Name: Archie Goodwin
Age: 18
Height: 6-foot-5
Position: Shooting Guard
School/Country: Kentucky
Latest Stats: 14. ppg, 4.6 rpg, 2.7 apg, 1.1 spg
Archie Goodwin spent one season at the University of Kentucky, but now the 6-foot-5 shooting guard is off to the 2013 NBA Draft. Goodwin had a pretty solid freshman campaign in Lexington, although the Wildcats as a group did not live up to their preseason hype. Goodwin paced the way in the team’s back court, averaging 14.1 points, 4.6 rebounds and 2.7 assists per game.
Goodwin has pretty good size for the shooting guard position and is absolutely relentless going to the rim. Goodwin not only has the ability to drive and draw contact, but he can finish through it, as well. That will be a different story at the NBA level, but if that’s Goodwin’s mentality moving forward, it’s a good characteristic to have. Goodwin is entering the draft at 18 years of age and will not turn 19 until August.
Strengths: Goodwin’s offensive attack is one of the better strengths that he has in his arsenal. He has good size and great potential, showing flashes of his excellence throughout his freshman season at Kentucky. Goodwin is only 18 years old, so that will work to his advantage as whatever NBA franchise drafts him is likely to give him some time to find consistency at the professional level.
Weaknesses: Goodwin was inconsistent at times this past season, but he did show signs of his down-the-road potential. Goodwin may have a bright future in the NBA, but will he be able to transition himself more consistently at the professional level? During the season, Goodwin shot only 26.6% from the outside — he will need to become a better shooter as he prepares to enter the NBA ranks.
Draft Projection: Mid-to-Late First Round
Follow Paul Seaver on Twitter: @PaulSeaverRS
