[seniokasParticipant]

 Hello, 

could anyone post this http://insider.espn.go.com/ncb/blog?name=ncbexperts&id=7155148&_slug_=ranking-my-top-10-point-guards-upcoming-season-college-basketbal&action=login&appRedirect=http%3a%2f%2finsider.espn.go.com%2fncb%2fblog%3fname%3dncbexperts%26id%3d7155148%26_slug_%3dranking-my-top-10-point-guards-upcoming-season-college-basketbal  would be very thankfull  

[EntropyParticipant]

By Jay Williams

"A leader takes people where they want to go. A great leader takes people where they don’t necessarily want to go, but ought to be." — former First Lady Rosalynn Carter
Here are five keys to being a great point guard:
1. You have to be able to think the game so you can consistently make good decisions on the floor.
2. You have to be in the best shape on the team so you never become mentally fatigued, which could hinder you from making those good decisions.
3. You must have mental toughness so your teammates can count on you in any situation.
4. You must have a commanding presence with or without the ball to control and coordinate your team.
5. And the most important trait: You must make your teammates not only believe in you, but more importantly in times of distress, make them believe in themselves.

With that being said, here is my list of the top point guards in college basketball for 2011-12. Obviously, especially in the case of the freshmen listed, I am projecting a bit in terms of how these guys will perform this season.

1. Kendall Marshall, North Carolina

El Capitan. The orchestrator. The maestro. He came in and immediately turned UNC into a title contender last season. His vision and ability to deliver crisp passes allow him to facilitate better than any other player in the collegiate ranks. Some would even dare to call him the Mark Jackson of college basketball. His patience, composure, control and uncanny style of play are what make him a spectacular floor general. With the supporting cast of John Henson, Harrison Barnes, Reggie Bullock, P.J. Hairston, Tyler Zeller and James Michael McAdoo, anything short of a national title would be a disappointment in Chapel Hill.

2. Jordan Taylor, Wisconsin

JT is the most efficient player in the college game today. It is a rare thing to see him force the action — he’s just so methodical and effective. His strong frame, deep shooting touch and off-the-charts IQ make him the most dangerous player on this level when involved in screen-and-roll action. Taylor is a player who understands that less is more by always keeping the game simple. That within itself is a lost art in our game today.

3. Tu Holloway, Xavier

The decision of the Atlantic 10 Player of the Year to come back for his senior season was a brilliant one. Holloway is one of the most exciting guards to watch in the game. His blazing quickness, combined with the love for the big stage and ability to put up points in a hurry make him one of the premier competitors in the country. So does averaging 20 points, five rebounds and five assists per game, as he did last season. With Mark Lyons and a healthy Brad Redford on the perimeter, and a solid frontcourt of Kenny Frease and Jeff Robinson, Chris Mack’s unit will be a top-20 team and a favorite in the A-10.

4. Myck Kabongo, Texas

Spontaneous, flamboyant and electric are just a few adjectives that help describe the game of Mr. Kabongo. His IQ is absolutely superb when involved in the screen-and-roll, and his blazing first step is one that presents a daunting task for people to defend. In transition, he can make an average player look like a pro with his ability to deliver pinpoint passes. In addition, Kabongo’s non-stop motor on both ends of the floor will give him a significant edge. With Cory Joseph, Jordan Hamilton and Tristan Thompson gone to the NBA, Kabongo will be able to command control of the Longhorns and showcase his skills.

5. Marquis Teague, Kentucky

For a lot of NBA scouts, Teague is at the top of their board in terms of point guard prospects. He possesses strength, quickness and explosiveness, with the ball always attached to a string. Skill level, physical ability and vision should allow Teague to thrive within Kentucky’s high-octane offense. His speed and strength allow him to attack the rim in transition at will and also finish through contact. If Jeff’s little brother can resist the urge to try to do too much and instead orchestrate his team in the halfcourt set, the Wildcats will have a legit chance for a national title.

6. Ashton Gibbs, Pittsburgh

When a guard shoots 47 percent from the field, 49 percent from the 3-point line and 89 percent from the free throw line while averaging 17 ppg, it is hard to keep him out of the top 10. With the departures of Brad Wanamaker, Gilbert Brown and Gary McGhee, Gibbs will have a lot more pressure to make more plays for his team. The combination of junior guard Travon Woodall and Gibbs might give Jamie Dixon one of the best backcourts he’s had in a while. But at 2.8 assists per game, Gibbs will need to elevate that feature of his game in order to take his team to the next level.

7. Josiah Turner, Arizona

Turner has one of the quickest stop-and-go moves I have seen in a while. His ability to change speeds from 10 mph to 90 mph still blows me away. When defenders back off him due to his quickness, he has the range to pull up from deep. JT is always in attack mode but also understands how to keep his teammates highly involved. With a quick change of gears ala Steve Nash, he can finish at the rim with an array of moves with either hand. With the unexpected transfer of point guard Lamont "MoMo" Jones to Iona, Turner and fellow incoming freshman Nick Johnson should take control of the backcourt for Sean Miller.

8. Aaron Craft, Ohio State

Craft is pound for pound the toughest guard in the country. He is the best on-ball defender in college basketball and has a great understanding of getting people the ball at the right time. Craft does whatever is necessary for his team to win ballgames. With national player of the year candidate Jared Sullinger and elite swingman William Buford back, and a plethora of talent around him, this sophomore will have a ton of weapons at his disposal in OSU’s pursuit of a national title.

