Vander Blue to enter 2013 NBA Draft, according to report

Vander Blue made great strides as a junior, and will take advantage of it by entering the 2013 NBA Draft. The Marquette product, known for his defense, is likely to go late in the first round or early in the second round.

By Rodger Sherman Apr 16, 2013, 10:01am EDT

Vander Blue wasn't one of those widely expected to enter the NBA Draft, but the combo guard from Marquette will reportedly try his luck:

Marquette SG Vander Blue will enter the NBA draft.
— Michael DeCourcy (@tsnmike) April 16, 2013

Blue isn't a crazy athlete, but he's a long defender for his position and has the speed to get to the rim in his 6'4, 200-pound frame. But he didn't immediately display the ability to score at all. In his first two seasons for the Golden Eagles, he'd average 5.1 points and 8.4 points.

In his junior year, Blue took a leap. He shot more than 45 percent from the field, averaging 14.8 points and leading Marquette to the Elite Eight. He'd shine in the NCAA Tournament, with a game-winning layup against Davidson and 29 points against Butler.

More: Anonymous Eagle NBA Draft 2013 coverage

His strength is his defense, but there are questions whether his offensive game could have grown even more in his senior year. Despite the scoring boost, his jumper was shaky -- just 30.3 percent from downtown this year, his career best. If Blue were to stay and develop even a modestly consistent shot from the perimeter, he could have entered the conversation for being drafted in the top half of the first round. But that would've been a lot to ask, and perhaps it's best he capitalize on a strong finish to his Marquette career.

As is, Blue is considered a late first-rounder, or if a team is lucky, an early second-rounder.