VITALS: 6-6, 220, Michigan State OVERVIEW: One of the most versatile players in school history, Anderson averaged 9.5 points, 4.2 rebounds and 2.4 assists in four years for the Spartans. The third all-time leading free-throw shooter in school history (.831), Anderson made 38.5 of his 65 3-point attempts this season after taking just 66 in his first three years. Anderson averaged 13.2 points this season and shot 56 percent from the floor. LIKELY DRAFT POSITION: Second round. COMPARATIVE UPSIDE: Bruce Bowen COMPARATIVE DOWNSIDE: Dahntay Jones ROLE PROJECTION: Versatile backup at three positions. POSITIVES: Anderson has great size and the ability to play both guard spots and small forward. He has covered all three of those positions during his years at Michigan State, including an entire season as the primary point guard. His versatility allowed college coach Tom Izzo to maneuver his lineup to take advantage of matchups, and his NBA coach would love to be able to do the same thing. Anderson is remarkably solid at many phases of the game, although not outstanding in any one area. SHORTCOMINGS: Anderson never has taken a large number of perimeter shots, so his shooting percentages in college were high and might be misleading for a guard. In the NBA, wing players often need to fire up perimeter shots when the shot clock is running down, and Anderson is more inclined to drive to the basket, which isn't always an available option. He doesn't have blinding speed, but enough to still pressure the defense with drives to the basket.
