NBA Comparison: Willie Green

Strengths: Barford is a bulldog as a combo guard … A compact and sturdily built 6’2 player, he is not afraid of contact and projects as a tough defender … Made great strides as a shooter this past season, going from 26% to 43% from deep in only a season while nearly doubling his attempts … Has consistent mechanics and shoots with more confidence than previously … Projects as more of a spot-up shooter, but can make simple pull-up shots off the dribble … Decisive, does not really wasted time when the ball is in his hands … Adequate athletic ability…Plays a simple and effective game, prefers to go north and south on his slashes and is generally prepared to fire when he gets the ball on the perimeter with space and his feet set … Has the potential to be a good defensive player, and generally shows effort and physicality with his matchups … Lets the game come to him … Has a workmanlike type of approach as a player, not much flash but the type of player that a coach will appreciate…Helped his case by playing well in Portsmouth after the season …

Weaknesses: Barford was mostly an off-ball player in college, and at 6’2 does not have much in the way of lead guard skills … Definitely more of a scorer than a playmaker for others, and does not have a natural feel for dictating the flow or pace of a game … Offers little length to compensate for his underwhelming size, and is nothing special in terms of explosiveness and quickness … Pretty bland skill set and lacks creativity, doesn’t particularly stand out in many areas at all … Ball-handling skills are average for a guard prospect…Not likely to be an efficient finisher around the rim against NBA-level competition …Will settle for contested jump shots too easily at times

Overall: Barford has the ability to provide tough defense and make some open shots, and teams are more hip to him after he was a standout in the Portsmouth … He plays a simple and basic game, but it is hard to ignore his much improved shooting confidence and efficiency for a decent Arkansas squad in the SEC … Barford is tough and strong, but there are questions about his position in the NBA considering he is not a natural playmaker or a truly special scorer while standing only 6’2 with a 6’3 wingspan without standout athletic ability … He could hear his name in the 2nd round, but is more likely to have to earn his way to a roster spot in Summer League, the G League or by playing overseas …

Jorrye Nixon 6/20/18