Hey nic, love your posts. I don't really understand this mock draft at all (SECOND PART IN REPLIES)
Essengue in the top 3 is not happening. I'm extremely high on essengue, but he isn't a consistent shooter from 3, and he's a play finisher. I like his volume and willingness to shoot, but NBA teams right now are happy with letting him do that. 26.7 3P% this season (32/120) needs to climb into the low 30s fairly quickly. Figure dips to 24.7 3P% (21/85) in the German league. 72.2 FT% (197/273) is solid.
2023-24 season: 58.7 FT% (182/310) … 25.4 3P% (35/138 … 2.8 3PA, including 4.2 3PA in German Pro B)
He's improved as a shooter, but he's still not an average one, i like his development as a dribble pass and shoot guy though. His handle is loose in traffic, and he struggles to get by his man in the half court. Most of his drives come off the catch, not off the dribble, and most of his turnovers are due to his handle. He dosen't have a pull up, but probably dosen't need one. He's a good not great passer, and i felt like sometimes he felt too focused on being fouled, changing his angles a bit too much. He plays with extreme physicality which i like, but he still lacks strength and can get rushed. Struggles to score in the halfcourt. The things he does with ulm are experimental, and an NBA team won't let him do this early on in his career. He's fluid with the ball though. Defense, i have no concerns. You don't draft a player like him in the top 3.
I actually think VJ's swing skill is his finishing. His left hand is lacking, and he can switch to his right sometimes on the left side. He struggles to leverage his athleticsm at the basket. He lacks some soft touch from range, and missed some bunnies, and sometimes his elite body control worked against him, avoiding contact and struggles to finish against verticality. His tools should play a factor in this turning around, and the touch should (and needs) to get better. 53.8 FG% (91/169) at the rim this season. Goes down to 48.9% (43/88) in the half-court.
44.5% (57/128, 0.89 PPS) on lay-ups for the season, which drops to 44.2% (34/77) in the half-court.
I have questions about his shooting off the dribble, which he shot on low volume, sqaures his shoulders a bit too tight and has a pause on his stepbacks. But then again, this more for his ceiling than his floor. He's a bit too mechanical (Shot 20 3P% (6/30) on off-dribble threes and 31.8 FG% (7/22) on off-dribble twos). I would not be surprised if malauch goes above VJ, much safer pick while still having great upside (i can get into this if you ask me to.)
Ace bailey going 8 is not happening. He's 6 at worst (kon knueppel will not go before him) and at 6'9 with decent athleticism, and tough shotmaking in general, with defensive upside. A lot of development is needed, but the talent is too enticing to drop that far. The only reason he drops that far is because of the workout issues.
Noah penda at 7 (ahead of bailey) is not happening at all, either. There's questions about his gravity as a scorer at the nba level. If he makes 3s, it's on low volume, and he's not an elite athlete. As a driver, he lacks creativity unlike his passing, stays at one speed, dosen't counter, and a lot of his attempts are contested. He sometimes forces looks from distant takeoff points (28.6 eFG% on his scoring possessions as a driver this season). He's a top 20 guy, and most people in your mock draft in his range have a higher upside, and he just won't be going this high. If he shot falls off, it'll be hard for him to use the rest of his game, since defenders won't be drawn to him, and then, he won't be able to leverage his passing.
Rasheer fleming at 9 is unlikely, if not, probably not happening. He's a bit stuck between the 3 and 4, and maybe 5. He lacks any sort of handle, pull up, passing, or processing speed on offense, with no self creation. His shooting lacks a degree of versatility, but you don't draft him for these reasons. He's a 3-D that can hit shots and play great defense. However, he fouls too much, and has a tendency to dissappear, with his consitency being up and down. His shooting caliber is a swing factor, since he dosen't provide anything on offense except for that. Wouldn't be surprised if someone TAKES HIM after 11.
