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NBA Draft: 2018 McDonald’s All-American first impressions

By Connor Harr

SPRINGFIELD, MA - JANUARY 15: R.J. Barrett #5 of Montverde Academy goes up for a layup in a game against Mater Dei High School during the 2018 Spalding Hoophall Classic at Blake Arena at Springfield College on January 15, 2018 in Springfield, Massachusetts. (Photo by Adam Glanzman/Getty Images)
SPRINGFIELD, MA - JANUARY 15: R.J. Barrett #5 of Montverde Academy goes up for a layup in a game against Mater Dei High School during the 2018 Spalding Hoophall Classic at Blake Arena at Springfield College on January 15, 2018 in Springfield, Massachusetts. (Photo by Adam Glanzman/Getty Images) /
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Darius Garland, PG, Vanderbilt

Composite Ranking: 14

Darius Garland is a quick point guard that really thrives creating space and getting to the rim for himself using his handle. He changes speeds and directions extremely well and can get into the lane and make plays for his teammates. Garland probably is the second best passing point guard in the class next to Tre Jones, but it’s very close. He’s listed at 6’1” but the 170 pounds seems a little generous.

His slight frame will hurt him finishing through contact and being an effective finisher at the rim. Other than his frame there wasn’t much else I didn’t like he gets to his pull up jump shoot very smoothly and is laterally quick guarding on the perimeter. Even if he does add muscle, his height will only let him guard one position. He needs to work on his frame in college, but once that changes Garland definitely has first round talent.