Name: Ben McLemore
Age: 20
Height: 6-foot-4
Position: Shooting Guard
School/Country: Kansas
Latest Stats: 15.9 ppg, 5.2 rpg, 2.0 apg
Kansas freshman guard Ben McLemore burst onto the scene during the 2012-13 season, playing his way up the 2013 NBA Draft board. McLemore sat out the 2011-12 season at Kansas after being ruled ineligible by the NCAA, but he serves as a great example for a number of student athletes who are deemed anything but full qualifiers. McLemore was patient, waited out the process and the 2011-12 season, taking the time to improve and refine his game.
As a redshirt freshman this past season, that patience and hard work paid off right from the get-go, as McLemore earned All-Big 12 honors. At 6-foot-4, McLemore has tons of potential at the NBA level, thanks in large part to his through the roof athleticism. McLemore can hit the outside jumper, but he can also go off the dribble and mix in an assortment of cuts, making him very difficult to guard.
Look for McLemore to hear his name early in this year’s draft.
Strengths: McLemore’s athletic ability is crucial to his potential. Sure, McLemore can score the ball in a variety of ways, but his ability to excel in transition is what gives him the potential of a bright NBA future. McLemore is a handful to defend and can be a natural nightmare on the offensive end.
Weaknesses: McLemore was highly ranked coming out of high school (top 50 recruit), but he certainly wasn’t considered to be an NBA lottery pick here in 2013. As McLemore continues to come into his own, he must be ready to embrace the stage and spotlight that comes along with hearing his name early in this year’s NBA Draft. McLemore struggled for the most part during the Jayhawks’ run to the Sweet 16, but maybe it’s not best to judge this prospect through a few rough games to end his collegiate career.
Draft Projection: Top Five
Follow Paul Seaver on Twitter: @PaulSeaverRS
