Duke Basketball: 5 Reasons Austin Rivers Has Been a Disappointment so Far

It's no secret that Duke freshman Austin Rivers is projected as a top-10 pick in the 2012 NBA Draft, according to most mock drafts.

Which leads us to the question, is he already looking ahead?

Rivers came to Durham with sky-high expectations, mostly as a result of commentators like Dick Vitale proclaiming him to be the best high school player in America during his senior year.

While Rivers has been solid through 11 games, he's been a bit of a disappointment thus far. Let's examine why.

1. He's Already Looking Ahead to the NBA

Austin Rivers measured 6'5" 203 lbs, with a 6'7" wingspan over the summer at the Kevin Durant Skills Academy and has been compared to OJ Mayo of the Memphis Grizzlies.

Equipped with the size and explosiveness to succeed at the next level, Rivers has long been projected as a future lottery pick and many feel he's had one foot out the door ever since he set foot on the Duke campus.

Rivers is a true "combo-guard" with the ability to play at both the 1 and the 2 due to his lightning-quick first step and off-the-charts athleticism when driving to the basket.

Considering one of the best coaches in the NBA (Doc Rivers, Boston Celtics) is his father, Rivers is the true definition of a "one and done" player.

2. He Struggled Against Michigan State

Kyrie Irving had his breakout game against the Spartans last season, racking up 31 points, six rebounds and four assists.

Rivers struggled mightily in his first prime-time affair, going just 1-for-7 from the field while managing only five points, one rebound and one assist.

If Rivers wants to show the world he deserves to be a top draft pick, he'll need to prove himself in this year's NCAA tournament when everyone is watching.

3. His All-Around Game Has Been Lacking

Rivers may be averaging 15.6 points per game, but he's only chipping in with 2.5 rebounds, 2.3 assists and 0.8 steals.

At this point in the season, he has yet to display the type of all-around game Duke fans were expecting from a player coming in with so much hype.

4. He Can't Make Free Throws

For a guard that loves to take the ball to the basket and get to the foul line, Rivers has struggled mightily from the free-throw line.

He's averaging 5.5 free throws per contest, but he's only shooting 67 percent from the line—far too low for a guard who always has the ball in his hands.

If Rivers wants to be successful at the next level, he's going to have to shoot at least 80 percent from the foul line.

5. He's Already Got His Doubters

Here is what one scout had to say about Rivers on nbadraft.net:

"He needs to get more mature, continue to get stronger, be less selfish, and work on his defense."

Not exactly a ringing endorsement...