Ohio St.'s Russell puts on show for 76ers, NBA scouts

PISCATAWAY, N.J. - It's hard to imagine any player seeing his stock soar more since the beginning of the college basketball season than Ohio State freshman D'Angelo Russell.

The 6-foot-5, 180-pound combo guard is projected to go second in the latest mock NBA draft by Draftexpress.com.

And it's not just the mock drafters who hold Russell in high regard. Representatives of several NBA teams, including 76ers general manager Sam Hinkie, were on hand Sunday for No. 20 Ohio State's 79-60 win over Rutgers at the Rutgers Athletic Center.

Russell didn't disappoint the 22 credentialed NBA personnel people, putting on an all-around show that is bound to keep moving the needle on the hype meter even though it's pretty high already. He became the first freshman in school history to earn a triple-double with 23 points, 11 rebounds, 11 assists and two turnovers.

"The two turnovers were unacceptable," deadpanned Ohio State coach Thad Matta.

Russell began the game at shooting guard but frequently played the point. He's the master of the no-look pass.

His favorite position?

"I wouldn't necessarily say I am a point or two - I feel like am a basketball player, said Russell, an 18-year-old from Louisville, Ky. "Wherever Coach puts me I will try to take advantage from there."

Apparently there are NBA people who agree with Russell.

"He is a combo guard and can play both positions," said one NBA scout who has seen him frequently. "He has a great feel for the game, has basketball instincts, is mature for his age and has a great upside."

The scout, who requested anonymity, added that Russell will likely be a top-five pick.

That brings us to the Sixers, who at 12-40 are expected to select high in the draft lottery, most likely landing among the top five picks.

While Duke center Jahlil Okafor is generally considered the top pick, Russell is an intriguing prospect, especially for a team like the Sixers with a suspect perimeter game.

Entering Sunday, the Sixers were last among the 30 teams in field goal percentage (41) and 29th in three-point field goal percentage (31).

A lefthander, Russell has a sweet stroke. For the season he is shooting 69 of 155 (44.5 percent) from three-point range. And he's an outstanding passer off the pick-and-roll, a staple in the NBA.

What has to strike any observer is Russell's composure. He is able to play the game at his pace, doesn't rush or force the issue. He won't blow by a defender with flat-out speed but methodically maneuvers around a defense.

"His defense will have to get better, but he is a smooth character," said Rutgers coach Eddie Jordan, the former Sixers head coach. "He is really smooth out there."

His best trait is his vision, leading to many spectacular passes. And in the NBA, he will be able to make those passes whether he's playing the point or not.

Russell says he has patterned his game after Golden State Warriors point guard Stephen Curry.

"I have a long way to go" to be like Curry, said Russell, now averaging 19.5 points, 5.9 rebounds and 5.4 assists. "He is probably the most exciting player for me to watch."

And now Russell is providing his own sense of excitement. He claims he isn't thinking about the NBA and is only worried about his next Ohio State assignment.

Soon enough though, the NBA will come calling and right now, even being the first player selected in the draft may no longer be a reach for college basketball's fastest climbing player.