No, it's not exactly Linsanity, but Julyan Stone's young NBA career has to make UTEP fans happy.  'Juju' is not filling up the stat sheet or bringing the crowd at the Pepsi Center to a frenzy, but he's earning the trust of head coach George Karl.

Even though he wasn't a prolific scorer at UTEP, Stone possesses one feature that can not be taught.  At 6'6" 200 lbs. he creates a match-up nightmare at the point guard position.  He is also extremely intelligent, which bodes well in the professional game.

Stone has seen action in nine games for Denver this season, and has started in two of them.  His numbers are modest, but Nuggets coach George Karl likes Stone's defensive effort and ability to play multiple positions in the backcourt.

If Stone can improve his offense he has a good chance to have a nice NBA career.  That, however, will be easier said than done since he has never been a great shooter nor can he get to the basket with great ease.  His best chance will be to develop a reliable mid-range jumper or unguardable fadeaway.

 

 

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