Tre johnson is going above rasheer, penda, and knuppel. He's not a 3 level scorer because of his lack of FTs and rim pressure, but he's a tough shotmaker from all over the floor, and the stats back it up, elite shooter with handle, and dating back to high school, he's made reads (some advanced ones) as a passer for u19 FIBA and link academy. kickouts, dump offs, some nice skips, and pocket passes in the PNR. His handle is very good, lack of burst can get him in trouble though. He offers better passing, handling, and shooting versatility and effiency, while having defensive tools that give you optimism (6'6, 6'10 wingspan).
Kaspras will probably go exactly where you said, but he's more of a volume shooter than an efficient shooter. He struggles to get to his spots in the half-court, and i feel as if he's better as an off guard rather than point guard. Him scaling up creates a number of issues, as he's EXTREMELY turnover prone as a passer (4 to 5 ATO ratio, and 25.4% turnover rate). He can get too fancy, and his accuracy as a passer can get shaky. He's not a good finisher in traffic, can't get by defenders, and is a bad defender. However, scaling down should be easier for jaku. That way, he can use his passing talents more effiectively without being exposed for his self creation weaknesses. He needs to maximize his pull up shooting for his outcome, since he won't be drafted to spot up, and he's not going to get to the rim at a high rate, so he needs to hit his OTD 3s in the PNR and agaisnt mismatches.
Croward at 14 isn't bad, but IMO i'd like to choose a more scaleable prospect with better volume. He needs to add more craft to his finishing (relied a lot on post ups, and he's going to start on the perimeter in the league, and clean up some of his drives) and tighten up his handle.
Kalkbrenner is not going in that range, at all. Prospects in that range have higher upside, and his passing is a mixed bag, sometimes he can make the simple reads, other times he plays too weak with the ball and gets overwhelmed by double teams, or throw a questionable pass, along with lacking strength. He's not switchable, but i like his 3pt. A bit too clunky and and robotic, and more effort and consitency is needed as a rebounder.
Sailis should've gone last year, but he's added a better 3 ball (it's not exactly good yet, average), but he needs to hit shots since he won't have the ball as often. His defense should be fine.
Egor demin at 34 is just crazy. Yes, his handle (needs improvement in a major way), shot, and assertiveness needs work, but he's a top 10 talent by far. He's an elite passer than can hit any read on planet earth, and he's a solid athlete that can get up with a runway. His shooting should come along, he's shot average in games before BYU. His volume was good, and despite relying on ball screens too much, he scored in them. He can be a grab and go threat, and when the shot comes along, then he can attack a closeout and make the right decision. He's not a non shooter, and there's flashes off the catch that are smooth. On defense, he can create events in the passing lanes, is big enough at 6'9.5 to not be a target on defense. Reads the floor decently. Covers some ground. Can move his feet, but somewhat upright. His defense isn't bad, but it isn't good. He's a wing whos an elite passer, feels comfortable on the ball despite the lack of handle, and can hit a shot. and he's 6'9. For reference, he's his previous shooting %'s - In 23 Liga EBA (2023-24) games: 36.3 3P% (49/135), 78 FT% (32/41) - 32% from 3 across all events (i couldn't put all of them here)
In 23 Liga EBA (2022-23) games: 40.1 3P% (61/152), 72.6 FT% (45/62)
In 6 2021-22 games with the Community of Madrid team: 36.7 3P% (11/30), 73.3 FT% (11/14)
Will riley at 35 is pushing it. He's a legit wing at 6'9 with a stop and start handle, fluid shot off catch and dribble, and a good not great passer. He can return top 10 value, and he plays physical despite his lack of strength. He's invisble on defense, worst defender in the draft, but you draft him with the future in mind. He's herky jerky, and despite his athletic limitations he can still get to the basket and finish with touch. He didn't lift weights growing up, and has not much flaws on offense. 60% FG at the rim in the half court, he's relentless and never stops going. Can chain moves together, though his lack of balance can lead him to loose on the ball sometimes. He's got deep range on his jumper, and can pull off hang dribbles, and make tough shots. His effiency was bad, but in the NBA he'll have the load off of him and can spot up or make an occosional move and score. He's fluid, and his release point, and form look smooth at his height, and he can convert in the mid range and 3 with soft touch, although the PERCENTAGES NEED TO GET BETTER. He's not an elite passer, but he's a good one. he can drive in the paint, dump it off, move it in the middle, make kickouts, and more importantly i feel like when he gets too deep that's when he starts to use his eyes to trick the defense, just whipping the ball behind him or in front for an easy layup. In the pick and roll, i'm confident in his projection. He can hit a basic pocket pass, immediately recognizes when he's being doubled and hits the open man. He's had some nice skips, too. He won't be asked to do much as a passer, so this shouldn't be too hard for him.
