NBA Comparison: Andre Roberson

Strengths: Productive player showing scoring, rebounding and shot blocking abilities … Mickey is an elite shot blocker at the college level having averaged over 3 blocks per game for his career …  He’s extremely athletic and has great timing when blocking opponents shots in the paint … He’s an improving offensive player with a great face up game … He has added range to his jumper this season and has become a better post player as well … He’s aggressive when attacking the basket on both ends of the floor and has become one of the better rebounders in the college game after struggling with that during his freshman season … He’s got great length (7’2 wingspan)  that helps make up for his lack of true PF (6’7.5) height …  He’s an elite help defender and has active hands … He is a smart player and has a high basketball IQ … Very self aware and knows what it will take to get him to the next level and has really worked on each of those things since his freshman year …  Extremely active and has a great motor …

Weaknesses: The biggest drawback to Mickey’s game is that he lacks height and strength for the PF position and doesn’t really possess wing skills at this point, but that is something that his length and athleticism should help him to overcome … He isn’t a great post defender due to his lack of size.  He’ll need to continue to get stronger so that bigger guys don’t bully him in the post … Although he has made strides with his offensive game, his footwork and back to the basket game leaves a lot to be desired … He is still turnover prone (over three per game) particularly in the post when teams double him … Still isn’t as consistent with his jump shot as you would want and he isn’t fluid just yet but mechanics can be fixed with the right coaching … 

Overall: Mickey made the right decision in coming back for his sophomore season.  He has improved his offensive game tremendously and has become the go-to scorer fro the Tigers.  His elite level athleticism and length will make him an intriguing prospect for any scout or GM.  His weaknesses are things that can be overcome with the right coaching.  He is the better pro prospect long-term than his teammate Jarell Martin due to his versatility and potential to do anything an everything on the court.  Great pick and roll player from a defensive standpoint and is a guy that still has tremendous upside.

Notes: Measured 6’7.5 (in shoes) 211 lbs, with a 7’1.5 wingspan at the 2012 LeBron James Skills Academy … Measured 6’7.5 (in shoes) 234 lbs, with a 7’2 wingspan at the 2014 Nike Big Man Skills Academy …

Clayton Crowe 2/8/15