In the days leading up to the 2008 NBA Draft, NYKnicks.com will profile many of the top players available. We offer these profiles for fans to familiarize themselves with some of the biggest names in the draft. A player's inclusion in this series of articles is based purely on his rankings in the scouting services and mainstream media and does not necessarily reflect the Knicks organization's preferences for the June 26 Draft at the WaMu Theater at Madison Square Garden.

We continue our series with a profile of Kansas guard Brandon Rush, a projected first-round pick, according to major scouting services and numerous publications.

Describing Brandon Rush's road to the NBA as a roller-coaster ride would probably be an understatement.

One of the nation's most highly-touted players coming out of high school, Rush declared for the 2005 NBA draft, where he was viewed as one of the top prep stars among an impressive class that included Andrew Bynum, Monta Ellis, Gerald Green and Martell Webster. At the last minute, however, Rush withdrew his name, opting instead to attend the University of Kansas.

A year ago, he declared for the draft again -- following a standout sophomore campaign. However, after suffering an ACL injury preparing for the Orlando pre-draft camp, he was forced to withdraw from consideration for a second time

Now, fully healthy and coming off a NCAA championship with the Jayhawks, Rush is on the precipice of finally reaching the NBA.

A Wooden Award All-America Candidate and All-Big 12 First Team selection, Rush averaged 13.3 points, 5.5 boards and 2.1 assists as a junior. He was named the Big-12 Conference Tournament MVP, scoring a career-high 28 points against Texas A&M in the semifinals before practically willing his team to victory in the finals with a 19-point, six-assist effort against Texas.

Rush's signature moment came in the Final Four semifinal match against North Carolina. In a dominating performance, he torched the Tar Heels for 25 points and seven rebounds, showing he was fully healthy and making national headlines in the process. Rush followed up that effort with 12 points and six boards in the title game against Memphis.

At 6-foot-6, 210-pounds, Rush has what scouts consider an ideal body for an NBA two-guard. An outstanding shooter noted for having excellent form, he has remarkable accuracy from behind the arc with a high release point. Considered one of the best wing players in the draft, Rush is also versatile enough to play small forward, possessing the athleticism needed to thrive against taller players when lined up as the three.

Scouts say the major flaw in Rush's game is his ability to create his own shot. While he is a proven pick-and-pop guy, some critics worry about his ability to beat defenders one-on-one to get an open look at the basket.

While his star may not be shining as brightly as it once did, Rush is still viewed as a legitimate NBA prospect, and because of his experience, pundits believe he is one of the most NBA-ready players in this year's draft.