Post by NBL President on Oct 29, 2007 12:01:06 GMT -5
Associated Press - Arizona has had great success sending point guards to the professional ranks. Damon Stoudamire, Jason Terry, Mike Bibby, Mustafa Shakur just to name a few, and now, it looks like two more will join them in the NBL. They will be joined by the athletic freak from Kansas State, Bill Walker. The former North College Hill teammate of O.J. Mayo, Walker overcame a terrible knee injury and is now ready to go pro.
Sophomore Jerryd Bayless and Freshman Brandon Jennings have both put their names into the 2009 NBL Draft, and although both are likely to play PG in the pros, they are very different players.
Bayless is a great scorer, he attacks the basket and can shoot the ball. He is a versatile player who can play both guard spots, and for a score first player, his ball handling is pretty good. He isn't a pure passer yet and to be a successful point guard in the NBA he will need to cut way down on turnovers. His defense could improve as well, but most think that is an effort thing, not a physical ability issue. NBL Player Comparison: J.R. Smith.
Brandon Jennings is long, lanky and incredibly quick. His passing skills are uncanny and his ability to get into the lane and dish anywhere is second to none. He is thin and lacks strength, but his defense is quite good, and his long arms allow him to cause trouble for opposing players who underestimate his size. He struggles shooting from the perimeter and until he puts on weight and converts it to muscle, he will be posted up easily. NBL Player Comparison: Rajon Rondo.
Finally, Bill Walker, a player who was athletically ready for the NBA at 16 or 17. In 2 years at K-State, Walker has yet to dominate, but shows flashes of greatness. He has great size for the SG/SF position, and has an improving outside shot. His man defense needs work, but when he puts full effort, he can be an above average ballhound. His ball handling is decent, nothing great, but he won't hurt a team. The biggest concern with Walker is his effort, and his skill. He is so athletic, people are waiting for his skills to catch up. Walker is also a guy you might not always like in the clubhouse. NBL Player Comparison: Andre Iguodala.
More info to come on these guys...
Sophomore Jerryd Bayless and Freshman Brandon Jennings have both put their names into the 2009 NBL Draft, and although both are likely to play PG in the pros, they are very different players.
Bayless is a great scorer, he attacks the basket and can shoot the ball. He is a versatile player who can play both guard spots, and for a score first player, his ball handling is pretty good. He isn't a pure passer yet and to be a successful point guard in the NBA he will need to cut way down on turnovers. His defense could improve as well, but most think that is an effort thing, not a physical ability issue. NBL Player Comparison: J.R. Smith.
Brandon Jennings is long, lanky and incredibly quick. His passing skills are uncanny and his ability to get into the lane and dish anywhere is second to none. He is thin and lacks strength, but his defense is quite good, and his long arms allow him to cause trouble for opposing players who underestimate his size. He struggles shooting from the perimeter and until he puts on weight and converts it to muscle, he will be posted up easily. NBL Player Comparison: Rajon Rondo.
Finally, Bill Walker, a player who was athletically ready for the NBA at 16 or 17. In 2 years at K-State, Walker has yet to dominate, but shows flashes of greatness. He has great size for the SG/SF position, and has an improving outside shot. His man defense needs work, but when he puts full effort, he can be an above average ballhound. His ball handling is decent, nothing great, but he won't hurt a team. The biggest concern with Walker is his effort, and his skill. He is so athletic, people are waiting for his skills to catch up. Walker is also a guy you might not always like in the clubhouse. NBL Player Comparison: Andre Iguodala.
More info to come on these guys...