Makes sense, as always appreciate your breakdowns! Always love finding a new scouting article or video to look at! Been reading that Jason Crowe one. Thank you!
Derik queen below will riley is....??? While i do have questions (i'm lower on him), there's no denying that queen is a gifted offensive talent who can dribble and pass, and finish at the rim (Finishing 69.8 FG% (118/169) of his shots at the rim. 1.40 points per shot. In the half-court, 63.9% (69/108).
Finishing 62.3% of his lay-ups (76/122) … 57.3% (51/89) in the half-court.)
He's Tough for positional defenders to contain his handle and skill off the bounce when he attacks from the perimeter — or just in space, since he likes to drive from right inside the three-point line too. He's a willing pull up shooter in the mid range, and shows touch with his fadeaway out of the post. If he adds a 3, he will be dangerous on offense. Athletic players and legit 5s can give him issues when he goes up in the paint. Athletic limitations come into play if his first 1-2 dribbles are contained. He's a volume playmaker, but in a smaller role he'll turn the ball over less, and he can hit outlet passes, kickouts, bounce passes inside, skips, and he makes passes out of the short roll. He's got good court awareness and can pass out of doubles. Queen will not go this low....... On defense, i don't like him, but he's got good processing speed, can get stocks using his hands and IQ, and he gets deflections.
Asa newell will not go this low, either. He's a mobile athlete who has flashes hitting 3s, and driving with the ball in short spaces. He's caught between the 4 and the 5, but he has a crazy good motor and is a great offensive rebounder, making multiple efforts. Has shown glimpses attacking off the catch in a straight line… even a handful pushing in the open court, and he has okay volume from 3, as he's confined to pick and pops for now. With his athleticism (or better mobility), if he can unlock his handle to a new level, he can attack in space. He shoots more than CMB, at least. At his best when he can catch and finish. Has 44 dunks in 23 games. 59.3% of his total possessions end at the basket, where he is converting on 72.8% of his at-rim shots this season. And, Twitchy and springy with some signs of strength finishing through defenders. Stays alert to catch and gather drop-offs, jump passes, and short roll passes. On defense, Combination of motor, length, positional athleticism, ground coverage, and production makes him a really appealing defensive prospect. I don't understand why he's this low, but his motor yet again shines on this end. He can add value as a help-side rim protector. This happens most when he plays at the 4, since he can play as the low man or just generally track while not being directly involved. Springy and can time himself. Can still find a better balance between pursuing blocks and staying on his feet, though. He has quick feet and fluid hips, which aid in his recovery speed. He can gamble sometimes, don't like that, but it's something you live with. He can switch on the perimeter as well, and should be able to check guards every now and then. Should be an adjustment period but he's an intruiging defender.
Joan beringer at 45 is also not happening. He's 19, with a world of upside to tap into as a rim runner, protector, and overall feel. He's got excellent feet, beats everyone down the floor, and generally can score off of a PG in the half court. Screen-setting technique has improved even over this very season, but still inconsistent sometimes. Doesn’t always make contact to create the advantage. Can slip too early. Base can be wider. Has gotten noticeably better, though. His length, pop, and motor completely let him take control of the boards. His timing can be a bit off beat, but his stats were good in this area. 1.6 OREB and 3 DREB in 18 mins per game. 11.5 OREB%, 21.5 DREB% in 53 games this season. Limited feel, but he stays in his own lane and knows what to not do. On defense, puts a lid on the rim. Can be a bit jumpy but, 8.6 BLK% in 30 games leads the Adriatic League … 8.3 BLK% across 53 games this season. He can defend the PNR, hedge, with his fast feet and fluid hips, very coordinated and elite mover, reminds me of kai jones. Avoidable fouls come when he makes contact with his body going for blocks. Needs to be careful with his positioning. Can swipe across even when his read and hand/arm placement is decent. Gets stops in transition and should be switchable.
