Who's Next? ... Josh Selby

Josh Selby

Height/Weight: 6'2"/187 lbs.

Point Guard

Hometown: Baltimore, Maryland

School: Lake Clifton High School

AAU: Baltimore Elite

Watch Josh Selby for just several possessions during one of his high school games at Lake Clifton. Watch him play for his Amateur Athletic Union club. Watch him shine among the countries best at the McDonald's All American Game. He slashes through defenses with ease, getting to the basket in seconds. His finishing is impeccable, rarely missing one of his signature tear drop lay ups or thunderous dunks. His tight handles on the ball help him burn by defenders with crossovers, jab steps, and hesitation moves. His jumper is refined, and when hot, he can pull up for threes well beyond the arc. His quick penetration skills make defenses converge on him, giving him opportunities to kick the ball out to wide open teammates. His insane athleticism allows him to play lockdown defense on both guard positions. His competitive nature and natural aggression help will his team to victory. Quite simply, Josh Selby is the best point guard in the country, and reminiscent of former dominant one guards at the college level, John Wall and Rajon Rondo. Like Wall and Rondo, at times Selby looks like he would belong more in an AND 1 Mixtape than in a real basketball game

The Kansas bound high school senior, and possibly best Baltimore basketball product since Carmelo Anthony ruled the court at Towson Catholic, is no ordinary point guard. Selby is an athletic freak with legs that have lift like pogo sticks and a nose for the basket. His prowess was shown this past year at Lake Clifton High School, where he averaged 32 points 7 rebounds and 5 assists a game. On several occasions he outscored opposing teams, exploding for 40 and 55 points.

Selby was highly sought after, to say the least. He was chased by enamored recruiters for months, and following a commitment which then became a decommitment from Tennessee, the 6' 3" guard found a place to land at Kansas with Bill Self. Selby, come winter time and the beginning of a new college basketball season, will propel the Jayhawks to a top ten ranking despite being drained by the losses of Sherron Collins, Xavier Henry and Cole Aldrich to the NBA. Before, being led by Collins and anchored down low by Aldrich, Bill Self ran a more half court oriented game. Look for Selby to speed up the tempo, and create many fast break opportunities. Coupled with speedy sophomore backcourt mate Tyshaun Taylor, Selby's skills will be enhanced by a talented supporting cast. Look for large contributions from Tyrel Reed and Brady Morningstar, adept shooters from long range, as well as from the lean, athletic brothers Marcus and Markieff Morris. Each should have breakout seasons playing in the post and on the perimeter.

A probably one-and-done player, Josh Selby could potentially be a top five pick in the 2011 NBA draft. For the next Washington Wizards or Chicago Bulls, Selby can immediately shore up the point guard position for years to come.

-JS