[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]This year's point guard class doesn't have nearly the talent of last year's group which included a franchise player in Chris Paul and three overall top 5 picks (including Deron Williams and Raymond Felton), however this year's group could see just as many (five) (Nate Robinson and Jarrett Jack were also first rounders last year) get into the first round.
Here's a look at the top point guards available for this year's draft: [/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Randy Foye [/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]1.) [/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]
Randy Foye 6-3 205 PG/SG Villanova Sr.[/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif] -- Should be the first point guard selected. Some list him as a shooting guard, however he's a combo in the mold of a number of NBA PGs including Chauncey Billups. What makes Foye stand out above the rest is his package of size, speed, athleticism, toughness and go to ability. Foye has the fearlessness and one on one skills to take over late in ball games. His point guard abilities are underrated and his outside shot is a thing of beauty.
2.) Marcus Williams 6-2 200 PG UConn Jr. -- The top pure point guard in the draft. Williams showed during the tournament that he wanted to take the big shots in crunch time. UConn's bid for another National Championship fell short, but Williams improved his stock with his gutsy play. He lacks tremendous foot speed and shooting range, but he has the vision and natural point guard skills that so many of today's point guards lack.
3.) Jordan Farmar 6-1 170 PG UCLA So.[/FONT] -- [FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Farmar's NCAA tournament performance leading the Bruins to the National Championship game boosted his stock considerably. Farmar is seen by most as a likely mid to late first rounder. He has an excellent package of all around skills. Though he lacks great size and strength, his decision making and overall feel for the game puts him among the top handful of PG prospects for this year's draft.
4.) Kyle Lowry 6-0 185 PG Villanova So. -- Lowry is the scrappiest player in the college game. Not unlike Nate Robinson, his game is based on hustle and will power. Lowry though has a much better natural feel for running a team. His biggest drawback is his lack of a jump shot. He has incredible body strength and finishes well around the basket. But without a consistent outside shot, his stock is lower than it would likely be next year. Lowry will look to get a promise in the first round, or return to Villanova for another season.[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]5.)[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Rajon Rondo 6-2 171 PG Kentucky So. -- Rondo is all over the board with scouts, some calling him a late lottery pick, while others feel he isn't even a surefire first rounder. He's easily the most athletic point guard in this draft and has as much potential as anyone out there. The big concern is his outside shot which is so unorthodox and ugly that some wonder if it's beyond repair. Mustafa Shakur severely adjusted his jump shot after arriving at Arizona with a much bigger prep reputation, and has struggled with his confidence ever since. Rondo hit a number of game winners proving that he can hit shots when it matters, but the question remains, can he raise his shooting percentages, or will he always be a poor shooter?[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]6.)[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Quincy Douby 6-3 175 PG/SG Rutgers Jr. -- One of the top overall scorers in the draft. Douby lacks a great body and is more of a combo guard, but his sophomore season of playing mostly point guard helps him. As one of the most prolific shooters in the college game, Douby is not unlike Salim Stoudamire who was one of the top rookie performers in the NBA this year. [/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]7.) [/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Sergio Rodriguez 6-3 180 PG Spain 1986[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]-- The top European point guard prospect since Tony Parker, Sergio has a chance to be even better but would greatly benefit by waiting another year before remaining in the draft. He's not ready and struggled this year with consistency and maturity. Another season playing in Europe's highly competitive Spanish league should boost him into possible lottery status for next year.[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]8.) Will Blalock 6-0 205 PG Iowa St. Jr. [/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]-- His teammate and friend Curtis Stinson had the better statistics and more celebrated career, however Blalock is the more sought after prospect due to his ability to play the point guard position. Blalock is a very intriguing point guard prospect who plays much bigger than his size due to his huge wing span. His speed and quickness make him an excellent up tempo point guard.
9.) Daniel Gibson 6-2 190 PG Texas So. -- Struggled with tendinitis and inconsistency in his sophomore year. He's one of the top outside shooting point guards available. He's also one of the top defenders, however his feel for the point guard position came into question, and when he was switched to the off guard position he struggled to develop and prove that he has the necessary point guard skills. He could end up being a major sleeper if he chooses to remain in the draft.
10.) [/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Dee Brown 6-0 175 PG Illinois Sr.[/FONT] [FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]-- Maybe the fastest player in college from baseline to baseline, Brown can really push the rock. Detractors feel he lacks size and the natural point guard abilities to have success on the next level. He shows a tremendous amount of heart and is a strong character guy, and has shown solid improvement in his PG skills and scoring ability.[/FONT]
http://www.nbadraft.net/draftbuzz058.asp
