Damian Lillard goes Matrix for layup and foul (VIDEO)

Damian Lillard was a two-star recruit. Lillard went to Weber State in Ogden, Utah, 750 miles from home. Lillard missed most of his junior season because of an injury.

Now Lillard is on the fast track to the NBA Rookie of the Year Award.

The No. 6 overall pick in the 2012 draft averages 19.2 points a game for the Portland Trail Blazers. He took over the starting point guard job from Day One and has not let go of the reins.

Lillard has it all: He can drive, shoot, pass and defend. But his biggest asset, the one that has him on top of every rookie watch around, is his polished game. He spent four years at Weber State, a rarity for top-10 picks.

Maybe that's how he knows the kind of moves he showed here during Monday's 118-112 win against the Charlotte Bobcats:

First, he uses a stutter step to drive right past Kemba Walker. Then he flies toward the basket, taking a tough foul from Gerald Henderson while in midair. But he maintains his composure and flips the ball up while falling, even putting some English on it to get the right kiss off the backboard.

Buckets.

Lillard had 24 points and nine assists on a cold shooting night in which he went 1-for-8 on threes. He played the entire overtime period, making smart decisions at a time when they were at a premium.

Lillard might not be the unanimous top rookie if top pick Anthony Davis weren't sidelined for the New Orleans Hornets, but he's doing his best to earn that trophy now.