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CREDIT: Knicks.com
In the days leading up to the NBA Draft, NYKnicks.com will look at the players brought in by the Knicks for Predraft Workouts. A player's inclusion in this series of articles does not necessarily reflect the Knicks organization's preferences for the June 24 Draft at The Theater at Madison Square Garden.
We continue our series with a profile of Xavier guard Jordan Crawford.
Jordan Crawford spent just one season at Xavier, but he sure made the most out of it.
After sitting out a year after spending his freshman year at Indiana, where he averaged 9.7 points, 3.4 rebounds and 2.3 assists in 2007-08, he exploded onto the scene this season with the Musketeers, averaging 20.5 points, 4.7 boards and 2.9 assists per game. He led the Atlantic 10 in scoring and was named the Sporting News and foxsports.com Conference Player of the Year.
The 21-year old Crawford finished the season by lighting up the NCAA tournament, leading Xavier into the Final Four by dropping 28 points against Minnesota and 27 vs. Pittsburgh. He also almost led them to a thrilling victory of second-seeded Kansas State, recording a career-high 32 points in the narrow 101-96 victory. As a result, he was named to the five-member NCAA Tournament All-West Regional team, which is quite an accomplishment for a sophomore.
Crawford, whose older brother Joe played briefly for the Knicks at the end of the 2008-09 season, is a 6-foot-4, 195-pound scoring sensation. He has big time range, seemingly able to score from anywhere on the court, and combined with his lightning quick ability to cut the rim is a handful to guard. One of the most impressive aspects of his offensive game is that he doesn?t get rattled by the opposition. Even when he has defenders draped all over him, Crawford is crafty enough with the ball to still get off a good shot.
While he is one of the best shot-makers in the draft, there is more to his game than simply piling up the points. He has the ability to play some point as he is a nifty passer and posses a strong handle. He is also a pesky defender who often seems to be one step ahead of his man.
Crawford is clearly one of the more exciting players available in this June?s draft, and is sure to be a fan favorite right off the bat. While he has the potential to be a big-time player down the line, he figures to provide nice pop off the bench as instant offense as a rookie.
Looks AWESOME! but we need to get lower in the draft.....Suggestions how to get a mid first rounder? pick?
