1. Ryan Harrow 6-0 175 PG Kentucky So.
After being forced to sit out after transferring from North Carolina State, Harrow will suit up as Kentucky’s starting quarterback in 2012.
Harrow’s intrigue as a prospect stems directly from his breakdown ability, combining a quick first step, tight handle and sickening athleticism. Defending Harrow off the bounce is nothing short of riding a coaster a Six Flags. At high speeds, Harrow changes directions on the dime keeping guards off-balance and help-defense a routine necessity.
Despite missing a year of game-action, he reportedly outplayed Marquis Teague consistently as a practice player. His clear challenge moving forward will revolve around his mindset, transitioning from more of a scoring guard to a distributor.
In a year where the top point guard title is up for grabs, Harrow is our number one seed to start the season.
2. Lorenzo Brown 6-4 190 PG NC State Jr.
Brown has the size of a 2 with the handle and court vision of a point guard. Consistently operating with his head up and swiveling, Brown has the ball-handling skills to navigate through a defense, attack the rim himself or set up a teammate.
He finished 2nd in the ACC in assists last year behind Kendall Marshall, and with four returning starters from last year’s Sweet 16 team, chemistry and comfort will help aid his progression. With NC State a potential favorite in the ACC, Brown could get late lotto looks based on his ability to run a team.
3. CJ McCollum 6-3 185 PG/SG Lehigh Sr.
Arguably the most prolific offensive talent of the bunch, McCollum alone makes Lehigh an attractive ticket.
His 30 point, 6 assist, 6 rebound game over Duke in last year’s NCAA tournament answered any questions about his ability to produce against high level competition. Generally speaking, McCollum is the complete package—he can score, dish and rebound. But like most ball-dominant guards, he needs to focus on becoming a more trusted facilitator and orchestrator.
He’s got the talent, size and brains for the first round, and the upside for the lottery. The spotlight on McCollum will gradually intensify as the season gets underway.
4. Ian Miller 6-3 190 PG Florida St. Jr.
Playing behind a veteran tandem of guards, Miller hasn’t received consistent minutes in his first two years at Florida State. That will change in 2012-2013.
Possessing arguably the highest ceiling of anyone on the list, Miller’s stock could sky-rocket given his role expands and he’s granted more creative freedom. He’s got size and explosiveness to go along with big-time athleticism, which allows him to play both on and off the ball. Highly confident, Miller’s quick release, natural stroke and deep range make him a lethal threat out to 25 feet.
Though he still needs to prove capable of running an offense, we could be talking lottery once his potential fully materializes. His game might be better suited for NBA play, anyway.
5. Trey Burke 6-0 180 PG Michigan So.
Michigan’s fiery leader made quite the impression as a freshman, scoring 14.8 points a game while finishing second in the conference in assists. His undersized frame can be negated by his scrappy play and 6’5 wingspan. Burke is quick off the bounce, where he changes speeds keeping defenders on their heels.
While his quickness and dribble allow him to get to the rim, he’s limited to a difficult shot selection out on the perimeter. His role at the next level likely projects as a spark off the bench, though coaches will love his leadership and competitive qualities. Burke should get plenty of opportunities to illustrate these qualities on the big stage for Michigan as a sophomore.
6. Myck Kabongo 6-1 180 PG Texas So.
A highly touted high school recruit, Kabongo struggled to adjust to the pace, or lack thereof, at the college level.
However, he’s one of the few point guards with a natural feel for the position, and has the skills and feel to grow as a facilitator. With a high basketball IQ and the unselfishness suited for half court basketball (7 shot attempts, 5 assists per game), Kabongo has the skill-set to run the point at the next level.
He should look more comfortable in a rebound year commanding Texas’ offense.
7. Keith Appling 6-2 180 PG/SG Michigan St. Jr.
Appling is an underrated combo-guard with breakout written all over him.
Playing on and off the ball throughout his first two seasons, this is the year where his comfort level should be at an all-time high. Appling has quick feet and a crafty handle, and while his first instinct might be to score, the ability to beat his man off the dribble is a valued quality.
