2011 NBA Draft: Is Kyle Singler Overratted or Just Where He Should Be?

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Few players have had the college career of Kyle Singler. He followed a storied high school career at Medford High School in Oregon with a stunning four year run at Duke that included winning it all.

Singler is your prototypical glue player, capable of doing just about everything well. He plays with heart, displaying the desire that coaches love and fans adore. He can step in and get you a key offensive charge, he can shoot with range, and he is always the smartest guy on the court.

So why is Singler routinely ignored in the top 25 picks of most mock drafts?

One of the biggest knocks against Singler is that he is too slow to play small forward at the next level. Sure, Singler won’t be confused with Chris Singleton, but he isn’t exactly Adam Morrison. Singler makes up for his lack of athleticism with hard work and sound fundamentals.

Another knock against Singler is that he has regressed as a rebounder. Sure, his numbers are less than stellar in that regard, a lot of that owes to the fact that he spent more time on the perimeter on offense, and was asked to guard perimeter players on defense. This is another area where his excellent fundamentals will lend itself to improvement at the next level.

While it is difficult to ever call a Duke player underrated, Singler has proven himself as a winner and should be a steal for a team looking for maturity at the back end of the first round.

For more 2011 NBA Draft coverage, stay tuned to Bleacher Report for updated NBA mock drafts, B/R's Big Board of Recruits, NBA Draft rumors, NBA Draft results and draft grades.

- Jay Wierenga

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