Second Round Sleeper: Diante Garrett

       As we continue to gather film on the 2011 Draft class, we couldn't help but help to come away impressed with Diante Garrett, the point guard from Iowa State. He should be a second-round pick as he grades out in our top ten draft eligible point guards behind lottery-bound Kyrie Irving, Kemba Walker and Brandon Knight, mid-first rounders Jimmer Fredette, Reggie Jackson and Darius Morris and likely second-round prospects Josh Selby, Malcolm Lee, Shelvin Mack and then Garrett. Not far behind would be Norris Cole and Cory Joseph who will also get selected in this draft.

        There hasn't been too much noise made about Garrett as the Cyclones were just 3-13 in Big 12 play, but he has great size at 6'4" with long arms (6'9" wingspan) and solid athleticism. He has a great handle on the ball, which, combined with his quickness, he can break down the defense with ease. He was turnover prone on the tape that we saw, but can you really blame him? Look at the other options that he has to play with. He had a tendency to over-dribble, penetrate too deeply into the defense into a double-team or force passes/shots. He had to carry the load as both a scorer and playmaker, but he should be a nice pick-up for a team in the second round.


By President Corey Ruff - 5-12-11