Assuming he keeps Michigan State on the side of relevancy, Appling could get first round looks as his junior year progresses.
8. Deonte Burton 34149 6-2 190 PG Nevada Jr.
An explosive combo-guard with a diverse offensive arsenal, Burton can score it in a variety of different ways. In two years at Nevada, Burton has hit a number of clutch shots down the stretch, displaying confidence and ice that run through his veins.
Though more of a scorer than natural playmaker, his rising three-point percentage has increased his threat as a ball-dominant guard. Like most undersized combo- guards, becoming more efficient will be a top priority.
9. Isaiah Canaan 6-1 205 PG/SG Murray St. Sr.
Sometimes you have to overlook deficiencies and focus on the positives. Canaan’s one of those kids who possesses the “it” factor, embracing the leadership role as his team’s lead guard.
Physically he’s a tank. Though just 6’0, a strong foundation and bowling ball physique allow him to absorb contact and bounce right off it. The fact that he’s shot over 40% in all three years make him a duel threat when screened on the perimeter.
Murray State’s heavy pick and roll offense should help prepare him for life at the next level. Though he may not be your prototypical pure point guard, Canaan has earned the trust of teammates as the Racers’ primary ball-handler.
10. Jerian Grant 6-5 195 PG/SG Notre Dame So.
Jerian passes the eye test as a lengthy 6’5 athlete with basketball genes (Son of Harvey Grant, Nephew of Horace) His physical tools add to his versatility, where he’s capable of playing and defending both guard positions. He averaged 5 assists and less than 2 turnovers a game, and should look to expand his offensive arsenal in his second year commanding Mike Brey’s offense.
Honorable Mention: Ryan Boatright 6-0 160 PG Connecticut So., Jahii Carson 5-11 170 PG Arizona St. Fr., Michael Carter-Williams 6-5 175 PG/SG Syracuse So., Aaron Craft 6-2 195 PG Ohio St. Jr., Tim Frazier 6-1 180 PG Penn St. Sr., Abdul Gaddy 6-3 180 PG Washington Sr., Erick Green 6-4 195 PG Virginia Tech Sr., Andre Hollins 6-1 195 PG Minnesota So., Pierre Jackson 5-10 170 PG Baylor Sr., Carl Jones 5-11 160 PG St. Joes Sr., Ray McCallum 6-1 190 PG Detroit Jr., Phil Pressey 5-11 170 PG Missouri So., Peyton Siva 5-11 170 PG Louisville Sr., Markel Starks 6-1 190 PG Georgetown Jr., Juwan Staten 6-0 180 PG West Virginia So., Darius Theus 6-3 180 PG VCU Sr., Josiah Turner 6-4 190 PG Europe 1993, Kendall Williams 6-3 180 PG/SG New Mexico Jr., Mfon Udofia 6-2 190 PG Georgia Tech Sr., Nate Wolters 6-4 190 PG North Dakota Sr.
Follow Jon on Twitter @NBADraftnetWass
What about Ray McCallum?
What about Ray McCallum?
Yeah,im surprise McCallum
Yeah,im surprise McCallum isnt listed,he boosted his stock in some summer tournaments…..And Quinn Cook of Duke will be among the nation’s most improved players this season…
Marcus Paige will end the
Marcus Paige will end the season on this list.
yeah i’m from MI and Ray
yeah i’m from MI and Ray Mccallum was, is, and will be much better than keith appling and that’s coming from a Michigan State fan
No Vincent Council even on
No Vincent Council even on the honorable mention is pretty laughable. I would honestly put Trey Burke and Lorenzo Brown ahead of Harrow too.
No PG in the top 4 runs a
No PG in the top 4 runs a team like Trey Burke. Burke’s more than what is described in that blurb. He’s the most advanced PG in terms of running pick-n-roll. Burke’s got the pull up game, spot up game and knows how to play to contact around the rim, with excellent body strength. He’s also fearless and clutch at the end of games. Trey’s super competitive and can really dig in defensively as well. Not only is he skilled and intelligent, but he’s a high intangibles player as well.
