NBA Comparison: Rasual Butler

Strengths: Versatile swingman with an old school game. Finds ways to score (17 ppg as a Junior). Excels in the mid-range, shooting effectively both off the dribble and in catch-and-shoot situations. Prefers to face up defenders in the triple threat position, create space with his frame, and step back for a jumper. Effective stroke off the dribble to either his right or left. Has enhanced three point range over his collegiate career, shooting 35% in five attempts per contest. Elevation on jumper is not ideal, but high release point alleviates some concern. Moves well without the ball, seeking out creases and making decisive cuts. Fairly creative around the basket, showing soft touch with a floater and using spin moves to evade traffic. Uses the glass extremely well. Comfortable finishing with his left hand. Strong offensive rebounder (2 per game for his career) as a result of positioning and hustle, regularly picking up garbage buckets. Saw a dramatic increase in free throw percentage last season from 64% to 76%. Aggressive defender, pressuring the ball and getting up in the grill of his man. Fights hard to defend the post against bigger opponents. Always stays low in his defensive stance.

Weaknesses: Not an elite level athlete. Quickness and explosiveness are not staples of his repertoire. Plays ‘below the rim’. Has difficulty beating defenders off the dribble, more often than not pulling up. Ball handling is adequate. He does not appear comfortable with multiple dribbles. Lack of ability to create for himself or others is a glaring weakness. Often overwhelmed athletically against top competition, settling almost entirely for three point attempts or long jumpers. Forced to take low percentage shots too often. At 6’7 225 he should spend more time in the paint. Needs to take advantage of his size and strength in the post against small opposition. Only a touch over three free throw attempts per game for his career. Lateral quickness is below average. Likely to be exposed guarding quicker wings at the next level.

Notes: Scored 8.6 PPG for the USA team at the 2009 World University Games in Serbia.

Adam Ganeles 10/20/09