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NBA Draft Rumors: Shabazz Napier’s stock is rising

By Andrew Melnick

Apr 7, 2014; Arlington, TX, USA; Connecticut Huskies guard Shabazz Napier waves to the crowd after cutting down a piece of the net following the championship game of the Final Four in the 2014 NCAA Mens Division I Championship tournament against the Kentucky Wildcats at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 7, 2014; Arlington, TX, USA; Connecticut Huskies guard Shabazz Napier waves to the crowd after cutting down a piece of the net following the championship game of the Final Four in the 2014 NCAA Mens Division I Championship tournament against the Kentucky Wildcats at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 7, 2014; Arlington, TX, USA; Connecticut Huskies guard Shabazz Napier waves to the crowd after cutting down a piece of the net following the championship game of the Final Four in the 2014 NCAA Mens Division I Championship tournament against the Kentucky Wildcats at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 7, 2014; Arlington, TX, USA; Connecticut Huskies guard Shabazz Napier waves to the crowd after cutting down a piece of the net following the championship game of the Final Four in the 2014 NCAA Mens Division I Championship tournament against the Kentucky Wildcats at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports /

Connecticut Huskies’ point guard Shabazz Napier had a tournament to remember.

Napier scored 24, 25, 19, 25, 12 and 22 in Connecticut’s six tournament wins, leading them to a national championship.

ESPN Draft expert Chad Ford was asked about Napier’s stock and how much it has improved  in his latest chat.

“A lot actually. He’s a four year senior, so the scouting report on him is pretty secure. But with PGs, teams want to see your leadership abilities. Being a winner, rightly or wrongly, helps. Napier’s leadership, clutch shooting all have improved his stock much the same way it did for Kemba Walker a couple years ago. I think he goes somewhere between 25-40.”

Ford also mentioned that Napier has a claim that he has helped his stock the most.

“Shabazz has a claim. So does Wichita State’s Cleanthony Early. UConn’s DeAndre Daniels also helped his stock. Ditto for the Harrison twins and Dakari Johnson for Kentucky. I think Alex Poythress also reminded us all why we loved him so much as a freshman. So much athletic talent there.”

Draft Express now lists Napier as the 37th best prospect and the projects him to be selected with the first pick (31st overall) of the second round.

Napier led the Huskies in scoring (18.0 points per game), rebounds (5.9 per game) and assists (4.9 per game).

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