One and done? OSU's Marcus Smart projected a top-10 draft pick
BY KELLY HINES World Sports Writer
Wednesday, January 30, 2013
1/30/13 at 7:18 AM
Marcus Smart has a chance to make Oklahoma State history.
The savvy point guard could become the first Cowboy to leave Stillwater after his first season. He hasn't announced any intentions but is projected by experts to be among the top 10 picks for the 2013 NBA Draft.
"He has a unique combination of physical tools, basketball IQ and skill level for a player his age, and NBA teams will likely love his intangibles and ability to fit into or help develop a winning culture," according to DraftExpress.com.
A McDonald's All-American who led Flower Mound (Texas) to back-to-back state titles, Smart is averaging 13.2 points per game for the Cowboys and leads the team in assists (81) and steals (49).
"He's one of the all-time greats," Gonzaga coach Mark Few said after the Bulldogs beat OSU in December. "I love that guy. He's a warrior.
"He's a winner to the umpteenth level. I'd go into battle with that guy anytime."
MARCUS SMART
Age: 18
Position: Point or combo guard
Height: 6-foot-4
Weight: 225 pounds
Strengths: Versatility, court vision, strength
Weaknesses: Size, shooting consistency
Stats: 13.2 points, 5.6 rebounds, 4.5 assists, 2.7 steals
Draft projections: No. 8, NBADraft.net; No. 9, ESPN and Draft Express.com; No. 18, CBSSports.com
Kevin Durant
Texas (2007)
Second pick, Seattle
After averaging 25.8 points and 11.1 rebounds, Durant was passed over as the top pick in favor of Ohio State center Greg Oden. Since the SuperSonics relocated to Oklahoma City, Durant has become a superstar and is the reigning three-time NBA scoring champion.
DeAndre Jordan
Texas A&M (2008)
35: th, Los Angeles Clippers
When Jordan opted to leave College Station after a year in which he played 20 minutes a game and averaged 7.9 points and six rebounds, he was labeled as a potential bust. But in his second season as a starter, he's exceeded his college stats: 8.8 points, 6.8 rebounds.
Michael Beasley
Kansas State (2008)
Second, Miami
CBSSports.com's Player of the Year, Beasley was virtually unstoppable for the Wildcats and remains the top scorer and top rebounder among freshmen in Big 12 history. Now playing for his third NBA team, he is contributing 10 points off the bench for Phoenix.
OSU’S MARCUS SMART: A ONE AND DONE?
Avery Bradley
Texas (2010)
19th, Boston
Bradley was the Longhorns' second-leading scorer as a freshman, contributing 11.6 points per game. He worked his way into the Celtics' lineup last year and despite injuries is averaging 8.2 points. He's expected to have a larger role with Rajon Rondo out for the season.
Tristan Thompson
Texas (2011)
Fourth, Cleveland
After an up-and-down season at Texas, many wondered whether Thompson's skills would translate to the next level. He had a solid rookie showing and while starting every game this year has consistently improved. This month, he's averaging 14.9 points and 10.1 rebounds.
Cory Joseph
Texas (2011)
29th, San Antonio
Joseph had a decent freshman year (10.4 points, 3.6 rebounds, 3.0 assists), but his decision to leave college after a year drew criticism. He is currently assigned to the Spurs' D-League team in Austin and averaging 19.9 points a game.
Josh Selby
Kansas (2011)
49th, Memphis
The latest pick among one-and-done players, Selby was suspended for part of his freshman season and returned to average 7.9 points and 2.2 assists. He spent most of last year in the D-League and was traded last week to Cleveland, where he was promptly assigned to the Cavs' D-League team.
Quincy Miller
Baylor (2012)
38th, Denver
Miller burst onto the scene while helping the Bears to a 17-0 start, and after being named Big 12 co-freshman of the year chose to leave Waco. He has played three games for the Nuggets this year and is back with their D-League team in Iowa, averaging 11.9 points and 6.8 rebounds.
What they're saying
Coach Travis Ford on Smart: "His strengths are not going out and scoring 30 points like most McDonald's All-Americans. His strength is winning and playing hard, making those around him better."
Teammate Le'Bryan Nash on Smart: "He would do whatever it takes to win. That's what I love about him. You need that, especially at the point-guard position. He's a leader."
Around the conference
Despite a relatively down year for the Big 12, three players could be lottery picks. That's happened four times and never with all three being freshmen.
In addition to Smart, Kansas shooting guard Ben McLemore is projected as high as No. 2 overall. He leads the Jayhawks with 16.1 points a game.
Baylor's 7-foot-1 center Isaiah Austin could go as high as sixth in the draft. He is averaging 14.5 points and 8.8 rebounds.
Cowboys taken in the first round
Third pick: Bob Harris, 1949 (Fort Wayne)
Sixth: Bryant Reeves, 1995 (Vancouver)
16th: Joey Graham, 2005 (Toronto)
17th: Desmond Mason, 2000 (Seattle)
20th: James Anderson, 2010 (San Antonio)
27th: Byron Houston, 1992 (Chicago); Tony Allen, 2004 (Boston); Brooks Thompson, 1994 (Orlando)
Iowa State (14-5, 4-2 Big 12)
| | Ht. | Pt. | Reb. |
| F | Ejim | 6-6 | 10.6 | 9.5 |
| F | Niang | 6-7 | 11.1 | 4.8 |
| G | Babb | 6-5 | 8.8 | 3.0 |
| G | Lucious | 5-11 | 10.2 | 5.5* |
| G | Clyburn | 6-7 | 14.4 | 7.6 |
Oklahoma State (13-5, 3-3 Big 12)
| | Ht. | Pt. | Reb. |
| F | Nash | 6-7 | 13.3 | 4.4 |
| F | Cobbins | 6-8 | 6.3 | 5.1 |
| C | Jurick | 6-11 | 4.0 | 7.4 |
| G | Brown | 6-3 | 14.9 | 4.3 |
| G | Smart | 6-4 | 13.2 | 5.6 |
*assists per game
Original Print Headline: Could OSU's Marcus Smart be one and done?
Kelly Hines 918-581-8452
kelly.hines@tulsaworld.com
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