Ht/Wt: 6-3 / 190 lbs
Position: PG/SG
Team: UCLA
Class: Sophomore

2008 Draft Profile - Russell Westbrook

Russell Westbrook has virtually come out of nowhere in 2008 to become a much-needed scorer and frequent floor leader for the Bruins. Blessed with great quickness and leaping ability, Westbrook can get into the paint and finish among taller defenders. His outside shooting is adequate, but is much better when his feet are set as opposed to catch-and-shoot and quick pull-up situations. While not possessing ankle-breaking handles, he has displayed a quick first step, competent ball-handling and floor leadership at times when teammate Darren Collison has been hurt or in foul trouble. Defensively, Westbrook excels, having been named the Pac-10 Defensive Player of the Year in just his first season of significant action. At 6'3" with a long wingspan, Westbrook can cover both 1's and 2's at the next level. Perhaps his most notable defensive performance came on 2/17/08, limiting USC's OJ Mayo to just 4 points on 2-10 from the field and 10 turnovers.

Strengths: Defense, athleticism, finishing in transition, getting to the rim.

Weaknesses: Jumpshot range, passing, decision-making.

Analysis: Westbrook is another promising 6'3" to 6'4" tweener with a lot of upside. Since Dwyane Wade proved that 1-2 tweeners could succeed in today's NBA, these players have gotten a lot of attention from NBA scouts. In the 2008 draft alone, Mayo, Jarryd Bayless, Derrick Rose and Eric Gordon join Westbrook in this mold, and are all expected to go in the lottery. Best case scenario, Westbrook compares well to Dwayne Wade or Monta Ellis. Worst case, he is a Fred Jones or Keyon Dooling, but will likely be somewhere in between those extremes, like a Rashad McCants or Randy Foye. Because of his defensive ability, he is unlikely to be "bust," although he probably won't develop into a bona fide superstar. Consider him "safe with upside." He could use one more year at UCLA to improve on his decision-making, but with several highlight reel dunks and NCAA tourney exposure, one could hardly blame him if he chose to enter the draft after this season.
Draft Profile provided by: Nick Mitchell

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Russell Westbrook Stats
Season	GP	MPG	PPG	FG%	APG	RPG	BPG	SPG
2007-2008	36	33.7	12.4	47	4.4	3.8	0.2	1.6
2006-2007	36	9	3.4	45.7	0.7	0.8	0	0.4
Career	72	21.4	7.9	46.6	2.5	2.3	0.1	1

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