Scouting Notes: Perth Wildcats vs. Sydney Kings

Everything I (think) I saw in the highly anticipated Alex Toohey vs. Izan Almansa matchup.

One of the hottest names in draft conversations right now is Alex Toohey. Coming into this game, he had back-to-back 15+ point games, and was dominating competition.

He matched up against fellow NBL Next Star and Spanish youth legend, Izan Almansa, in a highly anticipated (predicted) preview of how the two Australian powerhouses will match up in the playoffs.

Here is everything I saw from the two prospects in the game, from which I watched live at Qudos Bank Arena:

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Izan Almansa

0 points, 2 rebounds, 1 assist, 0/3 FG, 0/1 3PT, 14 minutes.

Showed great intensity overall on defense, and showcased great offensive feel, highlighted by a sweet bounce pass in the first quarter. Lacked desire on the boards, however, are only established good positioning a couple of times.

• Almansa check in for the first time.  7:23 Q1

• Gets back well in transition and forces a turnover in a one-on-one situation. 6:47 Q1

• Established great positioning for the offensive rebound. 6:26 Q1

• Showed a few nice post moves but smoked the layup. 5:20 Q1

• Great positioning in the drop coverage, forced a turnover. 5:12 Q1

• Has been very passive on the block, rarely even attempting the gain advantageous positioning. 3:33 Q1

• Moved well off the ball and got himself open for a corner three. The mechanics on the shot were rough, and it really wasn’t that close to going in. 2:30 Q1

• Catches the ball at the top of the paint, dishes it off to a cutter. This guy’s vision and feel for the game is just *chefs kiss*. 1:28 Q1

• Called for a could but really it was just great, physical post defense. 4:59 Q2

• Established great positioning on the offensive rebound, would have grabbed it for sure if that shot didn’t go in. 4:49 Q2

• Sets a nice screen a the three point line, but rolls poorly and missed out on an easy chance to score.

• Had the ball dropped to him inside, but he fumbled it and lost all of his advantageous positioning. 3:15 Q2

• Moved his feet well laterally to shut down a drive, then made a switch and locked down the ball handler. Great defensive possession. 6:16 Q3

• Has been super inactive on the boards today. 4:19 Q3

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Alex Toohey

4 points, 4 rebounds, 2/3 FG, 0/1 3PT, 25 minutes

Coming into the game, Alex Toohey was on a tear with back-to-back 15 point plus games. However, he struggled in this matchup and seemed extremely passive. Still some good signs, though. Showed solid defense and feel for the game, but his off-ball game has to improve if he wants to reach the next level.

• Toohey takes the ball on a handoff and drives straight at Izan Almansa, finishing straight over him with a sweet floater. 4:23 Q1

• Again goes right at Almansa inside, draws coverage and dishes it out for an open three. Is this personal? 2:44 Q1

• Grabs the board and tries to push it in transition. Got fouled before he could pose a real threat, however I like his aggressiveness. 2:24 Q1

• Gets one-on-one inside against Almansa on defense. Almansa tried everything from his post bag, but could even move Toohey. Missed the heavily contested layup. Toohey is definitely taking this matchup personal. 1:48 Q1

• Slow, lazy pass inside nearly gets intercepted. Would have been more effective to roll the ball. 5:38 Q2

• Fights well for the loose ball. Forces turnover that leads to free throws. 5:08 Q2

• Gets frustrated at referees and unnecessarily fouls whilst in the bonus. He needs to have better control of his emotions. 4:41 Q2

• WE HAVE A WEDGIE. 4:27 Q2

• Three straight possessions of Toohey sitting in the corner and not moving. Needs to be more aggressive (and not just when Almansa is in front of him). 4:10 Q2

• Fights well for inside positioning for the board, ball just doesn’t fall his way. 0:46 Q2

• Last close out on shooter costs the Kings three points. Got to push harder there. 9:19 Q3

• Toohey’s off-ball movement is super poor today. Another possession of idle sitting in the corner for 24 seconds. 7:52 Q3

• Good post defense, forced the miss. 7:42 Q3

• Rather than sitting in the corner for 24 seconds, he moved the the top of the key and did the same. Improvement? 8:34 Q4

• Now he’s sitting five feet behind the three point line. Not an improvement. 7:27 Q4

• Coach clearly doesn’t lack the lack of movement. Was subbed out in the final five minutes, in the clutch. Not a good sign.