Preseason Outlook: Shooting Guards

JR Giddens - This guy is another reason why last year went so horribly wrong. He was hyped as a lottery pick and the most talented Lobo ever, but it all kind of blew up in his face.
Strengths - JR is kind of a guard/forward combination who at 6-5 is strong enough to overpower smaller guards and quick enough to get around bigger players. He's best when he's posting up smaller guards and finishing around the basket. He has very deep range from three. Has a knack for reading passing lanes to pick up steals for breakaway jams. Is a spectacular finisher at the basket. For 6-5 he is an above-average rebounder. In games where his midrange shots are falling, he can be an unstoppable offensive force. Loads of scoring potential.
Weaknesses - There are still huge character issues with this guy that led to a bunch of suspensions last year. He can appear very arrogant at times and can rub teammates and fans the wrong way Simply must improve the defensive intensity, as he's beaten one on one off the dribble way too much for a guy with his athletic ability. A very average FT shooter. While he can shoot it from anywhere on the floor, he is still an extremely streaky shooter because he too often looks for the spectacular fadeaway shot instead of one when he's open with his feet set. Has worked on involving his teammates more, but is still something of a ballhog. Isn't a very good ballhandler which leads to way too many turnovers. Also may be facing eligibility issues in regards to grades.
2007 Outlook - There is a lot of talent and athleticism in this guy, it'll take a supreme effort on everyone's part for him to realize it. If he simply learned to play within himself and not try to do so much JR could be a really good player. Hopefully a new regime change will be for the best for JR. Achievable Goals: 15 pts. 8 rebs. 35% from three. 70% from the FT line.

Chad Toppert - The biggest bright spot on last year's dismal season. He improved in a big way over his freshman year. He is now arguably the second best scoring threat on the team.
Strengths - Toppert has proven to be a top three point shooting threat, shooting upwards of 46%. At 6-6 is tall enough so that his shot is rarely blocked. In addition to that he's a solid all around player who plays smart team defense. Is a good FT shooter. He has the ability to get hot and hit several threes in a short span. His shooting almost singlehandedly kept UNM in games last year.
Weaknesses - His production tailed off a bit late in the year. He was shooting nearly 50% from three before he really went cold. Can hit key shots but still isn't on the level where he can be called clutch. He can improve his rebounding and his ballhandling to become a much more complete player. Can drive the lane but almost never finishes because he's simply not strong enough yet.
2007 Outlook - Has the potential to be All-MWC next season if he shores up the rest of his game. Could really become something special in his junior and senior years. Achievable goals: 12 pts. 4 rebs. 48% from three. 85% from the FT line.