<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">GREENSBORO, N.C. ? Guillermo Diaz would prefer to live and think in the present, but everyone around him keeps asking about his future. Diaz said a day rarely goes by without someone mentioning the NBA. But it's easy to understand why considering this junior nearly entered the NBA Draft last season after averaging 18.6 points for the Hurricanes and earning second-team All-Atlantic Coast Conference honors. Heading into this season it appeared likely that this would be his final year in college, but the Puerto Rican native isn't opposed to playing out his senior season. At least that's what he's saying heading into the ACC Tournament, which starts at noon (FSN) today when Miami (15-14, 7-9) faces Clemson (18-11, 7-9). "I still have one more year so there isn't any pressure," said Diaz, averaging 17.3 points. "I just want to finish my career and finish knowing I did good. Leave knowing I accomplished everything I want to do," Diaz said. "I want to say I helped my teammates go to the NCAA Tournament. A lot of people don't make it there. I want to have that great experience in my college career." With an NIT bid more realistic than the NCAA for the Hurricanes, Diaz knows there is outside pressure from those interested in seeing him cashing in on his talent, rather than playing one more season for Miami. The NCAA allows underclassmen entering the draft to work out for teams but return to college if they don't like their draft status as long as the player doesn't sign with an agent or accept extra benefits. Diaz will more than likely go that route. Right now he's projected by a few draft analysts to be a late first- or early second-round pick. If he does leave early and is drafted, he'd become the first 'Cane to do so. While he has the talent to succeed in the pros, an NBA scout said he has room for improvement, including learning how to use screens effectively. "He still tends to play out of control," the scout said. "With his athleticism, he can make the game a lot easier on himself." UM coach Frank Haith said he supports Diaz in whatever decision he makes and said he'd be welcomed back if Diaz declares for the draft and then returns.</div> Source
I've only watched a few of his games, so take my opinion for what its worth. I don't know how well his game will translate to the NBA. In both games he was shut down by a simple zone defense. The other team just made sure to clog the lane and put a hand in his face when he shot. It might have been the offense he was in, but it seemed like without a consistent jumper, he's too one-dimensional for the pros. Am I right or wrong?
I think his athleticism and knack for making a spectacular play is there, however, I've played guys at the YMCA who can pull off some of that from time to time. He would be a 6-3 shooting guard who cant shoot. He doesnt bring much else as far as depth to his game. Great athlete yes, always liked him, NBA player, kinda iffy.
I for one do think he can translate into a decent NBA Player, Nothin' spectacular but a good player, he'll play good defense and make spectacular plays to get the crowd on its feet kinda like Nate Robinson does.
In the NBA, without a consistent shoot, he will be nothing more than Fred Jones with a lower Basketball IQ w/ worse shot. The thing is, if he stays in college, how much more will he improve overall and will he be able to improve enough to be selected at a higher position in next years draft (which is touted as much better) than in this draft?
he needs his senior year and trust me I watch him every game he is not ready. He needs to mature and develop his shot because it is unconsistent/
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting KICKSDADDY613:</div><div class="quote_post">I think his athleticism and knack for making a spectacular play is there, however, I've played guys at the YMCA who can pull off some of that from time to time. He would be a 6-3 shooting guard who cant shoot. He doesnt bring much else as far as depth to his game. Great athlete yes, always liked him, NBA player, kinda iffy.</div> Accually, he has a mid range pull up J, and he's dangerous from long range. This season, he's battled with a serious injury in his knee and the flu.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Drake Remoray:</div><div class="quote_post">In the NBA, without a consistent shoot, he will be nothing more than Fred Jones with a lower Basketball IQ w/ worse shot. The thing is, if he stays in college, how much more will he improve overall and will he be able to improve enough to be selected at a higher position in next years draft (which is touted as much better) than in this draft?</div> Diaz can pull a Luther Head or Nate Robinson, you'd neva know.
<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">This season, he's battled with a serious injury in his knee and the flu</div> His knee injury was due to playing volleyball in PR last summer. Scouts put out feelers that they'd prefer him to stop playing (vball) in the summer and work on parts of his game. Coaches at UM advised it, which he apparently from reports I've read, laughed it off and went home and played anyway. Doesn't show scouts and GM's a very good commitment to the game. If you check his stats, his shooting (both FG and 3ptFG) have gotten progressivly worse as his career has gone. His assist/TO ratio is poor, as is his ballhandling. I don't know too many teams looking for a 6-2 shooting guard with limited shooting skills. And Luther Head and Nate Robinson proved they could run the point. If Diaz could do that, he has a chance. However, refusing to stay in the U.S. over the summer and work on his game is going to get him drafted in the NBDL as a dunking side show. http://sports.espn.go.com/ncb/player/profile?playerId=15434
