NBA Draft: Derrick Rose or Michael Beasley?

As the endless debate about who the best selections are in the upcoming NBA draft rages on, I couldn't help but give my opinion on the consensus top two picks, Derrick Rose and Michael Beasley.

Beasley dominated all facets of the game as a freshman at Kansas State last season, leading the nation in rebounds per game and coming in third in points per game. Beasley used his combination of size, at 6'9", and athleticism to impose his will upon the college ranks. This style of play, however, is exactly what will hurt him at the NBA level.

In the pros, Beasley will not be able to overpower any power forwards, and he doesn't have the athleticism to consistently score on NBA small forwards. Even if his physical gifts were enough to star at the NBA level, Beasley's video game style of play would not get him past an NBA defense whose main objective was stopping him. He is not a selfish player, but K-State's offense revolved around throwing the ball to Beasley and letting him go to work. His incredible season was also due in part to the lack of a good supporting cast, his only meaningful complement was fellow freshman Bill Walker.

Beasley had a great year, which should not be undervalued and, to be fair, I did not get to see him play as much as I would have liked, however I do not belive he has the tools necessary to carry his dominance to the NBA level.

Derrick Rose, the freshman point guard of a high powered Memphis team that finished second only to the Kansas Jayhawks this past season, is considered by many to be a once-in-a-generation talent at the game's most influential position.

Rose combines good size and strength with his blinding speed, which is unmatched in the open court. Rose also showed that he can play with talent, his Memphis squad was loaded with future pros, and guide a team to late-season success.

His biggest weakness is his outside shooting, however it has showed promise. As the success of Chris Paul and Tony Parker (neither of whom have great outside shots) on the next level shows. point guards whose games are predicated on speed and quickness can take their teams to another level.

Rose is a play-maker with all the tools to have a great NBA career, and I, along with most other draft forecasters, fully believe that he will star at the game's highest level for years to come.