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2011 NBA Draft Combine Coverage: Nolan Smith Has Different Identity On and Off Court – June 7
The Final Four means a bigger stage, brighter lights and more pressure. And in 2010, Duke’s Nolan Smith brought his game up to another level on par with all the added media attention surrounding the ultimate weekend of college basketball. Following a career-high 29 points in the Regional Final win over Baylor, Smith scored 19 (7-16 from the field, 4-9 behind the arc) against the Mountaineers. When Scheyer and Singler struggled with their shooting for much of the earlier rounds, it was Smith, the 6-2 junior from Upper Marlboro, Md. who picked up the slack.
Obviously, the first two guys I mentioned were bigger names in college, but it’s Smith who might have the best NBA potential of the three. Remember his name this NBA Draft; especially when teams like the Chicago Bulls are on the board (with backcourt needs and a history of drafting guys from winning, high-profile programs).
Smith’s success stems from his dual identity: nice guy off the court, cutthroat on the court.
“I know this is a business, and I knew that I have to take this seriously,” Smith about the development of his other personality. “A lot of people play basketball, but if I want to make it, I knew I had to get serious and get mad every time I take the court and attack players I’m going against.”
“It’s hard because I’m a loving and caring person, and once I finally figured it out, both on and off the court I was good,” Smith continued. “I flip that switch whenever I get out there and attack whoever Is guarding me, I want to make a lot of money playing this game, so when I take the court it’s all business.”
Coach Mike Kryzyzewski (yes, I FINALLY spelled that correctly from memory) evaluated the fundamentals of his game.
“Nolan guards the ball well,” Coach K. said. “He’s our best guy as far as breaking somebody down at the end of a clock or when we’re just running motion, and we give him the freedom to follow his instincts. He makes really good plays, not just shots. He’s very good with the ball. And he’s very good on the ball.”
Smith can play both guard positions; he’s got a very good first step and a great ability to finish at the rim. Singler and Scheyer may get all the ESPN pub, but Smith has one decided advantage over all the other players on Duke’s roster. I’ll let Coach K. explain:
“He’s the one guy that can {make big shots}, so when we do get to late clock situations, for the most part he would have the ball. He’s the one guy on our team who can create his own shot. He does that well.”
�I feel like I bring different looks offensively and defensively,� Smith added about many of his attributes that could help him fit in at the next level.
Recent NBA Draft and Offseason Blog Entries:
2012 NBA Draft Outstanding Trades - 12/25
2011 NBA Offseason Winners - 12/23
2011 NBA Offseason Losers - 12/23
2011 NBA Free Agency Signings Analysis - 12/22
2011 NBA Free Agency Signings Analysis - 12/20
2011 NBA Free Agency Signings Analysis - 12/16
Chris Paul Trade Analysis - 12/15
2011 NBA Free Agency Signings Analysis - 12/14
2011 NBA Free Agency Signings Analysis - 12/10
2011 NBA Free Agency Signings Analysis - 12/9
Five Players Likely to Be Traded After NBA Lockout - 7/7
2011 NBA Free Agency: Allan Houston Rule - Southwest Division - 7/6
2011 NBA Free Agency: Allan Houston Rule - Northwest Division - 7/5
2011 NBA Free Agency: Allan Houston Rule - Pacific Division - 7/3
Cavaliers-Kings Trade Recap - 7/1
2011 NBA Free Agency: Allan Houston Rule - Atlantic Division - 6/30
2011 NBA Free Agency: Allan Houston Rule - Central Division - 6/30
2011 NBA Free Agency: Allan Houston Rule - Southeast Division - 6/29
2011 NBA Draft Trade Recaps - 6/25
2011 NBA Draft: Bobcats-Kings-Bucks Three-Way Trade - 6/24
2011 NBA Draft Combine Coverage: How Kyrie Irving Compares to John Wall and Derrick Rose - 6/23
2011 NBA Draft Combine Coverage: Is Kyrie Irving Ready to be a Franchise Point Guard - 6/23
2011 NBA Draft Combine Coverage: Kemba Walker is the Most Undervalued Player in the Draft - 6/23
2011 NBA Draft Combine Coverage: Is Derrick Williams a Power Forward or Small Forward? - 6/22
2011 NBA Draft Combine Coverage: Wait, Kansas' Marcus and Markieff Morris are Twins??? - 6/21
2011 NBA Draft Combine Coverage: Jordan Hamilton Using Yoga to Help His NBA Draft Stock - 6/18
2011 NBA Draft Combine Coverage: Tristan Thompson Benefits from Weak Draft Class - 6/17
2011 NBA Draft Combine Coverage: Kawhi Leonard's Versatility is His Biggest Asset - 6/14
2011 NBA Draft Combine Coverage: Chris Singleton is a Lottery Sleeper - 6/13
2011 NBA Draft Combine Coverage: Where Does JaJuan Johnson Fit in the NBA? - 6/11
2011 NBA Draft Combine Coverage: Kentucky's DeAndre Liggins Made Right Decision in Entering NBA Draft - 6/10
2011 NBA Draft Combine Coverage: Should a Marijuana Arrest Affect NBA Draft Stock? - 6/9
2011 NBA Draft Combine Coverage: Nolan Smith Has Different Identity On and Off Court - 6/7
2011 NBA Draft Combine Coverage: John Wall Mentoring Darius Morris - 6/5
2011 NBA Draft Combine Coverage: Brandon Knight Worth Third Overall Pick? - 6/2
Rumor: Cavs, T-Wolves, Pistons Discussing 3-Way Trade - 5/29
2011 NBA Draft Combine Coverage: Josh Selby Putting Kansas Behind Him - 5/28
2011 NBA Draft Combine Coverage: Marshon Brooks Rising Up Draft Boards - 5/26
2011 NBA Draft Combine Coverage: Alec Burks Connected to Bobcats - 5/24
2011 NBA Draft Combine Coverage: Combine Measurements - 5/21
Thunder Really Likes Kyle Singler? - 5/21
2011 NBA Draft Combine Coverage: Day 1 - 5/20
2011 NBA Draft Lottery Odds Breakdown - 5/16
2011 NBA Free Agents - 5/3
NBA Offseason and Draft Blog - Home
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