2010-2011 Season Preview: Top Small Forwards

The season is fast approaching. The first games are on Nov. 8th, and the BIAH live blog during ESPN's season kickoff is just two weeks away. So with just a week until actual games are played, we figured its about time to give you our Top 10 players at each position. You know how much we love a good Top 10 list here.

A few caveats. First, we're talking about how good these guys are as college players, not how well they project as a pro. Second, while it may be too much power for me, I am making the executive decision on what "position" a player is (and it may not necessarily be what he is listed as on a roster). Third, I am putting the freshman in a separate list. As much as I've read about these guys and as many Youtube clips as I have watched, I have yet to see many of them play a real game (the all-star games don't count), and I don't think that I could give an accurate assessment compared to the rest of college basketball until I see them play at this level. Lastly, I love me a good argument, so if you think someone is too low or too high or the wrong position, leave a comment and let me hear about it.

By Position: PG, SG, SF, PF, C

Hit the jump for the small forwards:

1. Kyle Singler, Duke, Sr: Singler successfully made the transition to the perimeter last season, although it took him a while. He struggled early on in the season with his jumper and with quicker perimeter opponents, but down the stretch he took over for the Blue Devils, culminating in an NCAA Tournament MOP award. Offensively, there isn't much that Singler can't do. He's got NBA three point range, he can put the ball on the floor, he can score in the post, and he can finish around the rim. Word out of Durham is that this season, he has really chiseled out his frame.


2. Chandler Parsons, Florida, Sr: Parsons is a unique player. He's definitely a small forward in terms of his skill set, but he has continued to grow throughout his collegiate career and is now checking in at 6'10". Parsons' most notable skill throughout his career has been his perimeter jumper. The kid has range and he can flat out shoot the ball. But the rest of his game really began to come around last season. He has an excellent skill level for a player his size, as he is able to put the ball on the floor going either direction and finish around the rim as well as hit a pull-up. He's a very good passer and has a high basketball IQ. I'm high on Parsons, I love his versatility and his skill set, and I think he is going to have a very good senior season.

3. Kris Joseph, Syracuse, Jr: Joseph spent last season playing as Syracuse's hired gun off the bench. But with Andy Rautins and Wes Johnson both in the NBA, it will be Joseph who is asked to pick up the slack along the perimeter. He should be more than ready for it. Joseph's game centers around his ability to get by his man and get to the rim. He's got a quick first-step and long strides that make him a nightmare to try and stay in front of. The only thing missing from his arsenal right now is a consistent three ball. It will be interesting to see how comfortable he is in a leadership role with this team, but skill wise he is ready to dominate.

4. Chris Singleton, Florida State, Jr: Singleton has all the potential in the world, but he has yet to put together a season with enough consistency to realize that potential. He's a long and lanky 6'8" athlete with above average quickness and explosiveness. He also has excellent range on his jump shot. Defensively, he's capable on being in the NBA right now, but offensively he relies far too much on his streaky jumper and doesn't attack the rim as much as Leonard Hamilton would like. FSU will be counting on Singleton for a big season; and I think he'll provide it.

5. Draymond Green, Michigan State, Jr: Green is Mr. Versatility. He's the best rebounder on the Spartans. He's an excellent passer and can defend three positions. The only really question mark in his game is his offensive aggressiveness. He's got the talent to be a capable scorer in the Big Ten, the question will be whether he utilizes it.


6. Kawhi Leonard, San Diego State, So: Leonard is a guy with tons of upside. He's more of a combo-forward than a pure small forward, but playing on a big SDSU team, Leonard sees much more perimeter minutes. Right now, Leonard is a guy that thrives on his physical gifts -- 6'7", athletic, long arms -- to score and rebound the ball (he nearly averaged a double-double last year). He is the most dangerous when he runs the floor and when he is attacking the offensive glass. But he is just a sophomore, and as you know, players make their biggest jump after their sophomore season. I'm expecting Leonard to be much improved next season.

7. Jeff Taylor, Vanderbilt, Jr: This will be a make or break season for Taylor as a prospect. He burst on the scene as a freshman, making scouts salivate with his raw athleticism. But he didn't improve in the skill areas as much as people were hoping last year. He still struggles with his jumper -- although his mid-range stroke improved -- and his handle could use improvement as well. But with AJ Ogilvy and Jermaine Beal both gone, this will be Taylor and John Jenkins' team. Can he made that next step?

8. Scotty Hopson, Tennessee, Jr: That last paragraph can be repeated almost word for word for Hopson. Hopson is a kid with tremendous athleticism, but he's still trying to figure out how to harness it. He's more of a perimeter oriented player that Taylor, but he relies too much on an unreliable jumper and has a mediocre handle. Like Vandy, Tennessee lost quite a bit in the offseason. Can Hopson be the guy that everyone thought he could be in high school? Will he step up and take charge?

9. Travis Leslie, Georgia, Jr: When talking about Leslie, we're talking about athleticism. He's explosive, both in his first step and his leaping ability (right Cuz?), and he's got excellent length. He's a it small for a forward (6'4"), which makes his reliance on his athleticism and his noticeable lack of basketball skill a worry. Hopefully, he put in the effort this summer to get better and become one of the SEC's most dangerous 1-2 punches with Trey Thompkins.


10. DJ Kennedy, St. John's, Sr: Kennedy has flown under the radar for his entire career, but he is a kid that can really do it all. He's St. John's best scorer offensively, but he's also their facilitator on that end of the floor. He's a good rebounder for his size, and he's also the guy that draws the toughest defensive matchup on a nightly basis. He is definitely one of the more underrated players in the country.

11. Jimmy Butler, Marquette, Sr.
12. Jordan Hamilton, Texas, So.
13. Wesley Witherspoon, Memphis, Jr.
14. David Lighty, Ohio State, Sr.
15. Tim Abromaitis, Notre Dame, Sr.
16. John Holland, Boston U, Sr.
17. Ravern Johnson, Mississippi State, Sr.
18. Gerald Brown, Pitt, Sr.
19. Delroy James, Rhode Island, Sr.
20. Tyler Honeycutt, UCLA, So.


Top Five Freshman

1. Harrison Barnes, UNC: What can be said about Barnes that hasn't already been written ten times over. He's a smooth, mature 6'7" scoring wing that will have an immediate impact on the ACC and the nation.

2. Jereme Richmond, Illinois: Richmond is a versatile and athletically gifted wing. He'll be excellent running the break and on the defensive end of the floor this season for Illinois. He's the kind of player that can average 10 points, 6 boards, 4 assists, a steal and a block.

3. Terrence Ross, Washington: Ross has excellent size, athleticism, and is a knock down perimeter shooter. Washington doesn't have a lot of great shooters on their roster, and he should see some time immediately to space the floor for Isaiah Thomas and company.

4. Roscoe Smith, UConn: Roscoe Smith is a smooth, athletic 6'8" wing with perimeter skills and a jump shot. Playing for a UConn team that doesn't have a ton of talent or size this season, he should be quite effective in their pressing system.

5. Cameron Clark, Oklahoma: Clark is a talented slasher, a guy with athleticism, length, and a mid-range game. Too bad he will be playing on such a bad team this year. He should be their best offensive player, and therefore expect impressive numbers this season.