He’d easily be in my top 3.
Ian Miller? Really? He’s shown zero point guard skills.
Flip Pressey and Ray McCallum would’ve made my top 10. Kevin Dillard out of Dayton would’ve at least made my honorable mention. I’d take Aaron Craft over a bunch of those hon mentions as well. Elijah Johnson’s gonna be running the point a lot this year. I think he deserved at least a mention given his physical tools.
Yeah Im surprised Ray Mac or
Yeah Im surprised Ray Mac or Siva is not on that List. SMH. Ian Miller has been a project coming off injuries. Ray Mac is a top 20 Pg and Siva should be a good player. Im also surprised to not see Pierre Jackson, prolly the most exciting Pg in the country
Peyton siva is not a
Peyton siva is not a legitimate prospect
How is Shabazz Napier not
How is Shabazz Napier not even on the Honorable Mention list??
Because he’s not good
Because he’s not good enough?
He’s a good defender but he’s not a good shooter with questionable shot selection, doesn’t run a team well because hes not a particularly good decision maker. He’s also small and not athletic enough.
At least Siva has his athleticism to fall back on despite not being a particularly good PG either.
This List Im Not Feeling
I Could Name Guards That Should Of Made This List Eazy
Vincent Council should be at least 7 or 8 on this list
Ryan Harrow is only number 1 cause he attends kentucky, why did he transfer from NC State for one reason "Lorenzo Brown" was coming to steal the show
Chaz Willams a guy who lead his team to and NIT championship, this kid is a program changer
Myck Kabongo just does not cut it for me, he lacks in alot of areas, for one he’s a stick 150/155 pounds, yes he can run a team, but his mid-range game sucks. We give these canda kids to much credit sometimes, not every is a Andrew Wiggins, we keep taking them high in the draft and the turn out to be soild pratice players.
No Phil Pressey, in your top 10, one thing i can say about this kid is pure heart. He’s tuff and handles pressure, can hit and outside shoot, and lets not forget what he did last season, hes only improving
Marcus Page never gets any
Marcus Page never gets any love from anyone. He’s deserving of being on this list.
Its so cold, when u playing D
Aaron Craft, the best defender period in college basketball and was the second best last year. His offense is ever improving even though it does have a low ceiling. His leadership is unquestioned. I swear he also gets two more steals a game, than he gets credit for. If Royal Ivey made it then he can. He also had rumors that he would enter the draft last year, how is he not on this list? Dude not even honorable mention?
Ryan transferred from NC
Ryan transferred from NC State because Sidney Lowe was a bad coach not cause of Lorenzo -_-
Ian Miller will show out this year…the play time is there
what about trayvon woodall,
what about trayvon woodall, pitt?
the ranking
these rankings are pathetic. burke should be the preseasons best point guard because he’s the best performing pg that’s back. they just put harrow #1 because he’s going to kentucky
I’m a regular reader/user of
I’m a regular reader/user of this site and I must say that this is feature seems quite flawed. These rankings don’t make sense in multiple ways and the justifications for the placings aren’t exactly convincing…
I’d probably be one of the few to say this but I feel as though this is a continuing trend in which the content produced by NBADraft.net is slipping. I’m unsure of the editorial process but lately I’ve seen a lack of content being posted and when it is posted there has been a series of bad spelling and grammar. Many of you will think this is me bashing the site, but at the same time deep down some of you feel the same way.
I’ll conclude by saying that I appreciate the work that Aran and his team do, and I know that it is a lot of work to maintain a site such as this but if the editorial process doesn’t improve the readership could very well come under threat
rankings are opinion
not fact. Ryan Harrow leaving NC State because of brown is a joke. Imagine if they were in the same backcourt still though wow. Because you guys havent seen Harrow in a while I understand the pessimism (sp). I expect opinions to change on him- A better comment would have been – hes the reason why teague left school. As this year his mins would have been a issue.
