College Basketball: Who Is Best SG in the Nation, Jeremy Lamb or Austin Rivers?

Two of the biggest and best basketball programs in the country currently have the two best shooting guard prospects.

UConn's Jeremy Lamb and Duke's Austin Rivers are the cream of the crop of collegiate two-guards who presumably will be ready for the 2012 NBA Draft.

There are several important factors when comparing NBA prospects, some specific to position. Following is how each of them shake out in those categories.

Age

Even though, Lamb is a sophomore and Rivers a freshman, the two are only about two months apart in age. Both are 19 and won't turn 20 until next year, so neither has an edge as far as youth.

Both players will still be 19 when the draft takes place; no edge to either player here.

Experience

There is an obvious edge here to Lamb, who is in his second year in college after being a part of a national championship team last season. He is also looking at another good run at the title this year, and has experience internationally.

Rivers is a freshman, so while he's playing in a major program, simple math says two is better than one. His experience is not equal to Lamb's.

Edge: Lamb

Lamb 1, Rivers 0, 1 Draw

Athleticism

The game is not all running and jumping, but about 80 percent of it is, and both players are excellent athletes. If you need more proof, take a look at this slam by Lamb last week and this series of slams by Rivers in high school.

Both players are quick, but Lamb appears faster in terms of straight line speed, while Rivers has the edge in terms of first step and change of direction.

Lamb is very slight of build and lanky. His body composition looks as though he'll always be thin. Rivers won't be bulky, but I think he has the ability to carry a little more mass than Lamb. This could aid him in developing an intermediate post game.

All in all, Lamb is the better pure athlete in my opinion.

Lamb 2, Rivers 0, 1 Draw

Basketball IQ

Rivers seems to have the ability to play the point guard position. He is a scorer first, but he sees the floor and understands the right plays to make. Lamb is also a smart player, but far more of a wing player and better off the ball. I don't think he can handle as much responsibility with the ball as Rivers.

Rivers' obvious advantage of having a father that wasn't just a former player, but also a current NBA head coach is big. That said, Lamb isn't going to hurt his team, but I still give Rivers the edge.

Lamb 2, Rivers 1, 1 Draw

Size

Lamb has the clear advantage here. He is 6'6" with long arms and he uses his length well. Rivers is 6'4" and that may end up creating a dilemma. Many may question if he should be playing the point or the two.

Lamb 3, Rivers 1, 1 Draw

Shooting Ability

Both players can score, but Lamb is a better pure shooter. Rivers excels at shooting the jumper, but he is much more of a streaky shooter. Lamb has a beautiful shooting stroke and has some real potential as a spot-up shooter.

Lamb is shooting 50 percent from the field and he shot 48 percent last year. Rivers is more of a scorer than a shooter; he requires a volume of shots that he won't ever see at Duke. He'll be the better scorer, but Lamb is the better shooter.

Lamb again has the edge here.

Lamb 4, Rivers 1, 1 Draw

Defense

Defensively, Lamb is already a force. He plays the passing lanes well and uses his length to disturb the opposition. Rivers did not arrive to Durham as a defender, and while he may never become a lock-down defensive player, he will improve.

Still, Lamb has top-five steals ability; he is averaging 2.5 steals per game this year. Rivers has pilfered two per contest, but Lamb's length also makes him a shot blocker, so he gets the edge.

Lamb 5, Rivers 1, 1 Draw

Ball-handling

Lamb handles well enough to make quick moves to the basket, but his overall ball-handling doesn't compare to Rivers. Rivers has a good enough handle to run the lead guard spot.

He can break opponents down off the dribble and use that skill to get to the line. Lamb has turned it over six times this year through two games; Rivers seven times in three games. Considering the amount of time Rivers is handling, the edge goes to Rivers here.

Lamb 5, Rivers 2, 1 Draw

Passing

Both players are efficient passers, but Rivers handles the ball more often than Lamb does. His dribble-drive abilities also create more passing lanes, thereby making him a more effective passer.

Lamb does not have the type of vision that Rivers has. He averaged only 1.5 assists as a freshman and early on, the numbers have looked similar. Rivers is averaging almost three per game through three games.

Watching them both play, you can see the difference. The edge goes to Rivers here.

Lamb 5, Rivers 3, 1 Draw

Penetration/Finishing

Both players can finish, but Lamb is a slasher, Rivers is a penetrator; there is a difference. Lamb excels with one quick move, takes two dribbles and elevates. Rivers will be able to utilize more complex dribble-drive techniques to get to the line.

Rivers also appears to have the edge in body control. One statistic that speaks to body control on the drive is free throw attempts. Speed and quickness are important factors here for guards, but body control is important.

Both players are shooting about seven free throws per game so far this season. That is an impressive number, but even more impressive is the fact that Rivers is getting it done in 27 minutes, while Lamb is playing about 40 per night.

The free-throw line is the key to explosive offensive performances. Rivers has the ability to dribble penetrate, finish or get to the line regularly. He gets the edge here.

Lamb 5, Rivers 4, 1 Draw

Ceiling

When I'm evaluating a player, I always like to consider the player's ceiling. Where can I see their game possibly developing and progressing to? Both players have an excellent future in the NBA, and I think either could help a team reach the next level, but Rivers is a player you could potentially build around as your team's number one scorer. 

Lamb may be your team's best all-around player, but he won't be a go to guy on the next level. So, it depends on what the team evaluating is looking for.

For example, the Chicago Bulls have an unquestioned leader. Derrick Rose is the guy; they would not need Austin Rivers, as his skill set is not the best match.

Lamb's skill set is a much better match. He can play off the ball, is a higher percentage shooter and a good to great defender.

If you're looking for a player that can be your number one scorer, the player that your offense runs through, Rivers would be a better choice.

For that reason, he gets the edge in regards to ceiling.

Rivers 5, Lamb 5, 1 Draw

Conclusion

Both players are great prospects and add to the appeal of what could be a awesome draft class, but the NBA has some work to do first, so that there is a NBA Draft and season.