Who's Number 1
Written by Rashad Bingham, Wednesday June 23 2010
One is the highly touted freshman the other is the hardworking junior. One is the flashy point guard the other is a do everything shooting guard. Both players are considered to be can’t miss prospects. The two players are John Wall and Evan Turner.
Evan Turner out of Ohio State came to school as a top 50 prospect. Many believed he was the second best player on his high school team, Illinois recruit Demetri McCamey was ranked higher. During his first year, Turner averaged 8.5 ppg 4.4 reb and 2.6 ast. His sophomore year he upped his numbers to 17.3 7.1 and 4 respectively. As a junior Turner posted his best numbers of his career with an outstanding 20.4 ppg 9.2 rebounds, and 6 ast per game. It was during his sophomore season that Turner would start to garner national attention as he was named a unanimous first-team All Big Ten selection by both the coaches and the media at the end of the regular season.
Turner’s career would take a turn to stardom during his junior season. He received numerous awards including the John Wooden award and the Naismith award, which is given to the best player in college.
Turner’s game is smooth very reminisant to Brandon Roy. He is a big combo guard with a great feel for the game. Turner is a smooth scorer who is creative with a basketball in his hands. His crossover was one of the best in college and will translate great in thee NBA. He is deadly from mid range with great form on his jump shot. With such a large frame 6-7 214lbs Turner is able to attack the basket and finish strong. Turner will be a true scorer in the league. His court vision is second to none he sees the court better than most point guards do. If you need a play to be made at the end of a game Turner will be more than capable either taking a shot or finding an open teammate. He is a more than capable on ball defender and willing rebounder. In addition, with a tremendous wingspan, almost 7 feet, he plays passing lanes well and contest shots. Turner is known commodity who will be an elite NBA player for years to come.
Then there is John Wall the highly decorated freshman who came to Kentucky as the number one freshman in the country. Wall burst on the college scene and immediately lived up to the hype. In his debut against the Miami Hurricanes Wall hit the game sinning shot with .5 seconds left on the clock. Wall averaged 16.6 ppg 4.3 reb and 6.5 ast as he led the Wildcats to a deep NCAA run and a number 1 ranking for most of the college season.
Wall has not been a stranger to controversy, as he pled guilty to a breaking and entering charge in Raleigh, North Carolina. Wall agreed to enter a program for first-time offenders, and under the terms of the plea, was required to complete 100 hours of community service, pay court costs and program fees, and stay out of trouble for the next six months.
As a player, Wall’s game is similar to all-star guard Derrick Rose. Wall is a speed demon who will be able to get to the basket at will with his tremendous first step. His game will translate much better in the NBA’s open style of play. If Wall is in the open court watch out because he has excellent handles, outstanding court vision and a tremendous ability to finish about the rim. Wall is a very confident player that believes he is the best player on the court. For some players that would be a bad thing but not Wall who has the talent to back it up. Wall is very flashy; sometimes that leads him to some careless turnovers. In addition, Wall’s jump shot needs improvement but that is an easy fix with extra work. Defensively Wall is a pest with his long arms. Wall plays the passing lanes very well he averaged almost 2 steals per game.
Well there are the two contenders the flashy point guard with the tremendous upside versus the proven commodity shooting guard. It is almost a foregone conclusion that Wall will be the number one pick by the Washington Wizards. The Philadelphia 76ers will take their consolation prize with a smile. Nevertheless, the debate will remain for many years to come, as the two teams will faceoff numerous times during the year.
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