I'm low on jase but this is ridiculous. He's getting drafted early second or late first, just like saraf (saraf may go early first). Jase plays a mistake free game, i have questions about his handle, self creation, and how good his passing is, He can spot up, hit catch and shoots, and has a nice mid range pull up (low volume) when he gets closed out on. When he gets to the rim, he's got soft touch, nice floaters and same foot same hand finishes he did to throw off shot blockers, and a fluid athlete who can get up in space. He has some pace to his game when it comes to self creating, not an elite athlete though. He cuts when his man loses his track of him for easy layups, relocates for open 3s, and in general has solid off ball activity (he did not play on the ball.) he knows where to be and what to do, plays an extremely mistake-free style of basketball and dosen't turn it over. Has some solid pace to get by defenders occosionally. His stroke is smooth, repeatable, and generally stays the same and he has his flashes looking comfortable off movement. His connctive playmaking is solid, not good enough to be a primary but he makes the right play. One mores, some dump offs, and kickouts. His defense, probably defending only 1 position. Needs to tighten the handle, fix his creation, and improve his passing. Saraf, self suffienct scorer and uses screens well. Shot distribution needs work but he's a great passer, good size at 6'5, needs to desperately improve his 3pt. Also questions about his defense, how he gets by defenders in the half court, but he is not going that low.
Yang will be a steal, Hugo needs to improve his process but he plays hard and is willing to fire from 3. Needs to fix his finishing, and his shooting should be OKAY in the league.
Hey nic, love your posts. I don't really understand this mock draft at all (SECOND PART IN REPLIES)
Essengue in the top 3 is not happening. I'm extremely high on essengue, but he isn't a consistent shooter from 3, and he's a play finisher. I like his volume and willingness to shoot, but NBA teams right now are happy with letting him do that. 26.7 3P% this season (32/120) needs to climb into the low 30s fairly quickly. Figure dips to 24.7 3P% (21/85) in the German league. 72.2 FT% (197/273) is solid.
2023-24 season: 58.7 FT% (182/310) … 25.4 3P% (35/138 … 2.8 3PA, including 4.2 3PA in German Pro B)
2024 U18 Euros: 69.1 FT% (38/55) … 8.3 3P% (1/12 … 1.7 3PA)
2023 U18 Euros: 75 FT% (15/20) … 20 3P% (1/5 … 0.7 3PA)
He's improved as a shooter, but he's still not an average one, i like his development as a dribble pass and shoot guy though. His handle is loose in traffic, and he struggles to get by his man in the half court. Most of his drives come off the catch, not off the dribble, and most of his turnovers are due to his handle. He dosen't have a pull up, but probably dosen't need one. He's a good not great passer, and i felt like sometimes he felt too focused on being fouled, changing his angles a bit too much. He plays with extreme physicality which i like, but he still lacks strength and can get rushed. Struggles to score in the halfcourt. The things he does with ulm are experimental, and an NBA team won't let him do this early on in his career. He's fluid with the ball though. Defense, i have no concerns. You don't draft a player like him in the top 3.
I actually think VJ's swing skill is his finishing. His left hand is lacking, and he can switch to his right sometimes on the left side. He struggles to leverage his athleticsm at the basket. He lacks some soft touch from range, and missed some bunnies, and sometimes his elite body control worked against him, avoiding contact and struggles to finish against verticality. His tools should play a factor in this turning around, and the touch should (and needs) to get better. 53.8 FG% (91/169) at the rim this season. Goes down to 48.9% (43/88) in the half-court.
44.5% (57/128, 0.89 PPS) on lay-ups for the season, which drops to 44.2% (34/77) in the half-court.
I have questions about his shooting off the dribble, which he shot on low volume, sqaures his shoulders a bit too tight and has a pause on his stepbacks. But then again, this more for his ceiling than his floor. He's a bit too mechanical (Shot 20 3P% (6/30) on off-dribble threes and 31.8 FG% (7/22) on off-dribble twos). I would not be surprised if malauch goes above VJ, much safer pick while still having great upside (i can get into this if you ask me to.)
