NBA Comparison: DJ Augustin/Jordan Farmar

Strengths: A winner. Tough nosed, confident, competitive PG with solid leadership abilities … Quickness and leadership gives him a real chance to overcome size deficiencies … In today’s NBA game, being able to effectively run the pick and roll is crucial, and that’s Larkin’s greatest strength … Shows nice quickness, quick reflexes and hand speed … Very crafty, cerebral. Anticipates extremely well and always seems to be a step ahead of the competition … Rebounds the ball especially well for a sub 6 foot guard … Solid all around point guard skills showing the ability to find the open teammate as well as handle the ball against pressure … Excellent handle … A good shooter showing the ability to knock down the 3 ball with consistency. His shooting percentages (48% fg, 40% from 3, and above 80% ft over his college career) displays his highly efficent shooting ability … A clutch performer and determined individual … 2/1 assist to turnover ratio (4.6 to 2.3) is the mark of a quality floor general … Plays with a fearlessness that makes him highly efficient … Solid one on one ability with a quick first steps to get into the paint … Utilizes a solid crossover as well as a step back move to free himself for jumpers along with drives into the paint … Understands how to use screens to get free looks … Catch and shoot ability is also good … Shows the ability to utilize the floater, which will be important for him to polish … High character guy with great background to make it in pro sports as the son of Hall of Fame shortstop Barry Larkin … Mind over matter. Shows a lot of will power to succeed … Positive attitude. Team/clubhouse guy. Will find ways to contribute …

Weaknesses: His lack of size and length puts a cap on his overall potential and will make becoming a starter in the league a serious challenge, there are some questions about whether or not he has the ability to stick in the league at all. Does not have the "look" of an NBA PG, but was under-recruited for the college game as well … Not an above the rim, dynamic athlete. Lack of great length makes finishing plays at the rim difficult … Big, athletic guards have given him trouble in college … A solid defender on the NCAA level, but his lack of size will make him a target for post up mismatches. Not a lock down kind of guy … Better in half court situation than in transition, offensively. His lack of athleticism will be more of a factor at the next level against bigger and stronger point guards … Born in 1992, he’ll be 21 before playing in an NBA game so a little old for a sophomore …

Notes: Son of Hall of Fame baseball player, Barry Larkin … Measured the highest vertical leap of any 2013 draft prospect with a 44 inch vert … Along with Trey Burke, was one of the top point guards in the country leading the Hurricanes to a 2 seed in the tourney and blowout wins over ACC heavyweights Duke and UNC … Led Miami to a surprise first place finish in the ACC, with a breakout individual season … Projected as a bubble first rounder by teams … Appears to have back up NBA point guard written all over him and could be a very good one due to his character and intangibles …

Aran Smith 5/15/13