Darrell Arthur SELECTED BY: Portland Trail Blazers, Round 1(27) traded to Grizzlies

SI Rank 8 GRADING SYSTEM

BIOGRAPHY: Arthur declared for the NBA draft as a sophomore after helping lead Kansas to its first national title since 1988. He finished tied for second on the team in scoring with 12.8 points per game this past season, including an average of 11.0 points in six NCAA tournament games. His best postseason effort came in the national title game against Memphis when he had 20 points and 10 rebounds for his team-leading fifth double-double of the season. Arthur earned first team All-Big 12 honors, joining teammate Brandon Rush on that list. As a freshman in 2006-07, Arthur finished fourth on the team in scoring with 9.8 points per game. He was an All-Big 12 honorable mention selection, and was also named to the conference All-Rookie team. Arthur showed flashes of his potential that season when he had 19 points on 6-of-7 shooting to go with nine rebounds in an 82-80 overtime win over eventual national champion Florida on Nov. 25, 2006. Prior to joining Kansas, Arthur was a McDonald's All-American out of South Oak Cliff High School in Dallas - the same school that produced current Orlando Magic player Tony Battie. Arthur is best described as a sinewy, athletic big man who runs the floor well and excels at blocking shots. His shooting range only extends to about 15 feet, but he seems to be getting increasingly comfortable with his shot as he matures. Arthur is a prototype small forward because of his perimeter skills. He must add some muscle since his rebounds currently come mostly as a result of his athleticism. Regardless, Arthur is a rising star expected to go in the lottery who should contribute as a reserve as a rookie.