[KDThunder35Participant]

I noticed that Aaron Craft has a profile picture but the rest of the profile is blank.  In light of that, I would like to give some input on what I feel are his strengths and weaknesses as a prospect.

Strengths

-The kid is an elite on the ball defender.  He really has a nose for the ball and being disruptive with his active hands and great anticipation.  His lateral foot quickness (on the defensive end) is really impressive for someone who seems to lack the same quickness on the offensive end.  He plays a lot stronger than he is, and he is already strong (Some strong guys play weak such as Drummond, he has the tools to physically dominate but doesn’t impose his will consistently.  And then there are guys like AI who play a lot stronger than they actually are, and Aaron is one of those players).

-Great defensive positioning off the ball.  Watching this kid play his angles and cutting down his area to cover by being in great position is phenomenal.  He always seems to be one pass away, and willing to help if that pass comes (with hands straight up, being big and standing his ground).  He is very intelligent covering space by being smart, cutting down on his defensive output on his body allowing him to actually save himself some extra running.

-Takes care of the ball.  His assist to turnover ratio is pretty darn good, 2.57-1.  He gets his team in the sets they need to be in, as well as always seems to get the hot hand a touch on every possesion (If Buford is heating up, he is going to see the ball, likewise with Sullinger, Thomas, whoever).  Thad Matta already entrusted this Sophomore to call his own plays on the floor, which tells you how highly Thad thinks of Aaron’s decision making.

Weaknesses

-Quickness with the ball on offense.  He doesn’t appear to be able to get past his man on a consistent basis, like a lead guard in the NBA should during their college days.  

-His jumpshot can improve, but right now it’s not as consistent as it should be for a under par athletic point guard.  He needs to shoot the ball with more confidence, which will come with more practice and experience.

With all of that being said I would like to throw a NBA comparison for Aaron out there.  I think he plays a lot like Eric Snow.  They both are not very exciting players to watch, but their BBall IQ and defensive prowess allow them to be standouts (Snow was not a standout in the league, neither will Aaron be, but Snow was a standout at Michigan State).  Craft is definitely a 4 year college player, but it has been a joy watching him progress and pester the opposing teams point guard throughout the game.

[QuickPostCParticipant]

Con: His cheeks are abnormally red.

[kobyzParticipant]

i made first the Eric Snow comparison somewhere

[NCarmean18Participant]

Craft is a good player.  I am an Illinois fan, so I see this guy a lot on the Big Ten.  He is a real solid player for the Buckeyes, and if Sullinger and Buford were not there, this guy would definitely be the leader of this team.  He has great leadership skills and good basketball skills, thus making him a solid prospect for any future NBA team.

[xavier328Participant]

Aaron Craft always remind me of Earl Watson for some reason

[JNixonParticipant]

 I love the Eric Snow comparison, in alot of different areas

[Author]

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