NBADraft.net - Rashard McCants SG
NBA Comparison: Gilbert Arenas
Strengths: Very smooth, athletic guard with an amazing feel for the game. Takes over games as a freshman. Can get hot and bury an opposing team with his offensive prowess. Has a diverse offensive game with three pointers, intermediate jumpers, and a quick first step to take his man off the dribble. A player with great scoring instincts. Makes great decisions and passes the ball extremely well for a shooting guard. Has excellent quickness and terrific speed running the floor. Can easily gain separation on a defender in the open court. Handles the ball very well, and is adept at creating off the dribble. Has good lateral quickness and foot speed defensively. Fred Jones went 14th in the 2002 draft giving athletic, but undersized shooting guards such as McCants great optimism about their draft potential. In Comparison McCants is a little less explosive but has a far better overall game.
Weaknesses: Undersized 2-guard. Just a shade over 6-3, but plays bigger than his size with long arms and great leaping ability. Still at 6-3, he will struggle to an extent guarding and getting easy looks over 6-6 players night in and night out on the next level. Probably doesn't have the instincts to be a NBA PG. Has the talent to overcome the height deficiency, but remember how great another Carolina freshman Joseph Forte looked. McCants is a more explosive and quicker athlete than Forte, so he will likely make a better pro, however college stars don't always translate on the next level, especially ones a few inches short for their positions. Will need to improve some defensively, as guarding college guys is much easier than pros.
Notes: Was considered a top 10 prospect by many recruiting gurus entering college.
Hoops Hype - Martell Webster SG
NBA Comparison: Glen Rice
Strengths: The total package ... Has the ability to score from anywhere on the court against any defender ... Unstoppable mid-range pull up J off the bounce ... Acrobatic finisher on the break ... Unlimited arsenal of offensive moves that allow him to tear through opposing defenses ... Threat from both inside and out ... Very active on the boards ... Tight handles, effortless drives to the hole, and an overall ease to which he plays the game ... 20 and 10 capabilities every time he plays ... At 6-6 and a rock solid 215 pounds has the size and versatility to play any position at the next level.
Weaknesses: Relies on outside shot too much ... Must learn to move his feet and play better on ball defense. Notes: At 16 years of age has an understanding of the game that few high school players have ... Has suffered from the injury bug during his Junior season, (specifically an ankle problem) so he needs to show that he can stay healthy ...
DraftCity.com - Hakim Warrick SF/PF
NBA Comparison: Marcus Camby
Strengths: An unbelievable athlete who can jump out of the gym with the best of them. A highlight real waiting to happen. His incredibly long arms and intensity make him a ferocious offensive and defensive rebounder. Gets off the floor almost instantaneously. Possesses a nice turnaround jumper and decent ball handling skills for a player his size. Has the potential and desire to not only become an offensive force, but a shut down defender as well. A very exciting player to watch with huge potential.
Weaknesses: Everything he does is based on his superior athletic ability. Despite his ball handling skills, Hakim is still very raw. His points usually come from fastbreaks, tip-ins, and putbacks. He tries to dunk everything on the offensive end and block everything on the defensive side. Perimeter game is suspect, despite good form on his outside shot. MUST put on muscle if he has any plans of ever playing pro ball, he is very thin and is easily out-muscled. Free throw shooting and interior defense are also concerns.
Notes: Hakim has the potential to become a very good player, but must learn to rely on more than his other worldly athletic ability. If he learns to collect himself and show some patience, his offense will improve dramatically. It seems as though Coach Boeheim is going to use Hakim on the interior in his early years at SU and then slowly bring him out to the perimeter as his shot and ball handling mature....Nicknamed "Skinny" by his friends due to his extremely slender frame. Upside is definitely there.
