A Look Forward: 2012 Point Guards
The 2012 is vastly different from the 2011 NBA Draft we experienced this summer. We are now less than 11 months away and we don't even know if there will be a 2011-12 NBA season, but we do know that college basketball will be here in the fall and this 2012 class gives every fan something to look forward to.
11 or 12 of our top prospects this season would have been considered top five talents in the 2011 Draft due to several one-and-dones that returned to school like Harrison Barnes, Perry Jones, and Jared Sullinger. These members will congregate with a strong incoming freshman class featuring Anthony Davis, Michael Gilchrist, Austin Rivers and Bradley Beal.
Let's look forward at some of the top point guards in the 2012 Draft:
Point Guards
Marquis Teague- Kentucky, Freshman
Teague is next in long line of top point guard recruits to play for John Calipari and he won't disappoint. Given his elite-level speed and quickness, combined with his athleticism, Teague excels in the open court and you can bet that he will push the ball in transition, running alongside a lineup of Darius Miller, Terrence Jones, Michael Gilchrist and Anthony Davis. In the halfcourt setting, defenses beware because Teague can seemingly get into the paint at will and score around the basket or set up opportunities for teammates.
Myck Kabongo- Texas, Freshman
Kabongo is the best pure point guard in his class and takes the reins to a depleted Texas roster that not only lost point guards Dogus Balbay and Cory Joseph, but also Jordan Hamilton, Tristan Thompson and Gary Johnson. He sees the floor well and is an excellent leader on the court, but he can't do it alone. He'll need backcourt mate J'Covan Brown to step up and knock down open shots and get open for plenty of Kabongo assists.
Kendall Marshall- UNC, Sophomore
The sophomore is one of the most exciting players to watch in the country with the speed he plays the game at and his ability to set others up. His passing ability is unmatched in the college game, but his lack of a perimeter shot allows defenses to sag off of him. If he can improve that aspect of his game, Marshall's leadership, IQ and court vision will lead him to the first-round in 2012.
Tony Wroten Jr.- Washington, Freshman
Wroten Jr. offers a terrific combination of size and strength, the best in the class, standing at 6'5" and weighing in close to 210 pounds. His court vision and passing ability is up there with Kabongo and Marshall's, but his recklessness with the ball at times sets him back a few steps. His size is a huge asset as he can see over smaller defenders and finish around the rim, as it also hampers him as he lacks the same athleticism or explosiveness as these other top point guards.
Nenad Miljenovic- Serbia, International Class of 1993
The top European point guard in the class as of right now, Miljenovic has good size at 6'4" and deceiving speed and quickness to help him get by his defender and set up teammates in scoring position. He is an excellent and fearless leader and aways puts forth 100% effort on the court. Like Marshall, Miljenovic is almost always looking to pass to others instead of looking for his own shot, which needs to be improved.
By President Corey Ruff - 7-30-11
