NBA Comparison: Calbert Chaney

Strengths: Athletic 2-guard with decent size and good length … Extremely agile and explosive. Athletically he appears to be a cut above and just beginning to tap into his upside … Buford has a pretty jumpshot with excellent form and developing range. Gets good lift and has a high release point, that along with a quick release and long arms make him an efficient shooter … He has gained a lot of confidence in his shot ... He is most effective when he can create a rhythm by shooting off of one dribble but is also adept catching and shooting … He gathers and sets quickly and can shoot without much space, effectively … Shows a preference to go left and shoot but is effective pulling up going in either direction … Understands the offensive side of the game well, coming off screens and shooting off curls … Does a good job of setting defenders up for screens and creating shots for himself on the perimeter and shoots with a quality shot selection … Effective at midrange pull ups and runners … Although he’s not a great passer, he’s also not a bad passer and rarely forces things or makes bad decisions with the ball … Defensively he shows a lot of potential as well. His long arms and quick feet allow him to stay in front of defenders and be disruptive. He shows solid fundamentals and a willingness to work at it which should allow him to become a strong defender as his body matures …

Weaknesses: Buford should learn to better utilize his athletic gifts by becoming a better ball handler … Needs to become better at attacking the rim off the bounce … His one on one skills are very average at this point, he should become better at creating offense for himself. But playing alongside a great facilitator like Evan Turner makes that less essential within the team framework … Gets out of control sometimes when going to the basket, he needs to become better at finishing, as his shot on the move isn’t as effective … This is an aspect of his game that clearly can be improved with familiarity/experience and confidence … Not a tremendous passer. Needs to develop his vision and ability to find open teammates … His outside shot is good but he can definitely extend his consistency shooting from 3 point range (36% as a freshman) … Could stand to add some muscle which would allow him to finish stronger at the rim …

-Aran Smith 8/28/09