CollegeHoopsnet.com - Channing Frye PF/CNBA Comparison: Jarron Collins
Strengths: Very skilled bigman...Fundamentally sound in nearly every area...Runs the floor well on the break...Great base mechanics on his jumper...Keeps the ball high in the post...Good footwork on the block...Soft hands...Can make his post move with either hand...Steadily improving jump-hook and drop-step...Surprisingly effective spot-up shooter, which makes him a dangerous scoring threat on the pick-and-roll...Outstanding free-throw shooter (about 83%)...Crashes the offensive boards hard...Solid help defender and shot blocker...Enormous wingspan...Boxes out well...Excels at the tip-in and follow-up dunk...Terrific passer out of the post...Solid ball-handler..Defends both the center and power forward position effectively...Always improving his overall game...Even though his scoring average is slightly down, he’s a much better overall player now than he was as a junior...Has impressed many scouts with his stand out senior season.
Weaknesses: Still suffers in lapses in concentration/intensity/consistency...Vanishes for large chunks of time (especially on the glass)...Could use another 20-25 pounds of muscle...Has made nice strides in this area, but still lacking a true killer instinct...Has a tendency to commit stupid fouls/turnovers at the worst times...A “tweener”...Lacks lateral footspeed to keep up with most NBA power forwards...Lacks necessary bulk to bang with NBA centers night in and night out...Not a great leaper...Even with his improvements in these areas, strength and stamina still must improve to compete at the professional level...Can let his emotions get the best of him...Lack of lower body strength occasionally leads to him getting muscled off his spot.
Notes: Named to the Pac-10 First Team as a junior...Go-to move is a power-dribble from the left block into the middle of the lane and a mid-range jump-hook with his right hand.
NBA Wire - Charlie Villanueva SF/PF
NBA Comparison: Lamar Odom
Stregnths: A strong all around talent. Charlie excels at passing the ball, scoring from the perimeter and handling the ball on the break. His inside/outside game makes him a virtual lock for a double-double every night. His athleticism makes him an excellent rebounder and perimeter defender. Scores his points from all over; his height allows to shoot over almost everyone on the outside and also allows him take the ball down low. He's just starting to live up to his unbelievable potential.
Weaknesses: A bit laid back at times, which leads to scoring in bunches and then going cold. Must understand that he will not always be the biggest and most athletic player on the floor. Strictly an inside talent, and could use some post development. Still soft at times, which leads to him being a weak interior defender. Not a great shot blocker, despite his athleticism and height. Needs to develop a killer instinct.
Notes: If Charlie ever plays with the intensity that his teammate, Luol Deng plays with, he would be unstoppable. Great size and skill, a player who does a bit of everything.
HoopsVibe - Nemanja Aleksandrov SF
NBA Comparison: Gilbert Arenas
Strengths: Very smooth, athletic guard with an amazing feel for the game. Takes over games as a freshman. Can get hot and bury an opposing team with his offensive prowess. Has a diverse offensive game with three pointers, intermediate jumpers, and a quick first step to take his man off the dribble. A player with great scoring instincts. Makes great decisions and passes the ball extremely well for a shooting guard. Has excellent quickness and terrific speed running the floor. Can easily gain separation on a defender in the open court. Handles the ball very well, and is adept at creating off the dribble. Has good lateral quickness and foot speed defensively. Fred Jones went 14th in the 2002 draft giving athletic, but undersized shooting guards such as McCants great optimism about their draft potential. In Comparison McCants is a little less explosive but has a far better overall game.
Weaknesses: Undersized 2-guard. Just a shade over 6-3, but plays bigger than his size with long arms and great leaping ability. Still at 6-3, he will struggle to an extent guarding and getting easy looks over 6-6 players night in and night out on the next level. Probably doesn't have the instincts to be a NBA PG. Has the talent to overcome the height deficiency, but remember how great another Carolina freshman Joseph Forte looked. McCants is a more explosive and quicker athlete than Forte, so he will likely make a better pro, however college stars don't always translate on the next level, especially ones a few inches short for their positions. Will need to improve some defensively, as guarding college guys is much easier than pros.
Notes: Was considered a top 10 prospect by many recruiting gurus entering college.
Hoops Hype - Martell Webster SG
NBA Comparison: Glen Rice
Strengths: The total package ... Has the ability to score from anywhere on the court against any defender ... Unstoppable mid-range pull up J off the bounce ... Acrobatic finisher on the break ... Unlimited arsenal of offensive moves that allow him to tear through opposing defenses ... Threat from both inside and out ... Very active on the boards ... Tight handles, effortless drives to the hole, and an overall ease to which he plays the game ... 20 and 10 capabilities every time he plays ... At 6-6 and a rock solid 215 pounds has the size and versatility to play any position at the next level.
