2010 NBA Mock Draft - Top 5 Shooting Guard Prospects

Similar to the top 5 point guard prospects for the 2010 NBA draft, the shooting guards are a mix of experience and talent level for this year's draft. Alas, none of the prospects are seniors, but Oklahoma State's James Anderson and Oklahoma's Willie Warren are two of the experienced producers in this year's group. Three freshmen also make my top five in Kansas's Xavier Henry and Texas's Avery Bradley. Pundits such as former coach Bobby Knight believe the frosh should get another year under their belt before declaring for the NBA, so we'll likely see a repeat of the past few years with these prospects waiting to declare until having a good idea on where they will go in the draft. If not high enough, one or more may choose to wait it out another year. If this was a "Top 6" listing, Ole Miss Guard, Terrico White, would make my listing. As we get closer to the NCAA tournament, we should see the shooting guard listing firm up a bit as we see how the frosh respond to the pressure of the close out of the regular season and conference tournament play.

2010 NBA Mock Draft Top 5 Shooting Guard Prospects

#1 2010 NBA Mock Draft Shooting Guard Prospect - James Anderson
If you were to pick one player who defines Oklahoma State's play this year for Coach Travis Ford, it would be James Anderson. He's been atop the Big 12 scoring for much of the year with averaging 21.6 ppg, 5.9 rpg, 2.0 apg, and 45.4% from the field at the time of this writing. He's knocking 3's down at a 32.4 % rate and has the NBA height at 6-6, 205 lbs.

#2 2010 NBA Mock Draft Shooting Guard Prospect - Willie Warren

Many thought Warren would turn pro in the 2009 NBA draft. He's back for this season, but likely won't come back for his junior year. He comes in a tad small for a NBA shooting guard at 6-4", but was scoring at a 17.8 ppg, 4.6 apg, and 44.1% FG with a few weeks left in Big 12 conference play.

#3 2010 NBA Mock Draft Shooting Guard Prospect - Xavier Henry

Xavier Henry, or "X" has been having a great year when you realize that for a freshman to average 15.1 ppg at Kansas, you have to be better than great to get the PT to get the numbers. He also rebounds at 4.1 rbg, 2.0 apg, and shoots 44 % from 3. He's been coming out of his shell after a slow conference play start, and is performing how he did earlier in the season as Kansas gets prepped for the 2010 Big 12 Tournament. Look for him to go pro if projected in the first half of the initial round of the 2010 NBA draft.

#4 2010 NBA Mock Draft Shooting Guard Prospect - Avery Bradley

Avery Bradley came into Texas with a decent amount of hype. He's a tad small for a NBA 2 guard at 6-2, 165 lbs, but is scoring at a 12.2 ppg, 2.6 apg, and 43.1 % 3 point shooting clip this season. Look for him to base his draft decision on whether or not he'll go in the first round or not. We may see him come back to work on point guard skills next season to prove he can perform at the one or two guard spots.

#5 2010 NBA Mock Draft Shooting Guard Prospect - Lance Stephenson

The only player to get more hype than John Wall coming into the 2009-10 NCAA basketball season. Lanced Stephenson escaped New England and has been one of the solid performers on the Bearcats squad. He's scoring at a 12.2 ppg clip, 4.8 rbg, 2.7 apg, but is only shooting 14.6 % from 3. He's got the NBA height at 6-5, 202 lbs, so if he continues to produce as we head into the off season, look for him to be picked in the later portion of the first round of the draft.