2011 NBA Mock Draft: Four Reasons Why Kyle Singler Should Be a First Round Pick

Duke’s Kyle Singler was the face of college basketball over the last two years.

During the Blue Devils' National Championship run in 2010 he was named the NCAA Tournament Final Four Most Outstanding Player.

He arrived in Durham, N.C., in 2007, as one of the top high school recruits in the nation, and was a four-year starter under Coach Mike Krzyzewski. He finished his college career ranked fourth in school history in scoring, sixth in rebounding and ninth in blocking.

Despite those impressive stats and facts, many experts see Singler dropping into the second round of the upcoming NBA Draft.

The following four reasons show why Kyle Singler should be a first round draft choice.

Excellent Mid-Range Shooter

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PORTLAND, OR - NOVEMBER 27: Kyle Singler #12 of the Duke Blue Devils shoots a three pointer against the Oregon Ducks on November 27, 2010 at the Rose Garden in Portland, Oregon. (Photo by Jonathan Ferrey/Getty Images)

Singler has a solid mid-range game, which is primarily based on his excellent footwork and basic fundamentals. The 6'8" forward established himself as one of the best perimeter shooters in the collegiate level.

He has a high and quick release point, which makes his shot difficult to block. Those fluid mechanics turned him into a streaky shooter who is capable of shooting the lights out on any given night.

To continue his career as a spot-up shooter in the NBA, he has to improve on his shot selection. Due to his only average athleticism, he also lacks the important first step to get by a defender.

Good Passer, Unselfish

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CHICAGO - JANUARY 06: Kyle Singler #12 of the Duke Blue Devils passes the ball against the Iowa State Cyclones at the United Center on January 6, 2010 in Chicago, Illinois. Duke defeated Iowa State 86-65. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)

Besides his shooting abilities, Singler has managed to become a capable and willing passer, especially during his senior year. He always has an eye for open teammates.

Winning is his ultimate goal, individual stats don't matter to him.

Singler also showed a lot of control and focus while handling the ball. In his last season at Duke he averaged only 1.9 turnovers per game. Those improved ball-handling skills had no immediate impact on his offensive game.

He still drives right on almost 70 percent of his possessions. 

Solid Rebounder

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GREENSBORO, NC - MARCH 13: Kyle Singler #12 and Mason Plumlee #5 of the Duke Blue Devils rebound against John Henson #31 of the North Carolina Tar Heels during the first half in the championship game of the 2011 ACC men's basketball tournament at the Gre

Singler has continuously worked on his rebounding since his arrival in Durham, N.C. What he lacks in length and strength, he compensates through tremendous footwork and positioning.

During his Blue Devils years he averaged 6.9 rebounds per game. Nevertheless, to compete at the next level, he has to gain strength and weight, which seems to be nothing more than a little bump in the road to the NBA.

High Basketball IQ

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CHARLOTTE, NC - MARCH 20: Head coach Mike Krzyzewski of the Duke Blue Devils talks with Kyle Singler #12 while taking on the Michigan Wolverines during the third round of the 2011 NCAA men's basketball tournament at Time Warner Cable Arena on March 20, 2

Maybe his most important asset is his experience and the fact that he is a proven winner. Singler was Coach K’s extension on to the court. He showed that he could lead a team to a championship as he did in 2010.

Kyle Singler is a relative complete player at this point in his career with little flaws here and there. He showed throughout his career that he is capable of improving his game year after year. If Singler has already reached his potential remains to be seen, but he can be an immediate contributor as a role player for any NBA team.