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Jerian Grant: Sr., Notre Dame
One of college basketball’s biggest breakout stars in the 2014-15 season, Jerian Grant was a consensus first team All-American after missing most of his junior season after being ruled academically ineligible. He’s also a local kid – a native of Bowie, Md., he starred at DeMatha alongside his younger brother Jerami, who showed promise this year as a rookie for the Philadelphia 76ers.
Although the lightning-quick Demetrius Jackson was Notre Dame’s nominal point guard, Grant was the engine for one of college basketball’s most dynamic offenses, utilizing terrific size, phenomenal vision and a well-rounded offensive game.
If I had to choose a single NBA player to compare him to, I’d take Jordan Crawford, but without the mercurial selfishness that has limited Steezus’s pro aspirations.
He’s not a terrific athlete, his handle isn’t the best and he isn’t a consistent outside shooter yet, but Grant is a superb playmaker who can make the jaw-dropping pass and excels attacking the basket. Excelling on the drive-and-dish, Grant has the natural basketball sense and talent to be a fixture in the league for years.
The Washington Wizards might need a stroke of luck to have Grant fall to them at 19, but if he’s there Ernie Grunfeld should give him a long look. Jerian Grant is a guy who is ready to contribute right away.
Next: 4) Cameron Payne