9. Maalik Wayns, Villanova

Wayns combines athleticism, power and agility with an incredible knack for the game. His ability to change directions and speed is what makes him very difficult to guard, whether in the halfcourt set or the full. Wayns plays the game at such a fast pace, probably too fast at times. His assists-to-turnover ratio is about 1.3-to-1, but he does have the ability to take over a game at any time. He seemed to somewhat defer to senior Corey Fisher last season, but with Fisher and Corey Stokes gone, Wayns must command the leadership role for his team. He possesses all the physical attributes to be great, but the biggest test is going to be his ability to lead and find his voice.

10. Scoop Jardine, Syracuse

Scoop isn’t a player who will wow you with a quick first step or an ability to deliver a fancy pass, but the veteran guard has shown the resolve to grind you down with his persistence and toughness. He finished last season 0.1 assists per game shy of leading the nation’s toughest conference in that category. Last season was one of extreme highs and lows for Jardine mentally. Maturing is a process all point guards go through during their first year starting, no matter how many years they’ve been in school. He is a hard-nosed player who knows he has to be the voice for Jim Boeheim on the court if Syracuse wants to win it all.

11. Tyshawn Taylor, Kansas

Taylor will have his work cut out for him this season without Josh Selby and the Morris twins, but a lack of courage and toughness is something that does not exist in the DNA of this St. Anthony product. He led the Jayhawks with 4.6 assists per game last season despite spending a lot of time off the ball. Where TT excels is in his ability to pressure the ball and spearhead the KU defense. His excellent lateral quickness mixed with his wirey 6-foot-3 frame make him the antithesis for scoring point guards.

12. Tony Wroten Jr., Washington

It is rare when you see a point guard at 6-5 who has the physical strength and vision of Wroten. Watching him play in high school included some brilliant moments that would make one think he is the next coming. And UW’s loss of Isaiah Thomas should allow TW to come in and be "Prime Time" right away. The only flaw in his game is that he has a tendency at times to force action instead of letting the game come to him. But he is a smooth lefty who can shoot the ball from deep and also is a force to be reckoned with on the break because of his frame and his ability to knock defenders off balance. The Pac-12 is in good hands with Turner and Wroten Jr.

[providencefriars1Participant]

I dont really think Ashton Gibbs is a true PG. He had less assists than Wannamaker, the 2 guard, last year and he was more of a catch and shoot player. He might not even be the PG this year since they have Travon Woodal who was the sixth man last year and logged some improtant minutes. I would have rather seen Siva or maybe even Bost than Gibbs on that PG list. Dont get me wrong, Gibbs is a hell of a scorer and shooter, I just see him as an off guard.

[EntropyParticipant]

Tony wroten is going to be dangerous, he’s been way underhyped IMO mainly because of a serious knee injury. You don’t often see passers like at his height. And didn’t he measure out at 6-6 or 6-7 at the Nike hoop summit?

 

[omphalosParticipant]

I’m big on Wroten too, I think being under the radar will keep him working hard, and he could be a star at the next level.

[Bryant24Participant]

If Josiah Turner plays to his potential he will have a good year for Arizona I think he is overlooked for his class beacuse of Myck Kabongo, and Marquis Teague.

[Bmore_DCParticipant]

 i know Scoop Jardine doesnt have the same upside as most of these guys but i really feel like he should be higher than 10…

[ProudGrandpaParticipant]

Purdue’s Lewis Jackson, the 5’9" layup machine 

[RUDEBOY_Participant]

Dee Bost of Mississippi State is not a top pro prospects..But he’s 1 of the 10 best college point guards in the country…If he was 6’4..All you would hear about would be DEE BOST…

I agree with Providence: Gibbs isnt a pg,but he might have to learn that position to play at the next level..

Keep an eye on David Stockton of Gonzaga…He’s going to be fun to watch this year…

 

[Pro 1Participant]

Tony ‘GPS’ Wroten Jr (6’5 w/o shoes) should be listed ahead of any incoming Freshmen pgs ie Kabongo, Teague, Turner, etc as he is the best freshman point guard/guard bar none in my mind. Romar got his program a very solid recruit right there.

That being said where is Peyton ‘Boo-Yaa’ Siva of Louisville? He will be a major force in the NCAAs this season- just wait and see, and is most definately an upper half top 10 pg.

My sleeper pg pick is Reggie Moore of Washington State- get used to hearing his name..

[paradigmnParticipant]

 Graet Post man!!!  Let me find out Jason Williams knows how to write!!!  Solid overall list…although as previously mentioned by everyone….I agree Wroten Jr is under hyped…he did just have another minor knee surgery though…but he should be good to go.   Abdul Gaddy and him will split time I assume….unless Wroten can play the 2 along side Gaddy(he has the size)….that will be fun to see!!!

[OhCanada-Participant]

I honestly think Wroten is the top PG in his class and will be a Top 5 pick this year.

[omphalosParticipant]

The biggest hurdle facing Wroten will come from getting PT ahead of Gaddy and Terrence Ross. I think he could do amazing things with the minutes though.

[Author]

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