Stephen Curry - NBA Draft Prospects

Numbers: 25.9 ppg, 4.6 rpg, 2.9 apg, 2.0 spg, 2.6 t/o's, 48% FG, 89% FT, 44% 3's

About Him: By now anyone that watches college basketball knows who Stephen Curry is thanks to his NCAA tourney performance where he carried Davidson to the Elite 8. Offensively, Curry has it all there. He is an unbelievable shooter, especially from three point land. He has a very quick release and needs almost not time and space to get his shot off. He has range out to about 26 feet, and can shoot it in any way possible - off the dribble right or left, off a screen, off a step back, off a curl, etc. Although he relies heavily on his three (mainly because it is so good, he shot 44% while taking more than 10 per game), Curry can also do other things with the ball. Although he is not overly quick, he is very smart and crafty, which allows him to use fakes and hesitations to get by defenders. He is not a outstanding finisher at the rim, but again very smart, instead using floaters, short pull-ups, or going reverse (using the rim to protect the shot) to avoid shot blockers. His handle is great and he is an much more efficient passer than his number indicate, mainly because he was playing with a great point guard in Jason Richards. He has proven that he can make the right pass off of a pick and roll, and is good for one or two great passes a game. Defensively, he is still small, and will struggle to guard two's in the NBA (although it is pretty obvious he is still growing into his body, and may get a couple more inches still). He does have quick hands and great anticipation which allows him to get steals, and he also is very good at moving his feet and keeping his man in front of him.

Comparisons: Jannero Pargo, Jason Terry (stretch)

Bottom Line: Although his draft stock and hype may never be higher than it is right now, Curry made the correct decision to come back. He needs to grow into his body, and he will also have a chance to prove his point guard skills with Richards graduating. If he gets a couple more inches as well, he could end up being a Kevin Martin/Ray Allen type prospect.