Weaknesses: Relies on outside shot too much ... Must learn to move his feet and play better on ball defense. Notes: At 16 years of age has an understanding of the game that few high school players have ... Has suffered from the injury bug during his Junior season, (specifically an ankle problem) so he needs to show that he can stay healthy ...
DraftCity.com - Hakim Warrick SF/PF
NBA Comparison: Marcus Camby
Strengths: An unbelievable athlete who can jump out of the gym with the best of them. A highlight real waiting to happen. His incredibly long arms and intensity make him a ferocious offensive and defensive rebounder. Gets off the floor almost instantaneously. Possesses a nice turnaround jumper and decent ball handling skills for a player his size. Has the potential and desire to not only become an offensive force, but a shut down defender as well. A very exciting player to watch with huge potential.
Weaknesses: Everything he does is based on his superior athletic ability. Despite his ball handling skills, Hakim is still very raw. His points usually come from fastbreaks, tip-ins, and putbacks. He tries to dunk everything on the offensive end and block everything on the defensive side. Perimeter game is suspect, despite good form on his outside shot. MUST put on muscle if he has any plans of ever playing pro ball, he is very thin and is easily out-muscled. Free throw shooting and interior defense are also concerns.
Notes: Hakim has the potential to become a very good player, but must learn to rely on more than his other worldly athletic ability. If he learns to collect himself and show some patience, his offense will improve dramatically. It seems as though Coach Boeheim is going to use Hakim on the interior in his early years at SU and then slowly bring him out to the perimeter as his shot and ball handling mature....Nicknamed "Skinny" by his friends due to his extremely slender frame. Upside is definitely there.
CollegeHoopsnet.com - Channing Frye PF/CNBA Comparison: Jarron Collins
Strengths: Very skilled bigman...Fundamentally sound in nearly every area...Runs the floor well on the break...Great base mechanics on his jumper...Keeps the ball high in the post...Good footwork on the block...Soft hands...Can make his post move with either hand...Steadily improving jump-hook and drop-step...Surprisingly effective spot-up shooter, which makes him a dangerous scoring threat on the pick-and-roll...Outstanding free-throw shooter (about 83%)...Crashes the offensive boards hard...Solid help defender and shot blocker...Enormous wingspan...Boxes out well...Excels at the tip-in and follow-up dunk...Terrific passer out of the post...Solid ball-handler..Defends both the center and power forward position effectively...Always improving his overall game...Even though his scoring average is slightly down, he’s a much better overall player now than he was as a junior...Has impressed many scouts with his stand out senior season.
Weaknesses: Still suffers in lapses in concentration/intensity/consistency...Vanishes for large chunks of time (especially on the glass)...Could use another 20-25 pounds of muscle...Has made nice strides in this area, but still lacking a true killer instinct...Has a tendency to commit stupid fouls/turnovers at the worst times...A “tweener”...Lacks lateral footspeed to keep up with most NBA power forwards...Lacks necessary bulk to bang with NBA centers night in and night out...Not a great leaper...Even with his improvements in these areas, strength and stamina still must improve to compete at the professional level...Can let his emotions get the best of him...Lack of lower body strength occasionally leads to him getting muscled off his spot.
Notes: Named to the Pac-10 First Team as a junior...Go-to move is a power-dribble from the left block into the middle of the lane and a mid-range jump-hook with his right hand.
NBA Wire - Charlie Villanueva SF/PF
NBA Comparison: Lamar Odom
Stregnths: A strong all around talent. Charlie excels at passing the ball, scoring from the perimeter and handling the ball on the break. His inside/outside game makes him a virtual lock for a double-double every night. His athleticism makes him an excellent rebounder and perimeter defender. Scores his points from all over; his height allows to shoot over almost everyone on the outside and also allows him take the ball down low. He's just starting to live up to his unbelievable potential.
