Strengths: A strong combo guard with the capability to score and distribute the ball effectively … He has an extremely strong frame and he uses it to bull his way towards the basket … He handles the ball well and is capable of breaking down his defender with a nice mix of change of pace and direction moves … He shoots the ball well from all areas of the floor, showing a high and smooth release … He has nice rhythm and good balance on his jumper… Has continued to increase his range, and has become and extremely dangerous threat from deep … Finishes well at the basket, using angles and both hands to complete plays … Steady playmaker, he sees the floor well and can deliver the ball with good passes … Plays with good composure and does not make too many errors … Has become a terrific foul shooter … 

Weaknesses: Does a number of things well, but doesn’t have one aspect in which he is superb … A less than stellar athlete with a mediocre first step, this hurts him when attacking off the dribble because good defenders are able to stay in front of him … Needs to become better shooting off the dribble … His biggest question mark for the next level is his defense; he has a hard time containing the ball and doesn’t have the athleticism to defend on the wing …

Borko Popic – 06/23/2010

Borko Popic is a lead scout/contributor to NBADraft.net. Please check out his premium website / scouting service hooprospects.com, an essential tool for Pro teams from around the world.

Strengths: Big lead guard with a tremendous feel for the game His best asset is his vision and passing ability Very smooth and crafty He can handle and pass like a seasoned veteran Has excellent fundamentals Has a real fire and hunger for the game Always seems to be a step ahead of the competition anticipating plays before they happen and spotting openings for passes His vision and ability to see over smaller defenders makes him very intriguing Very good and driving and kicking Feeds the post very well, and has a good grasp of running the pick and roll Has a solid outside shot with range out to college 3, and good ability to make shots off the dribble Has deceptive athleticism. His body type gives the impression that he doesn’t have the speed to move the way he actually can Has a decent first step that he sets up well with pump fakes, and uses his body well to screen off defenders His size and strength give him the ability to rebound well Gutsy player who steps up to the challenge as he proved playing a key role in Gonzaga’s upset win over #2 ranked North Carolina with 14 points in 31 minutes A sound defender, doesn’t gamble too much, stays in front of his man and hustles His quick hands and anticipation make him more dangerous as an on ball defender

Weaknesses: Lacks great run/jump ability He can get off the floor, but isn’t going to win any dunk contests Needs to add consistency to his outside shooting, but the shooting form and makings are there His lateral foot speed defensively can cause him problems against smaller, quicker guards Has good body strength, but trimming 10-15 pounds in the mid section would enhance his agility. Toning his body will add to his speed in the open floor and overall quickness How much quicker and more athletic he can become is a key factor in determining his overall potential Has a great feel for the game but still must learn to master the point guard position.

Notes: Was the top high school player in Colorado as a senior The mop top hair and competitive fire are reminiscent of former Zag Adam Morrison. Hes something between Morrison and Blake Stepp After seeing him practice once, Rick Majeras called him Gonzaga’s top back court player and compared him to Deron Williams Tom Brennan, former Vermont coach and current ESPN analyst commented that his hair looks like it was done by a robin. SIs Seth Davis proclaimed his look worthy of Grant Wahls All Hobbit team

Aran Smith – 11/26/2006