RealGM

Strengths: Paul has some very appealing aspects to his game that could translate nicely to the next level ... a 6'8 small forward with a long wingspan and unlimited NBA range, he has a quick release and does not need much room to let it fly ... His athleticism and ability to run the floor make him dynamic in transition, resulting in big time dunks that can spark his team ... He attempted exactly 132 free throws in both his freshman and sophomore years, however he hit 28 more his sophomore year (a 70% to 91% jump)... Impressive vision and passing skills, which is not usually the case for a perimeter forward (3 assists per game) ... Rebounds well for a small forward at over 7 per game ... Defensively his athleticism contributes to over 2 steals and almost a block per game, illustrating his ability to anticipate and make a play on the ball ...

Weaknesses: George's biggest weakness is his inability to create for himself, and his poor shooting percentage when pulling up off the dribble ... Lacks a great handle which limits his overall game, as practically all of his baskets come from spotting up, good position down low, or in transition ... Tends to get too trigger happy from behind the arc, rushing long shots as opposed to letting the play develop and waiting for a better option ... He needs to not always settle for the long ball, and use his strong body and basketball skillset to be a little more creative in regards to getting easier opportunities and getting to the line ... At times he can be sloppy with the ball, throwing unreasonable passes while looking as if his head is not fully in the game... Defensively, he tends to lose focus when playing on the ball, but with the right coaching staff and the opportunity to play on a bigger stage, that problem is likely fixable ... Playing a weak schedule on a small stage makes it difficult to project how he would fare against stiffer competition ...

Overall: Paul George will most likely be picked in the mid first round, due to his ability to stretch the defense with his deep range and quick release... He could be affective along side a strong point guard in the drive and dish game, as well as in transition, and can fit in nicely with teams who have big men that frequently see double teams... Strong athletes who can shoot, finish and have the potential to defend are hard to come by, and could be used by many NBA teams who lack depth at the 3 position...

Damion James

NBA Comparison: Shawn Marion

Strengths: Well-built forward oozing with athleticism and agility ... Exhibits superb fluidity of movement, running the floor like a guard (3.09 sprint at pre-draft combine) and quick to the basketball. Has been a rebounding machine since the moment he took the court for Texas ... Possesses a 37 inch vertical leap, 7 foot wingspan and pursues every board relentlessly ... Very quick off his feet on multiple jumps ... He has taken his ferocious rebounding to another level through sixteen games as a Senior, averaging 11.2 per game ... His scoring average has seen significant growth each season, from 8 ppg as a freshman to 17 ppg as a senior ... The staple of his offensive game is the mid-range jumper ... Takes a few power dribbles to his right or left and gets great lift on his shot ... Combined with a high release, his jumper is virtually unblockable ... Prefers to face up opponents in the post and elevate over the top ... Displays range out to the college three, shooting 41% as a sophomore, 33% as a junior and 36% as a senior ... In constant motion on the offensive end looking for openings and easy buckets ... Shooting an efficient 48% from the field throughout his four years ... Explosive finisher at the rim ... Displays a great set of hands, retrieving even errant deliveries ... If he gets his hands on the ball, he doesn't let it go ... Plays with an extremely high motor on the defensive end ... Averages a steal and block per game for his career ... Has the strength and lateral quickness to guard multiple positions.

Weaknesses: Lacks a clearly defined position at the next level, but is so talented he is a "player" and will find a role regardless ... Ball handling needs further development. Appears very insecure when putting the ball on the deck. Rarely attacks all the way to the cup when being guarded. Dribbles with his head down ... Off the bounce moves are very methodical, more concerned with maintaining the dribble than getting by the defender ... His first step is hampered by lack of handle, restricting his ability to create shots for himself and others ... Needs to find more consistency with his jump shot, although this is an area which has shown improvement ... He's worked hard on his mechanics, but still a work in progress. Guide (left) hand falls off the ball too early on his shot, making it a little unnatural ... Doesn't possess a shooters touch. Settles for too many long range shots, out of his comfort range ... Shot selection is questionable. Free throw shooting is a major drawback of his game ... Has failed to reach the 70% plateau in any season, with a career 63% ... For an aggressive player, this is not up to par. While his scoring numbers have continued to accumulate, he is still not a primary offensive option ... He has benefited off the greatness of Kevin Durant, D.J. Augustin and a loaded 2009-2010 roster ... Fits the mold of a complimentary player, but not a go to guy. Although he's taken over the role this year for the Longhorns ... At 6'7 225 lacks the perimeter skills (ball handling and passing) to be a true NBA wing man, and lacks the size to defend the 4 position.

Notes: Recently became the Big 12 Conference's all time leading rebounder.Declared for the 2009 NBA draft and impressed scouts with his tremendous combine numbers before opting to return for his senior year.