Is Ben McLemore the one at number five?
If he is still available, absolutely. McLemore is one of the most gifted athletes of all the players in the 2013 NBA Draft. The 6-5, 195 pound guard from St. Louis, Mo is coming off his first season with Kansas that saw him average 15.9 points, five rebounds and shot just under 50% from the field including 42% from three in 37 games played. It is no secret that the Suns need an elite wing scorer that can create shot for himself and others and McLemore is one of the best, if not the best that fits that category.
Career Highlights: Selected Second Team All-America by the AP, NABC and USBWA in 2013. Also chosen John R. Wooden Award All-America, Lute Olson All-America Team, Third Team All-America by Sporting News and USBWA Freshman All-America. On the ballot for the John R. Wooden award which is given to the nation’s top player. He led Kansas in scoring which was a Jayhawk freshman record and third in the Big 12. A consensus All-America Second Team and All-Big 12 First Team honoree.
High School: Averaged 16 points and seven rebounds over six games as a high school senior at Christian Life Center in Humble, Texas after transferring there from Oak Hill Academy in Mouth of Wilson, VA. Ranked No. 17 nationally by Rivals.com. Spent his junior season at Wellston High School in St. Louis, averaging 28.3 points, 12.7 rebounds, 6.2 assists, 2.6 steals and 2.3 blocked shots per game on the season. Wellston closed following the 2009-10 academic year.
Strengths: Superb athlete with a great basketball body. Excellent form on his jumpshot. Will be a threat from deep at the next level, as well as in spot-up or catch-and-shoot situations. Doesn’t force the action. Moves well without the ball. Lots of upside defensively. Still early in his growth curve as a player.
Personal: Grew up in difficult economic circumstances, where his access to meals and hot water was limited at times, as detailed in a February 2013 article in USA Today.
Stats and accolades courtesy of the Phoenix Suns.
