Name: James Harden

Team: Oklahoma City Thunder

Position: Shooting Guard

NBA Statistics: 11.1 (points), 3.2 (rebounds), 2.0 (assists)

Background: Known for his traditional, orthodox approach to the game, this Los Angeles native, at only 21 years old, continues to exhibit himself as a student of basketball.

Attending Artesia High School, he played an integral role in helping them to the California state title in his final two years. In their first stint as championships with Harden running the offence, they had a 33-1 record with Harden averaging 18.8 points, 7.7 rebounds and 3.5 assists while in their second championship campaign they had a 33-2 record. After his successful high school career, he ventured to the Arizona State University where he averaged 17.8 points, 5.3 rebounds and 2.1 assists in his first collegiate season.

He claimed the Pacific 10 Player of the Year award in his sophomore season and after a second round loss in the NCAA tournament, he decided to declare himself eligible for the 2009 NBA Draft.

He was selected as the third overall pick by the Thunder and immediately placed himself in the history of the franchise by virtue of being the first player selected by the Oklahoma City Thunder. Despite coming off the bench, he has continuously proven to be a game changer and even game winner for OKC. In one of the final games of the season, he scored a career-high 26 points against the Phoenix Suns, proving that when given a chance he can deliver.

He is currently playing a huge role in helping the Thunder to the 2011 Western Conference finals, which is also a milestone for the franchise who were cut down 4-2 by eventual champions the Los Angeles Lakers in last year’s play-offs.