James Harden

An early entry candidate for the 2009 NBA Draft.

Career Highlights:

As a sophomore was named an AP First-Team All American and the Pac-10 Player of the Year. Two-time First-Team All-Pac 10 selection. In 69 career games, led ASU in scoring 46 times, assists 29 times and rebounds 21 times. Posted at least 20 points in 34 of 69 games, and ASU was 27-7 in those games (14-4 in 2008-2009). Third Sun Devil in school history to earn Pac-10 Player of the Year, joining Eddie House and Ike Diogu. Became just the fifth player in Pac-10 history to lead the league in scoring (20.1 ppg.) and steals (1.69 per game) when he accomplished the feat in 2008-2009, and he also led the league in steals in each of his two seasons with 132 in his career.

Sophomore (2008-09):

Averaged a Pac-10-leading 20.1 points and was named the conference's Player of the Year. Was named an All-American by various publications, including the AP, Sporting News, Fox Sports and CBS Sports. Led the Pac-10 in 20-point games (18) and steals (1.69 spg). He was eighth in the league with a 4.2 assists per game average. Also averaged 5.6 rebounds. He became only the third sophomore in the league's history to earn Pac-10 Player of the Year honors, joining Jason Kidd and Mike Bibby. Scored 40 points against UTEP, the fifth-highest mark in school history. Scored 36 points against Oregon. Tallied 32 points and nine rebounds at Baylor. Scored 27 points against Arizona and 24 against Washington in two Pac-10 Tournament victories.

Freshman (2007-08):

Averaged 17.8 points en route to being named to the Pac-10's First Team. Had an ASU freshman record 16 20-point games (tied for third-best in the Pac-10, and included five straight from Dec. 29-Jan. 17, a first for an ASU freshman). His 17.8 points per game is eighth-best in Pac-10 freshman history (fifth in the Pac-10 overall) and he led the Pac-10 with 73 steals. Averaged 18.2 points (tied for fifth) and 5.1 boards in Pac-10 games. Was second on the team with 110 assists, including a 3.5 per game mark in the league. The first freshmen in league history with 70 steals and 17.0 points per game average. Set the Pac-10 tournament record with seven steals against USC (March 13). His 73 steals tied for fourth-best in school history and was just three shy of the ASU record of 76 set by Fat Lever in 1981-82.

Strengths: One of the most complete players in the draft. Combines a high skill level with an excellent overall feel for the game. Can score in a variety of ways, but will also make the extra pass. Plays smart, fundamental defense, with a knack for making key defensive plays.

Personal: Went to the same high school that produced Ed and Charles O'Bannon and Jason Kapono.