VITALS: 6-4, 198, Morehead St OVERVIEW: Minard averaged 20.9 points per game in a four-year college career at Morehead State and was named Ohio Valley Conference Player of the Year for his senior campaign. Minard originally declared for the draft last summer before returning to school. Minard's greatest ability in college was his game off the dribble, leading to an average of 7.3 foul shots per game his senior season. The Ohio native saw his 3-point shooting percentage decline each year of his college career. Minard shined at the Portsmouth Invitational, averaging 17.3 points and being named to the All-tournament team. LIKELY DRAFT POSITION: The more clubs that see Minard, the higher his stock rises. It started with a terrific performance in Portsmouth, where made the all-tournament team. It continued with his NBA workout tour as he visited more than half of the teams in the league in a matter of weeks. It culminated with his showing at Chicago, where he finished as the camp's fifth-leading scorer. Once an unlikely draft pick, Minard is now an early-to-mid second-rounder. COMPARATIVE UPSIDE: Lucious Harris COMPARATIVE DOWNSIDE: Derrick Dial ROLE PROJECTION: Reserve, future spot starter POSITIVES: Minard has a great all-around game. He creates his own shot, is a good ballhandler, passer, finisher, rebounder, ball thief and defender. In terms of his mental makeup, Minard has excellent toughness, work ethic and attitude. Furthermore, he has four seasons of college under his belt and was very productive during his Morehead State career. SHORTCOMINGS: The two greatest requirements of an NBA off guard is that he has enough size and shooting ability to play the position. Unfortunately for Minard, he may not fill either. He measured just 6-3 1/4 without shoes at Chicago and his 3-point shooting percentages dwindled every year of his career at Morehead State. On the other hand, Minard may be able to dispose the issue of size if he can prove he can play the point. WHAT THEY'RE SAYING: "He's a guard who can effectively play both guard positions. A very competitive player who can take his man off the dribble with a quick first step - using deceptive dribbling - to score or improvise a pass. (A) solid defender with quick hands and footwork. Has a high basketball IQ." - NBA assistant director of scouting Ryan Blake