Weaknesses: A bit laid back at times, which leads to scoring in bunches and then going cold. Must understand that he will not always be the biggest and most athletic player on the floor. Strictly an inside talent, and could use some post development. Still soft at times, which leads to him being a weak interior defender. Not a great shot blocker, despite his athleticism and height. Needs to develop a killer instinct.
Notes: If Charlie ever plays with the intensity that his teammate, Luol Deng plays with, he would be unstoppable. Great size and skill, a player who does a bit of everything.
HoopsVibe - Nemanja Aleksandrov SF
Strengths: | |
Nemanja Aleksandrov is one of the most gifted prospects seen lately in Europe. He is a player that shows an amazing combination of size, athleticism and skills; the combination that all NBA teams dream of. He's really long, with a great wingspan, has great mobility, a nice vertical, and he is very coordinated. He can run the floor almost like a guard, and thrives when doing so. He enjoys a beautiful jumpshot; fluid, just perfect. It’s a real jumper, as Nemanja elevates more like a guard than like a forward to release it, making his shot nearly impossible to block on the perimeter. Everything is performed in a very quick movement, so he needs very little time and space to execute it. Aleksandrov can produce in the paint thanks to a variety of post moves, a soft touch and, of course, his height and long arms, ala Pau Gasol. His favourite move is spinning after a fake to deliver a semi-hook. He has very good handles and can pass the ball. He can eventually lead the break and feed his teammates. He finds the right man to pass to in every situation, keeping the ball moving on the offensive end. You won't see him spending valuable seconds of a possession thinking what to do with the ball. He just has a great feel for the game and a very fast mind. He sees the best option right away. Nemanja has huge potential as a slasher. He has a great first step, being too fast for most of the forwards to stop him, and nice handles. A couple of steps and he’s right at the rim. With his size and long arms it’s very easy for him to leave the ball in the net. Also, you can see him finishing alley-oops, effortlessly as usual. The kid enjoys a very good lateral speed, being able to stop almost any forward and also making sure to take care of the team defense, always helping his teammates when needed. He can also grab a good amount of rebounds and block shots on a regular basis. Great basketball IQ. Aleksandrov knows the game and makes very few mistakes. Nemanja is a humble player. He plays for the team, he is a hard worker. He never forces shots or plays just to fill the box-score. He's not cocky at all, and you won't notice any sign of disrespect to his rivals, nor his teammates. | |
Weaknesses: | |
Many questions have been asked about Aleksandrov’s character. He’s a player that doesn’t seem to have enough killer instincts, perhaps not being able to become a clear leader, a go-to guy to assume the offensive responsibility of his team. He could also use some extra aggressiveness in certain situations. Beyond that issue, Nemanja needs to bulk up. Right now he’s a boy playing against grown men, and he physically suffers. He’s pushed around the rim both on the offensive and defensive ends. He finds it difficult to play in the post, he gets banged defending the paint and he gets out-muscled when it comes to gaining rebound positioning. Gaining strength will be necessary for him, but he should be careful in order to keep his athleticism intact, or even improved. That’s one of the reasons why he’s spending so much time at the small forward position playing far from the basket right now. One of the biggest concerns for him right now, especially if we consider that he’s playing mainly SF, is his shooting percentage. He’s struggling big time to find consistency in his perimeter stroke. As a consequence, he’s finding less spaces to penetrate, as his defenders don’t worry that much about his shooting threat. I expect him to recover, because he shows great mechanics, and sooner or later the shots will start falling. Also, his shot is still mainly static, although he’s working on his off-the-dribble jumper. Although showing some improvement lately, he still finds it difficult to penetrate in traffic in the paint, but that's logical given that he's a forward, and doesn't dominate the ability to make sudden changes of direction in a confined space, like many guards can. He should also try to polish his post up moves, as once he gets strong enough, he would be able to take big advantage in the low post against any small forward with his size, and against any power forward with his quickness. With his athleticism, height and long arms, you might expect more blocks out of him. The truth is he doesn't go up wildly for blocked shots, like many players his age, and usually won't risk his defensive position to take one. |
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