NBA Draft 2011: Why Hampton's Kwame Morgan Could Be a Great Pick for Any Team

Let's face it. Everyone knows that either Derrick Williams or Kyrie Irving will be the first pick of the 2011 NBA draft, hands down. They both pull away from the pack, bringing explosiveness and intensity to their respective positions. As a matter of fact, let's go a bit further than that.

We all know the big-name college superstars who've entered their names in the draft. Players like Kemba Walker, Jimmer Fredette and Brandon Knight are all household names that people across the nation have all heard of. But aren't you tired of hearing about the same players over and over and over again?

I know I am. What about someone who did big things in a smaller conference? Someone who put up 16.5 points per game to help get his team its first NCAA tournament berth since 2006?

Does anyone have an idea who I'm talking about? Probably not.

Let me introduce you to Kwame Morgan.

Morgan is a 6'3", 205-pound junior guard out of Hampton University who just entered his name into the 2011 NBA Draft last week. He was named to the 2011 Lou Henson Mid-Major All-America team, as well as the All-MEAC (Mid-Eastern Atlantic Conference) second team. Primarily known as a shooter, Morgan shot 36.6 percent from downtown last season, helping lead the Hampton Pirates to a 24-9 record.

Kwame Morgan does not shy away from the big shots—one of his biggest assets. Embracing the pressure rather than folding under it, Morgan sank game-winning three-point shots against Liberty University on December 22nd and Colorado State University on January 1st.

Morgan was a two-time MEAC Player of the Week and averaged 19.3 points per game in the MEAC tournament to get his team to the NCAA tournament.

Why should teams draft Kwame Morgan over other players?

Kwame Morgan's work ethic is second to none.

"I just came out of the gym thinking about the summer," he told me. "I think if you're waiting until the summer to start thinking about your game, you're already too late."

You can see his transition from his freshman year to his junior year. From 6.9 to 7.2 points per game, and then the huge jump to 16.5 points last season, Morgan has worked relentlessly on his game, aiming to perfect every facet of his offensive artillery. Known to be a high-quantity scorer, Morgan scored 30 points on two separate winning occasions over Norfolk State University and the University of Maryland, Eastern Shore.

Kwame Morgan is ready to take his game to the next level. His diligence, work ethic and love for the game are intangibles that make NBA scouts salivate at the mouth. Morgan would be a sleeper pick for any team in need of a guard, especially in the second round. It would almost be a sin for him to be overlooked in the draft.