Ace bailey going 8 is not happening. He's 6 at worst (kon knueppel will not go before him) and at 6'9 with decent athleticism, and tough shotmaking in general, with defensive upside. A lot of development is needed, but the talent is too enticing to drop that far. The only reason he drops that far is because of the workout issues.
Noah penda at 7 (ahead of bailey) is not happening at all, either. There's questions about his gravity as a scorer at the nba level. If he makes 3s, it's on low volume, and he's not an elite athlete. As a driver, he lacks creativity unlike his passing, stays at one speed, dosen't counter, and a lot of his attempts are contested. He sometimes forces looks from distant takeoff points (28.6 eFG% on his scoring possessions as a driver this season). He's a top 20 guy, and most people in your mock draft in his range have a higher upside, and he just won't be going this high. If he shot falls off, it'll be hard for him to use the rest of his game, since defenders won't be drawn to him, and then, he won't be able to leverage his passing.
Rasheer fleming at 9 is unlikely, if not, probably not happening. He's a bit stuck between the 3 and 4, and maybe 5. He lacks any sort of handle, pull up, passing, or processing speed on offense, with no self creation. His shooting lacks a degree of versatility, but you don't draft him for these reasons. He's a 3-D that can hit shots and play great defense. However, he fouls too much, and has a tendency to dissappear, with his consitency being up and down. His shooting caliber is a swing factor, since he dosen't provide anything on offense except for that. Wouldn't be surprised if someone TAKES HIM after 11.
Tre johnson is going above rasheer, penda, and knuppel. He's not a 3 level scorer because of his lack of FTs and rim pressure, but he's a tough shotmaker from all over the floor, and the stats back it up, elite shooter with handle, and dating back to high school, he's made reads (some advanced ones) as a passer for u19 FIBA and link academy. kickouts, dump offs, some nice skips, and pocket passes in the PNR. His handle is very good, lack of burst can get him in trouble though. He offers better passing, handling, and shooting versatility and effiency, while having defensive tools that give you optimism (6'6, 6'10 wingspan).
Kaspras will probably go exactly where you said, but he's more of a volume shooter than an efficient shooter. He struggles to get to his spots in the half-court, and i feel as if he's better as an off guard rather than point guard. Him scaling up creates a number of issues, as he's EXTREMELY turnover prone as a passer (4 to 5 ATO ratio, and 25.4% turnover rate). He can get too fancy, and his accuracy as a passer can get shaky. He's not a good finisher in traffic, can't get by defenders, and is a bad defender. However, scaling down should be easier for jaku. That way, he can use his passing talents more effiectively without being exposed for his self creation weaknesses. He needs to maximize his pull up shooting for his outcome, since he won't be drafted to spot up, and he's not going to get to the rim at a high rate, so he needs to hit his OTD 3s in the PNR and agaisnt mismatches.
Croward at 14 isn't bad, but IMO i'd like to choose a more scaleable prospect with better volume. He needs to add more craft to his finishing (relied a lot on post ups, and he's going to start on the perimeter in the league, and clean up some of his drives) and tighten up his handle.
Kalkbrenner is not going in that range, at all. Prospects in that range have higher upside, and his passing is a mixed bag, sometimes he can make the simple reads, other times he plays too weak with the ball and gets overwhelmed by double teams, or throw a questionable pass, along with lacking strength. He's not switchable, but i like his 3pt. A bit too clunky and and robotic, and more effort and consitency is needed as a rebounder.
Sailis should've gone last year, but he's added a better 3 ball (it's not exactly good yet, average), but he needs to hit shots since he won't have the ball as often. His defense should be fine.
