Why Denis Clemente Is One of The Top Senior Guards In The 2010 Draft.

Not many people are talking about Kansas State guard Denis Clemente coming into the NBA Draft compared to other senior point guards such as Sherron Collins, Scottie Reynolds, etc. They should be, though, because Clemente is as good statistically and of equal worth beyond the measurables. Reasons:

1. Speed

It's possible there hasn't been a player more outstanding in the college game than Clemente in the last decade in terms of pure speed. I expect this to really help him succeed in the NBA, similar to Ty Lawson's success.

2. He's Got Range!

He proved time and time again at K-State that he had the range necessary to be a solid three point shooter in the NBA. While his three point shooting percentage wasn't dazzling, he can get it done from beyond the arc.

3. Stats

Here is a statistical comparison of Clemente against some of the more highly regarded senior point guards.

Denis Clemente

PPG-16.6

APG-4.2

3P%-.341

RPG-2.4

FG%-.405

FT%-.744

Sherron Collins

PPG-15.5

APG-4.5

3P%-.370

RPG-2.1

FG%-.426

FT%-.855

Scottie Reynolds

PPG-18.2

APG-3.3

3P%-.385

RPG-2.7

FG%-.457

FT%-.838

Jon Scheyer

PPG-18.2

APG-4.9

3P%-.383

RPG-3.6

FG%-.399

FT%-.878

As you can see, Clemente's stats are almost identical to Sherron Collins', who is regarded as the best senior point guard in this draft class. While all of these guys were their teams leading scorers, Clemente often took the backseat to star Jacob Pullen.

4. He Brings It Every Night

While he has the ability to take over games (45 points against Texas in the 2009 Big 12 tournament) he is also an incredibly consistent player who has the drive to better himself and his teammates every night.

Soon, all of the NBA scouts will realize what a great player Denis Clemente is as he scorches the rest of the league on the court.