenses somewhat honest w/ his .356 three-point percentage (career). …He is good at creating space with his body leanings. ...Former McDonald's All-American. 

Trey Burke – Michigan 5’11” 180 Freshman - Burke has a maturity that belies his freshman status - which propelled him to being named the Big Ten Freshman of the Year (media). He averages 14.8 points, and 4.6 assists per game. …He runs the Wolverines. This season, Burke surpassed Gary Grant in setting a new freshman assists record at Michigan. …Burke has the ability to get into the paint and find his teammates. ...Cool, calm, and steady. ...He shoots 73% FT, 35% 3-PT.

Ragland can shoot it!

Joe Ragland – Wichita St. 6’0” 185 Senior - Ragland is an emotional lefty Point Guard that can create shots for himself and for teammates. His shooting numbers are outstanding. How many PG's do you know of that shoot 56%FG, 82%FT, and 50% from beyond the arc? That is what Ragland is doing this season!

Trevor Releford – Alabama 6’1” 180 Sophomore - Releford has quick hands and he is excellent in transition. He led the SEC in steals per game this season. …He averages 11 points per game and at this stage is actually more of a two-guard than he is a point-guard. Releford's assist-to-turnover ratio is nothing to write home about at 1.33-to-1, and he could stand to be in better shape. …He does knock down his free throws at 81% this season.

Aaron Craft – Ohio St. 6’2” 195 Sophomore - Aaron Craft is a unique player that is a personal favorite of ours. ...He is highly intelligent; an Academic All-American that can solve a Rubik's cube in about a minute, and ten seconds. He is also the best defensive point guard in college basketball. He is tenacious, relentless, and smothering when guarding an opponent. …He will stand-in and take a charge. His teammates call him the most motivated player on the Buckeyes roster. ...Craft was named the Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year for 2011-12. ...He doesn't score much. And honestly - he doesn't need to with a team that has Jared Sullinger, William Buford, and DeShaun Thomas.

Ray McCallum – Detroit 6’1” 179 Sophomore - McCallum chose to stay home and play for his father Ray, - the head coach at University of Detroit. …McCallum was a McDonald's All-American that could have played at a larger, more prestigious school. …He was also a member of the World University Games team. ...He has big-time leaping ability to go with good quickness and speed. ...He has great body control. He needs to improve his 3-point shooting (27% career). ...His free throw stroke is at 72% for his two seasons combined at Detroit. ...Assist-to-turnover ratio stands at 1.81-to-1 (career).

Coop: MAC Tourney MVP

D.J. Cooper – Ohio 5’11” 165 Junior – Cooper is a young looking, left-handed kid that can hit a three point shot or score on the move. He owns a better than 2 to 1 assist-to-turnover ratio and recently became Ohio's all-time leader in assists. ...He was the MAC Tournament MVP and a Cousy Award finalist. ...Named to the All-MAC First Team for the second year in a row last week. ...He has good speed. …Tied for 11th in the country in steals per game at 2.4 per outing. …Has the ability to go "coast-to-coast". ...75% free throw shooter (career). ...Cooper was the MAC Freshman of the Year. ...High school: Named the Chicago Sun-Times' Small School Player of the Year in 2009.

Lorenzo Brown – N.C. State 6’5” 189 Sophomore - A huge reason that NC State is relevant is the due to the play of Lorenzo Brown. While he needs to improve his shooting stroke, he is the dynamic kind of point guard that can get you points, rebounds, and assists in an efficient manner. He averages 12.7 ppg, 4.3 rpg, and 6.4 apg. ...He has a thin frame, and he must become a better defender. ...73% FT (career). ...He even has a little, back-to-the-basket post game as well.

Just under the cut: Brian Voelkel - Vermont 6’6” 210 Sophomore. / Anthony Marshall – UNLV 6’3” 200 Junior.

Also considered: Casper Ware - Long Beach St., Kerron Johnson – Belmont, Tu Holloway – Xavier, Ryan Boatright – Connecticut, Kevin Pangos – Gonzaga, Shabazz Napier – Connecticut, Tyshawn Taylor – Kansas, Jordan Taylor – Wisconsin, and Peyton Siva – Louisville.

Coming next: Our look at the Shooting Guards to watch in the 2012 NCAA Tournament. 

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