Point guards
Damian Lillard, Weber State (Jr.) Height: 6-3. Weight: 189. 2011-12 statistics: 24.5 ppg, 5.0 rpg, 4.0 apg.
Strengths: Is a scoring point guard with a good jump shot. Has good size for his position with an above-average wingspan. Has experience running the pick-and-roll. Gets to the free throw line regularly.
Weaknesses: Is not a true playmaker. Played against low level of college competition. Has not proved himself defensively. Must adjust to getting fewer shots. Projection: Mid- to late lottery. Blake says: “He’s our top point guard. He can really shoot the ball. Here’s a kid who was second in the nation in scoring and shot over 40% from three, which Kendall Marshall can’t do.” Kendall Marshall, North Carolina (So.)
Height: 6-4. Weight: 198. 2011-12 statistics: 8.1 ppg, 2.6 rpg, 9.8
apg.
Strengths: Always looks to set up his teammates for easy shots, like a true point guard. Takes great care of the basketball. Showed the ability to create shots for himself late in the season.
Weaknesses: Is still healing from a late-season wrist injury. Isn’t overly quick or athletic. Struggles with shooting, including at the free throw line. Projection: Mid-first round. Blake says: “Enormous passing ability. He’s without a doubt the best passer (in the draft), alongside Scott Machado. But is he going to be a Steve Nash type, or is he going to be able to defend some of these quicker guards? We don’t know.”
Marquis Teague, Kentucky (Fr.)
Height: 6-2. Weight: 180. 2011-12 statistics: 10.0 ppg, 2.5 rpg, 4.8
apg.
Strengths: Is among the fastest in the draft class. Thrives in transition. Is crafty with the ball. Shoots with good technique.
Weaknesses: Has a lot of developing to do to run an NBA team. Turns it over too often. Is less effective in the half court.
Projection: Mid- to late first round
Tyshawn Taylor, Kansas (Sr.)
Height: 6-4. Weight: 177. 2011-12 statistics: 16.6 ppg, 2.3 rpg, 4.8
apg.
Strengths: Experienced the full scale of college basketball during four seasons. Improved his shot annually. Can penetrate the lane frequently. Defends well with his great height and length.
Weaknesses: Tends to get out of control and make bad decisions. Didn’t find consistency until midway through his senior year. Could improve his ballhandling.
Projection: Late first to early second
round.
J’Covan Brown, Texas (Jr.)
Height: 6-2. Weight: 202. 2011-12 statistics: 20.1 ppg, 3.4 rpg, 3.8
apg.
Strengths: Can be an explosive scorer. Has underrated playmaking skills. Is tough and extremely competitive.
Weaknesses: Hasn’t proved he can run the point guard position. Takes a lot of shots. Needs the ball in his hands to be effective. Turns it over too often.
Projection: Mid-second round.
Tu Holloway, Xavier (Sr.)
Height: 6-0. Weight: 187. 2011-12 statistics: 17.5 ppg, 3.6 rpg, 4.9
apg.
Strengths: Makes plays on offense for himself and teammates. Has a nice jump shot. Plays inspired defense.
Weaknesses: Turns it over too much. Declined as a senior after a big junior year. Deals with personality concerns stemming from an in-game brawl against Cincinnati.
Projection: Mid-second round
Scott Machado, Iona (Sr.)
Height: 6-1. Weight: 180. 2011-12 statistics: 13.6 ppg, 4.9 rpg, 9.9
apg.
Strengths: Loves to push the tempo to create more opportunities for teammates. Takes good care of the basketball. Has improved his shooting, especially on three-pointers.
Weaknesses: Lacks the speed, athleticism and explosiveness most NBA point guards have. Is less effective in halfcourt. Struggles to defend one-on-one.
Projection: Late second round.
Maalik Wayns, Villanova (Jr.)
Height: 6-1. Weight: 190. 2011-12 statistics: 17.6 ppg, 3.8 rpg, 4.6
apg.
Strengths: Runs the pick-and-roll well and is a talented scorer. Has consistently improved his jump shot. Can create for others. Hits his free throws.
Weaknesses: Is a below-average athlete by NBA standards. Struggles to finish inside the paint. Turns it over too much. Struggles on defense.
Projection: Late second round.