Top Ad
I DIG Radio
www.idigradio.com
Listen live to the best music from around the world!
I DIG Style
www.idigstyle.com
Learn about the latest fashion styles and more...

Vanderbilt's Garland: I'm best guard in draft

Written by 
Published in Basketball
Saturday, 15 June 2019 20:09

LOS ANGELES -- If Thursday's NBA draft truly has a steep drop-off in talent beyond the presumed top two picks in Duke's Zion Williamson and Murray State's Ja Morant, somebody forgot to tell Vanderbilt's Darius Garland.

The 6-foot-2 guard, who left school after playing just five games his freshman season because of a meniscus injury in his left knee, said there's nobody better at his position in this draft.

"I humbly say this, I think I'm the best (guard) in the draft," he told ESPN. "I mean, I think I can do everything that an NBA team wants me to do."

The 19-year-old Garland averaged 16.2 points on 53.7 percent shooting (47.8 percent from 3) with the Commodores prior to the injury, with 3.8 rebounds and 2.6 assists.

"The game is going towards a pick-and-roll and a scoring point guard situation," Garland said. "So, I think I can do both of those really well. Just choose my spots on the floor and be able to show off the dribble."

After Garland pulled out of the NBA draft combine in Chicago last month and sat out his agency's (Klutch Sports) pro day in Los Angeles, draft pundits wondered whether he had received a promise from a lottery team. Garland and his agent, Rich Paul, lifted the smoke screen this week, however, as the guard granted private workouts to both the Los Angeles Lakers and Cleveland Cavaliers in L.A., sources told ESPN.

Both workouts occurred prior to the Lakers' blockbuster trade Saturday for New Orleans Pelicans star Anthony Davis, which included Los Angeles sending the No. 4 overall pick to the Pelicans, sources said.

Garland impressed with his shot-making ability and deep range, according to sources present for the Lakers' workout.

The Cavaliers, who hold the No. 5 pick Thursday, could arrange another swap with New Orleans, of course, if they set their sights on Garland and feel the need to move up to secure him. Should New Orleans take Williamson at No. 1, as expected, and want Garland at No. 4, Garland could pair with the Duke phenomenon a year after choosing Vanderbilt over the Blue Devils. Garland was heavily recruited by Mike Krzyzewski to become part of Duke's heralded freshman class that included Williamson, R.J. Barrett, Cam Reddish and Tre Jones. Kentucky also was interested in Garland, but he decided to play near his family in Tennessee.

"I got a chance to watch some Duke games (last season). I mean, it would have been a great fit, I guess. But I chose to stay at home, go to Vanderbilt. I always stick with my gut," Garland said. "I wanted to do something different."

Garland's father, Winston, played seven seasons in the NBA for the Golden State Warriors, LA Clippers, Denver Nuggets, Houston Rockets and Minnesota Timberwolves. Winston Garland's time in the league ended in 1995, five years before Darius was born.

Though Winston averaged a respectable 9.4 points and 4.7 assists in 511 career games at the point, his son is primed to man the position in the modern NBA.

"I think 10 years ago, everything was pass-first point guards, and now it's evolved into more scoring guards," Darius Garland told ESPN. "I also distribute the ball, as well. So, I think I came around at the right time."

Read 819 times

Soccer

Senator wants travel policies eased before '26 WC

Senator wants travel policies eased before '26 WC

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsSen. Ron Wyden of Oregon has asked top Trump administration officia...

Amorim: Man Utd can still get top transfer targets

Amorim: Man Utd can still get top transfer targets

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsRuben Amorim has said he is convinced that Manchester United can la...

Evra eyes Suárez MMA fight: 'He can even bite me'

Evra eyes Suárez MMA fight: 'He can even bite me'

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsFormer Manchester United defender Patrice Evra will make his debut...

2026 FIFA


2028 LOS ANGELES OLYMPIC

UEFA

2024 PARIS OLYMPIC


Basketball

Herro goes on offensive: Garland doesn't play D

Herro goes on offensive: Garland doesn't play D

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsAll-Stars Darius Garland and Tyler Herro have entered into a battle...

Draymond finishes first for NBA's Hustle Award

Draymond finishes first for NBA's Hustle Award

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsGolden State Warriors forward Draymond Green wanted to be named the...

Baseball

Brewers CF Mitchell exits with oblique tightness

Brewers CF Mitchell exits with oblique tightness

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsST. LOUIS -- Milwaukee Brewers center fielder Garrett Mitchell left...

Scherzer throws off mound as rehab progresses

Scherzer throws off mound as rehab progresses

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsNEW YORK -- Max Scherzer threw 27 pitches off the mound Friday and...

Sports Leagues

  • FIFA

    Fédération Internationale de Football Association
  • NBA

    National Basketball Association
  • ATP

    Association of Tennis Professionals
  • MLB

    Major League Baseball
  • ITTF

    International Table Tennis Federation
  • NFL

    Nactional Football Leagues
  • FISB

    Federation Internationale de Speedball

About Us

I Dig® is a leading global brand that makes it more enjoyable to surf the internet, conduct transactions and access, share, and create information.  Today I Dig® attracts millions of users every month.r

 

Phone: (800) 737. 6040
Fax: (800) 825 5558
Website: www.idig.com
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Affiliated