Preseason Outlook: Point Guards

Darren Prentice - A senior next year, Prentice was one of a few bright spots on the team last year. Prentice spent almost all of his first two years at New Mexico riding the bench but he really emerged in his junior year as a really solid point guard and was the best player on the court for the Lobos in certain stretches of last season.
Strengths - He plays really solid man defense, and he basically shut down super quick Brandon Ewing in the Pit against Wyoming. On offense has a lot of quickness and uses it to get to the basket or to dish to a teammate. One of the more prolific three point shooters on the team and shoots a decent percentage.
Weaknesses - Still gets lost at times in a zone, leading to wide open shots. This should be less of a concern next season because Coach Alford will play much more man-to-man than McKay did. Can get a little too fancy when driving and is indecisive as to whether he should lay it up or pass it, leading to turnovers. Isn't a great finisher when he gets to the basket because of his small size, leading to some blocks. His three point percentage must go up, as he was a bit streaky as a junior. Average free throw shooter.
2007 Outlook - Has improved dramatically over his first two years, and I expect similar improvements in his senior year. He should start from day one and be one of the team's top scorers and the top assist man. Achievable Goals: 12 pts. 4 assts. 40% from three. 75% from the FT line.

Jamaal Smith - Really more of an undersized shooting guard than a point guard, Smith's junior season can only be described as disappointing. He was touted as the starter at PG and McKay even proclaimed him one of the best guards in the league. Needless to say, he didn't live up to the billing.
Strengths - He plays with a lot of passion with a chip on his shoulder. He has a lot of quickness and when he's playing well he can score from anywhere on the court. As a junior, his biggest weapon was his free throw shooting as he shoots over 80%. He has a lot of scoring potential.
Weaknesses - Is a big liability on defense as he's too small and weak and often leaves his feet and picks up dumb fouls. He's really an undersized shooting guard because he's a scorer and not really a distributor. Was billed as a sharpshooting three point shooter but struggled to get to 30% for the year. He is quick but doesn't use it effectively on offense or defense.
2007 Outlook - I think Jamaal's best served to be a scoring sparkplug off the bench. Just isn't big or good enough to start and put up big minutes. Achievable Goals: 8 pts. 1.5 assts. 35% from three. 85% from the FT line.

David Kanyinda - Played extremely sparingly his freshman year but when he finally made it into a few games late in the year he played really very well.
Strengths - Has good size and adequate quickness for a point guard. He's a good three point shooter and has a very pure stroke especially at the FT line. Also was crafty when driving to the basket and has the athleticism to finish strong.
Weaknesses - Doesn't have much experience, as he only played in a few games last year. Also may be more of a combo guard than a true point.
2007 Outlook - With more work he could make his way into the rotation and possibly move ahead of Smith on the depth chart. Achievable Goals: 10 min. 5 pts. 35% from three 85% from the FT line.