NBA draft board has MSU's Draymond Green as 28th overall pick of 2012 draft

Photo: Associated Press -- Draymond Green (right) had a fine four-year career with the Michigan State Spartans. He appeared in one national title game (2009) and two Final Fours (2009 and 2010). He's a candidate for the 2012 Naismith Award.


Adam Biggers
@AdamBiggers81

After a spectacular four-year career and 2012 NCAA Tournament with Michigan State, NBA draft experts are giving senior Draymond Green a second look.

The 6-foot-6 senior, who won the Big Ten Player of the Year Award, was once thought to be a late second-round draft pick. However, NBA Draft Net's latest 2012 NBA Draft projection has Green being selected 28th overall by the Miami Heat.

Green demonstrated an much-improved accuracy from beyond the arc this year and was the first player from a major conference since former Wake Forest star Tim Duncan to average 15 points, 10 rebounds and three assists per game.

Green did it all this season for the Spartans, who were ousted from the NCAA Tournament on Thursday night after a 57-44 Sweet 16 loss to the Louisville Cardinals. He is widely regarded as one of the finest leaders to play at Michigan State under coach Tom Izzo.

NBA Draft Net says this about Green:

Green came into Michigan State without any perceived NBA potential, but has steadily grown on NBA scouts. He lacks ideal size and athleticism but is one of those "strong willed" players that finds a way to overcome his athletic shortcomings. His basketball IQ and feel for the game are off the charts. He's a little ball dominant, and there are questions whether he really has the speed to play the 3, but as a high intangibles guy, there's a good chance a team in the late first round rolls the dice on this savvy senior.
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