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Leading up to the 2012 NBA Draft, which takes place Thursday, June 28 in New York, ArizonaSports.com will run features on five of the likely candidates for the Phoenix Suns to consider with their 13th overall selection. Each article will feature the opinions of John Treloar, the Suns' director of player personnel.


Kendall Marshall - Point Guard - University of North Carolina

After leading Bishop O'Connell High School in Arlington, Virginia to a state championship as a senior, Marshall garnered Third-team Parade and USA Today All-American status.

At North Carolina, Marshall replaced Larry Drew II as the Tar Heels' starting point guard midway through his freshman campaign, and immediately thrived in the role. Marshall averaged 8.2 points and 7.7 assists in a starting capacity and the Heels went 17-3 with him guiding the offense.

For his efforts, Marshall was named a First Team Freshman All-American by Sporting News and garnered second team honors from USBWA.

As a sophomore, Marshall averaged 8.1 points, 9.8 assists and 1.2 steals per game. He ranked second in the nation in assists, behind only Iona's Scott Machado, who averaged 9.9 points per game.

Marshall's season came to an end when he suffered a fractured wrist in an NCAA Tournament win against Creighton. Without him, the Tar Heels were defeated by eventual national runner-up Kansas in the Elite 8 by the score of 80-67

Treloar's Take

He's a prototypical throwback point guard. Great vision. Great passing ability. I think what he did at North Carolina was lead that group of guys from midway last year when he took over the starting point guard spot until he was hurt this year. And he has shown that he can run a ballclub. So, certainly he's at the top of the list or one of those guys that's at the top of the list in the point guard position.

Scouting Report Snippets

Chad Ford of ESPN says that Marshall is one of the best passers in college basketball, has a high basketball IQ and is improving as an outside shooter. Ford cites Marshall's lack of explosiveness and lateral quickness as weaknesses heading into the draft.

SwishScout.com says Marshall is a "Calculated, pass first PG with incredible court vision, elite passing ability, quick hands and knack for setting up his teammates. What he lacks in athleticism is made up for with intelligent play and decision making, and while perhaps too unselfish at times, has what it takes to be solid point guard at the next level."

UNC head coach Roy Williams on Kendall Marshall (VIDEO)

Marshall's College Statistics | Official UNC Profile Page

Other Suns Draft Candidates:

Jeremy Lamb

Austin Rivers

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