Egor demin at 34 is just crazy. Yes, his handle (needs improvement in a major way), shot, and assertiveness needs work, but he's a top 10 talent by far. He's an elite passer than can hit any read on planet earth, and he's a solid athlete that can get up with a runway. His shooting should come along, he's shot average in games before BYU. His volume was good, and despite relying on ball screens too much, he scored in them. He can be a grab and go threat, and when the shot comes along, then he can attack a closeout and make the right decision. He's not a non shooter, and there's flashes off the catch that are smooth. On defense, he can create events in the passing lanes, is big enough at 6'9.5 to not be a target on defense. Reads the floor decently. Covers some ground. Can move his feet, but somewhat upright. His defense isn't bad, but it isn't good. He's a wing whos an elite passer, feels comfortable on the ball despite the lack of handle, and can hit a shot. and he's 6'9. For reference, he's his previous shooting %'s - In 23 Liga EBA (2023-24) games: 36.3 3P% (49/135), 78 FT% (32/41) - 32% from 3 across all events (i couldn't put all of them here)
In 7 Spanish Championship (2023-24) games: 36.1 3P% (13/36), 100 FT% (12/12)
In 23 Liga EBA (2022-23) games: 40.1 3P% (61/152), 72.6 FT% (45/62)
In 6 2021-22 games with the Community of Madrid team: 36.7 3P% (11/30), 73.3 FT% (11/14)
Will riley at 35 is pushing it. He's a legit wing at 6'9 with a stop and start handle, fluid shot off catch and dribble, and a good not great passer. He can return top 10 value, and he plays physical despite his lack of strength. He's invisble on defense, worst defender in the draft, but you draft him with the future in mind. He's herky jerky, and despite his athletic limitations he can still get to the basket and finish with touch. He didn't lift weights growing up, and has not much flaws on offense. 60% FG at the rim in the half court, he's relentless and never stops going. Can chain moves together, though his lack of balance can lead him to loose on the ball sometimes. He's got deep range on his jumper, and can pull off hang dribbles, and make tough shots. His effiency was bad, but in the NBA he'll have the load off of him and can spot up or make an occosional move and score. He's fluid, and his release point, and form look smooth at his height, and he can convert in the mid range and 3 with soft touch, although the PERCENTAGES NEED TO GET BETTER. He's not an elite passer, but he's a good one. he can drive in the paint, dump it off, move it in the middle, make kickouts, and more importantly i feel like when he gets too deep that's when he starts to use his eyes to trick the defense, just whipping the ball behind him or in front for an easy layup. In the pick and roll, i'm confident in his projection. He can hit a basic pocket pass, immediately recognizes when he's being doubled and hits the open man. He's had some nice skips, too. He won't be asked to do much as a passer, so this shouldn't be too hard for him.
Should have cleared this up; this is not a prediction, but my own rankings of the players.
Even then, this big board is extremely questionable.
That’s fair enough. I know I’m not near the consensus, I have a different way of looking at basketball.
You made some great and valid points, however, and maybe I’m wrong and the consensus is right? Who knows?
At the end of the day I hope I’m completely wrong, 😂. I hope every player reaches their ceilings and are All-Stars, I want the best for these kids.
Makes sense, as always appreciate your breakdowns! Always love finding a new scouting article or video to look at! Been reading that Jason Crowe one. Thank you!
Derik queen below will riley is....??? While i do have questions (i'm lower on him), there's no denying that queen is a gifted offensive talent who can dribble and pass, and finish at the rim (Finishing 69.8 FG% (118/169) of his shots at the rim. 1.40 points per shot. In the half-court, 63.9% (69/108).
Finishing 62.3% of his lay-ups (76/122) … 57.3% (51/89) in the half-court.)
He's Tough for positional defenders to contain his handle and skill off the bounce when he attacks from the perimeter — or just in space, since he likes to drive from right inside the three-point line too. He's a willing pull up shooter in the mid range, and shows touch with his fadeaway out of the post. If he adds a 3, he will be dangerous on offense. Athletic players and legit 5s can give him issues when he goes up in the paint. Athletic limitations come into play if his first 1-2 dribbles are contained. He's a volume playmaker, but in a smaller role he'll turn the ball over less, and he can hit outlet passes, kickouts, bounce passes inside, skips, and he makes passes out of the short roll. He's got good court awareness and can pass out of doubles. Queen will not go this low....... On defense, i don't like him, but he's got good processing speed, can get stocks using his hands and IQ, and he gets deflections.
