Kentucky Wildcats guard Marquis Teague (25) slams two in the first half against Indiana Hoosiers. (Clay Jackson photo)
By LARRY VAUGHT
SI.com writer Ben Glicksman talked to two NBA scouts evaluating the June draft about various prospects and had some interesting insights about Kentucky freshman point guard Marquis Teague. Like other UK players, Teague has not decided about his future. The current DraftExpress.com mock draft has Teague as the 20th pick in the first round — a spot that likely would lead him to leave UK if he was assured he would go that high.
Here’s what Glicksman wrote about Teague:
Regarded as Kentucky’s weak link midway through the season, Teague emerged as an unmistakable weapon en route to the Wildcats’ triumph. He was the team’s third-leading scorer in the tournament (13.3 points) despite its wealth of talent, and showed his savvy as a floor general by maintaining a nearly 2-to-1 assists-to-turnover ratio.
“He really helped himself,” a scout said. “He could sneak into the back of the lottery.”
As with many young guards, however, he needs to hone his decision-making and three-point shot. He’s been programmed to drive to the rim, a tactic that won’t be as readily available in the NBA. Even with coach John Calipari’s one-and-done history, he could benefit from a second season on campus.
“He’s the type of guy that should go back to school, but I could see possibly with the lack of point guards in this draft for him to think twice, especially coming off a national championship,” the other scout said. “He’d probably get lost on the end of some good team’s bench. Those are the type of situations where you get lost in the shuffle.”
2 Responses to Could Marquis Teague “sneak” into back of lottery, or would coming back to UK be best?
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IMO, with what Marquis showed us during his last couple months play is that he has the skill to make it in the NBA. However, I think it would behoove him to play one more year of College to get his rank up and assure a top ten to fifteen pick for himself, which I think he can do.
The money difference will be huge when comparing a late first rounder or early second round to a potential top ten lottery pick. Plus, he will be much more ready for an NBA career and probably get immediate playing time. If he goes Pro this year I expect most all of his time will be on the bench for a year or two. But, if he waits until next year and continues to improve he will likely earn NBA respect and probable real minutes at the next level. Minutes that he may not earn by going pro now and learning little sitting on an NBA bench and getting almost no minutes. He may even be sent down to the NBDL for a bit to develop his game at a higher level if he chooses to go this year??
I think Marquis Teaque should come back for an second season at Kentuckyand possibly an 3rd. I watched Teaque closely last season and in all honesty i am not sure he is ready for the NBA . I see an lot of players go to the NBA however few play and last in it. Teaque showed the last quater he has talent and decession making ability .and i personally think in one to two more years he could go 1 or 2 in the draft . He has this quality but he’s not fully developed in his game yet. However i am just an fan and it’s him whom will decide . Guys we hear so much about one and done has some of these players ever took an honest look at this . It happens all the time one year at college and an failed NBA career done ! This is also an one and done . I think Teaque could be as good as Wall or Knight if not better . I think he is alresdy better seeing the court and passing. After last year ‘s lock out the flood gates are open. This is an gamble year for anyone whom leaves for the NBA .