Naadir Tharpe

Joseph Treutlein

Naadir Tharpe (#94 Scout, #91 Rivals, #73 ESPN) didn't have the greatest weekend here, not getting into the same rhythm as the last time we saw him, struggling to consistently manage his team's offense at times and having some troubles on the defensive end.

Offensively, Tharpe once again displayed his abilities as a distributor, namely showing off excellent abilities with his post entry passes while also making simple assists by finding open shooters in the halfcourt or passing ahead in transition. He showed off good ball-handling and vision throughout the week, though had some problems with turnovers and keeping his team's offense flowing smoothly at times.

As for his own offense, Tharpe did a good job finishing in the lane by displaying good body control and hitting lay-ups and floaters, though didn't have the same success with his perimeter jumper, something that appears to be streaky.

Defensively, Tharpe had major problems in the second game where he let his man blow past him a handful of times, looking overmatched physically and not showing the greatest lateral foot speed.

Tharpe may not be of the same quality of prospects that fans in Lawrence are typically used to seeing in a Kansas uniform, but he has all the makings of a solid college player. He's an unselfish point guard with a good feel for the game, and should develop into a solid rotation player for Bill Self, especially later on in his career.

Joseph Treutlein

Naadir Tharpe (#62 Scout, #80 Rivals, Unranked ESPN) was one of the more effective players at this level we saw this weekend, and he appears to have all the tools to see that translate to the next level as well, this all while still just a junior. Listed at a generous 6'0, Tharpe doesn't have much bulk to him, and his length might be below average, but he's a quick point guard with a good feel for attacking the basket, and plays with a high motor to boot.

Tharpe is very good getting into the lane, where he shows good ability to adjust, being able to go all the way to the rim or make the dump-off around the basket, where he frequently finds open teammates. At the rim, he shows the ability to put up lay-ups with both hands, though had some trouble finishing with the left here, even though he had some good attempts. He's good in both transition and the half-court, keeping his head up with the ball and making pretty good decisions, though he can over-dribble at times.

Tharpe showed some excellent ability from the perimeter, hitting smooth pull-up jumpers from two-point and three-point range, including one very big pull-up 18 footer with a hand in his face down the stretch. He's solid on the defensive end as well, being attentive and playing pretty solid perimeter defense, taking a charge on one nice play in his lone game this weekend.

It's tough to project much for the long-term at this stage, with him being only a junior and a bit undersized, but Tharpe has all the tools, physical and skill-wise, to be a very successful high level college point guard, and just needs to continue developing his game and playing strong two-way basketball.

Naadir Tharpe was one of the more interesting point guard prospects at the National Prep Showcase, despite being only a 2011 prospect. Playing with a court savvy of a player far older, he did a very nice job of penetrating whatever opposing defense he was matched up against. A super athlete, he did a nice job of running the pick and roll, showing the ability to finish inside despite his slender frame. The Massachusetts native also made some gorgeous passes to big men Thomas Robinson and Andrew Fitzgerland for finishes inside, showing off his ability to find the open man in traffic.

Tharpe will need to bulk up substantially by the time he reaches college. His diminutive body won't be able to hold the rigots of the style of play of many of the high major programs that are recruiting him. There is also room for refinement of Tharpe's shooting mechanics, given the drastic leg kick that he shows on his jumpshot. All in all, Tharpe is a player who showed some promise at a young age and could very well wind up as a nice prospect when his time comes in 2011.