When the popular NBA Draft-covering web site DraftExpress.com updated its two-round mock in late-February, N.C. State junior point guard Cat Barber was included for the first time. He barely made it. Their mock had him at No. 57 to the Denver Nuggets out of 60 overall picks in the draft.
That may surprise ACC observers who have watched Barber play almost unguardable basketball at times. His quick handle and efficient jumper would seemingly play well in the NBA, but scouts probably also question his ability to finish many of his patented penetration drives to the basket or burns teams in the open floor with his speed at that level.
Although Barber is averaging 4.3 assists per game this year, “good court vision” has not always been on his scouting report going back to his high school days. While he has had his moments this year passing the ball, Barber is still a scoring point guard in the mold of fellow Tidewater-native and former NBA star guard Allen Iverson.
The million-dollar question for Barber: Does barely being viewed as an NBA prospect at this point, despite having a season that warranted serious consideration for ACC Player of the Year honors regardless of NCSU’s won-loss record, warrant a return for his senior season?
N.C. State head coach Mark Gottfried…
Get access to the rest of this article and unlimited access to the rest of ACCSports.com when you upgrade to Premium Access! Click on the button below to view all the benefits of becoming a Premium Access member.Get the rest of the story right now with Premium Access!
Premium Access members receive: