Mark Lyon's NBA Future
The 2013 NBA Draft is notably weak in backcourt depth, particularly at the point guard position, which bodes well for emerging talents like Michael Carter-Williams of Syracuse and Oklahoma State's Marcus Smart as possible Top 5 picks. Later on in the second round, a team could get a real steal in Arizona's Mark Lyons if he keeps trending up.
The 6'1" senior, a transfer from Xavier (originally played for head coach Sean Miller there), has started all 17 games for the Wildcats this season at a crucial position. Last season, Arizona really failed to live up to season-long expectations due to a lack of consistency at point guard. Lyons has come in and stabilized the position this season by leading the team in scoring (15.2 points) and assists (3.3) for the #6 ranked Wildcats.
Scouts are looking at Lyons' serious production over the last five games: 19.4 points, 3.6 assists, 1.2 steals and over 6 trips to the foul line a game (hitting 91 percent of these). Lyons has taken a real leadership role in leading the charge and could give an NBA team a nice scoring and ball-handling option off the bench next season.
At 6'1", he does not have ideal size and certainly is not a pure point guard by any means, but Lyons can attack the basket, keep the defense off balance and penetrate to set up teammates. If he can cut down on some of his turnovers and improve his decision-making (passing and shot selection), Mark Lyons could convince an NBA team to draft the senior Wildcat in the second-round.
By NBA-DRAFT.com Staff Writer - 1 -25- 13