Asa newell will not go this low, either. He's a mobile athlete who has flashes hitting 3s, and driving with the ball in short spaces. He's caught between the 4 and the 5, but he has a crazy good motor and is a great offensive rebounder, making multiple efforts. Has shown glimpses attacking off the catch in a straight line… even a handful pushing in the open court, and he has okay volume from 3, as he's confined to pick and pops for now. With his athleticism (or better mobility), if he can unlock his handle to a new level, he can attack in space. He shoots more than CMB, at least. At his best when he can catch and finish. Has 44 dunks in 23 games. 59.3% of his total possessions end at the basket, where he is converting on 72.8% of his at-rim shots this season. And, Twitchy and springy with some signs of strength finishing through defenders. Stays alert to catch and gather drop-offs, jump passes, and short roll passes. On defense, Combination of motor, length, positional athleticism, ground coverage, and production makes him a really appealing defensive prospect. I don't understand why he's this low, but his motor yet again shines on this end. He can add value as a help-side rim protector. This happens most when he plays at the 4, since he can play as the low man or just generally track while not being directly involved. Springy and can time himself. Can still find a better balance between pursuing blocks and staying on his feet, though. He has quick feet and fluid hips, which aid in his recovery speed. He can gamble sometimes, don't like that, but it's something you live with. He can switch on the perimeter as well, and should be able to check guards every now and then. Should be an adjustment period but he's an intruiging defender.
Joan beringer at 45 is also not happening. He's 19, with a world of upside to tap into as a rim runner, protector, and overall feel. He's got excellent feet, beats everyone down the floor, and generally can score off of a PG in the half court. Screen-setting technique has improved even over this very season, but still inconsistent sometimes. Doesn’t always make contact to create the advantage. Can slip too early. Base can be wider. Has gotten noticeably better, though. His length, pop, and motor completely let him take control of the boards. His timing can be a bit off beat, but his stats were good in this area. 1.6 OREB and 3 DREB in 18 mins per game. 11.5 OREB%, 21.5 DREB% in 53 games this season. Limited feel, but he stays in his own lane and knows what to not do. On defense, puts a lid on the rim. Can be a bit jumpy but, 8.6 BLK% in 30 games leads the Adriatic League … 8.3 BLK% across 53 games this season. He can defend the PNR, hedge, with his fast feet and fluid hips, very coordinated and elite mover, reminds me of kai jones. Avoidable fouls come when he makes contact with his body going for blocks. Needs to be careful with his positioning. Can swipe across even when his read and hand/arm placement is decent. Gets stops in transition and should be switchable.
I'm low on jase but this is ridiculous. He's getting drafted early second or late first, just like saraf (saraf may go early first). Jase plays a mistake free game, i have questions about his handle, self creation, and how good his passing is, He can spot up, hit catch and shoots, and has a nice mid range pull up (low volume) when he gets closed out on. When he gets to the rim, he's got soft touch, nice floaters and same foot same hand finishes he did to throw off shot blockers, and a fluid athlete who can get up in space. He has some pace to his game when it comes to self creating, not an elite athlete though. He cuts when his man loses his track of him for easy layups, relocates for open 3s, and in general has solid off ball activity (he did not play on the ball.) he knows where to be and what to do, plays an extremely mistake-free style of basketball and dosen't turn it over. Has some solid pace to get by defenders occosionally. His stroke is smooth, repeatable, and generally stays the same and he has his flashes looking comfortable off movement. His connctive playmaking is solid, not good enough to be a primary but he makes the right play. One mores, some dump offs, and kickouts. His defense, probably defending only 1 position. Needs to tighten the handle, fix his creation, and improve his passing. Saraf, self suffienct scorer and uses screens well. Shot distribution needs work but he's a great passer, good size at 6'5, needs to desperately improve his 3pt. Also questions about his defense, how he gets by defenders in the half court, but he is not going that low.
Yang will be a steal, Hugo needs to improve his process but he plays hard and is willing to fire from 3. Needs to fix his finishing, and his shooting should be OKAY in the league.
Yang will be a steal.