BJ Young on Arkansaw can
BJ Young on Arkansaw can really ball. Expect him to be on this list very soon
the ranking
I just can’t see Ryan Harrow being the best pg. Where is Aaron Craft, BJ Young, Peyton Siva. Ray Mac just had a great season, he should definitley be top 5.
Ray McCallum is easily top 5.
Ray McCallum is easily top 5. Where are B.J. Young and Aaron Craft? They aren’t even in the honorable mentions, that is ridiculous.
Right now, for me:
1. B.J. Young – Most potential of any PG prospect in college basketball.
2. C.J. McCollum – Will ride the buzz that Duke performance gave him, scouts will watch him dominate the mid-major ranks and he will go mid-first.
3. Ray McCallum – Still highly underrated apparently. Athletic stud with great size and game for NBA PG.
4. Trey Burke – Michigan has an amazing starting lineup this year with Mitch McGary, Jordan Morgan, Glenn Robinson III, Tim Hardaway Jr., and the engine that will make it all run, Trey Burke. He is a little small, but he will be so good this year it won’t matter.
5. Lorenzo Brown – Excellent size for a PG, will look real good throwing alley-oops to C.J. Leslie all year.
6. Ryan Harrow – Undeniably has sick handles and athleticism, but he’s kind of small, and is being overrated because he’s on Kentucky. Indeed, he will probably be overdrafted because he’s on Kentucky. More power to him I suppose.
7. Elijah Johnson – Will have a chance to really blow up at Kansas.
7. Myck Kabongo – He’s my Canadian homie, so I have to root for him. With J’Covan Brown gone he will step up.
8. Aaron Craft – Best defender in college basketball? Maybe. Either way, enough going for him to get himself in late-first conversation.
9. Isaiah Canaan – Mid-major stud who will earn a high-second round spot for himself.
10. Phil Pressey – If he were 3 inches taller he’d probably be a lottery pick. Alas, he is not, but still in the late-first/early-second conversation.
11. Pierre Jackson – If he were 5 inches taller HE’D probably be a lottery pick. Again, not tall, will be fighting for a second round spot.
12. Deonte Burton – Nasty scorer, if he becomes more of a true floor general he will rise on this list.
I’ve seen nothing from Ian Miller, I’ve never understand the hard-on this site has had for him for years. Michael Carter-Williams of Syracuse will have a chance to skyrocket through these rankings if he proves to be a true PG. Tim Frazier and Vincent Council are two similar jet-quick PGs who put up monsterous stats last year, will be interesting to see if they can get themselves drafted. Ryan Boatright and Shabazz Napier are hurt by the fact that UConn will not be playing in any sort of post-season this year. Peyton Siva has never shown me enough to make me think he is more than a good college PG. Xavier-transfer Mark Lyons could surprise people at Arizona this year, as could sophomore Nick Johnson. Freshmen Kyle Anderson, Marcus Smart, Marcus Paige, and Yogi Ferrell all have chances to have major rookie campaigns. Kris Dunn would also be in that group if he recovers quickly from injuries. Rodney Purvis if he is eligible.
Juwan Staten will be in the
Juwan Staten will be in the top ten by years end he’s in a perfect station now
Aaron Craft should be among
Aaron Craft should be among the top 10
Nate
It’s unfair for me to comment exhaustively on this list, as everyone doing so has their opinions…..Having said that, Nate Wolters WILL BE a pro, and maybe a great pro. He has the intangibles, he passes the "eye" test, and his work ethic is 2nd to none…..He will have a banner senior season, the Jacks will go to their 2nd NCAA tourney, and pro scouts galore will know where Brookings, SD is after this year….By the way, Nate plays at South Dakota State, NOT, North Dakota, as was mentioned in this article….Players from up there get NO respect, but Nate IS a player…..Ask Lorenzo Romar and the Washington Huskies if Nate can play…..
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