NBA Draft: Who is Justise Winslow?

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Justise Winslow, Duke Blue Devils, Utah Utes

Mar 27, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Duke Blue Devils forward Justise Winslow (12) shoots against the Utah Utes during the second half in the semifinals of the south regional of the 2015 NCAA Tournament at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports /

The Orlando Magic have long been connected with guard Justise Winslow. The Duke freshman rose the ranks quickly thanks to his commitment to defense.

From the time the NCAA Tournament ended with Duke lifting the national championship trophy, the focus turned toward its two big stars from the NCAA Tournament run.

Jahlil Okafor was always the number one guy on just about every draft board. If not one, then two. All the eyes were focused on him from the moment he stepped foot on campus in Durham.

It took a little while for Justise Winslow to break onto the scene. He needed to get some notice. And he earned every bit of it.

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Winslow averaged 12.6 points per game and 6.5 rebounds per game while shooting 51.6 percent from the floor and 41.8 percent from beyond the arc. What was even more impressive was how he came on strong as the season came to a close. During the ACC and NCAA Tournament, Winslow averaged 13.5 points per game and shot 51.4 percent and 52.9 percent from beyond the arc for a 57.9 percent effective field goal percentage.

His offensive game within that Duke system was one of efficiency. He certainly had the space with all the weapons around him.

But he also took the role of creator too. In transition he could attack the basket and create his own shots.

More than anything else though, he made his name on the defensive end of the floor. Whereas Jahlil Okafor has admitted in the pre-Draft process that Mike Krzyzewski asked him to focus less on his defense to stay out of foul trouble, Winslow was asked to defend from the get-go.

He made his mark as much on that end as he did on the offensive end. Obviously he was not the focal point on offense with Jahlil Okafor there and a solid point guard in Tyus Jones. But when Winslow needed to step up, he was there and he developed a strong offensive game as the season progressed.

Winslow, among the freshman in the class, might be the most complete player and most ready to compete in the NBA today. For that reason, he has long been the focus for fans as a potential match with the Magic.

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