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24 - Przemek Karnowski

7-1, 290 Center
Gonzaga Senior
Birthday
11/08/93 (30.4 yrs)
Hometown
Torun, Poland
High School
Nicolaus Copernicus
Team Site Profile
Statistics
Athleticism
6
Size
9
Defense
8
Strength
9
Quickness
6
Leadership
7
Jump Shot
7
NBA Ready
6
Rebounding
8
Potential
6
Post Skills
7
Intangibles
6
85 Overall:

NBA Comparison: John Bryant

Strengths: The Polish big man is the latest in what has become an impressive lineage of frontcourt players at Gonzaga … Over the past few years, the Bulldogs have seen the likes of Kelly Olynyk, Robert Sacre, and Domantas Sabonis go on to have successful NBA careers after departing from Spokane … It takes just one look at Karnowski to realize that he is going to be a handful to guard in the low-post … His 7’1, 300-pound build gave him a sizeable mismatch against just about anybody in college basketball, and he should continue to be able to rely on his size at the next level … It is becoming increasingly difficult to find centers that are good back-to-the-basket post players, but this is one of Karnowski’s greatest strengths … He has great touch around the rim, and he has shot almost 60 percent from the field during his four years at Gonzaga … Karnowski has a high basketball IQ, has great feel for the game on offense, and he does not force many shots … He is also an excellent passer out of the low post and has advanced court vision for a big man … Karnowski is a adequate scorer in the low post, as he shows good footwork and a nice jump hook with either hand … One of the more underappreciated aspects of Karnowski’s game is his ability to set good screens for teammates … Numerous times throughout his career, he did a great job of freeing up teammates for open jump shots or layups off of back screens … Karnowski is also an adequate rebounder, as he averaged just over ten rebounds per 40 minutes this past season for Gonzaga … Although he is limited athletically, he does a nice job of using his size and strength to carve out space down low and get good position … His size also prevents other post players from getting good position on the block against him … Karnowski plays with great motor and consistent effort … Overall, he is a skilled center with a knack for making the right play on both ends of the court …

Weaknesses: While Karnowski has great size, his athleticism and agility are below average at best … He relies primarily on his massive frame rather than footwork to gain position in the post … His lack of quickness also hinders his ability to get to the free-throw line at a high rate … In four seasons with the ‘Zags, he has never averaged more then 3.4 free throw attempts per contest … When he has gotten to the line, he has never converted consistently (below 60% for career) despite showing nice touch … His lack of adequate quickness and athleticism will lead to numerous limitations on the defensive end at the next level … He struggles to defend quicker and/or more athletic offensive players, and he does not provide much support as a rim protector … His insufficient foot speed can also lead to quick fouls … On the other end of the court, while he has good touch around the basket and solid footwork, he lacks an array of counter moves to utilize … In the NBA, defenders will be bigger, faster, and more athletic, so it will be imperative for him to further expand his low post arsenal … In the national championship game against North Carolina, his inability to score against the superior length and athleticism of the Tar Heels’ frontcourt was evident. Karnowski’s greatest weaknesses in the eyes of NBA teams, however, may have little to do with his skillset … He missed almost all of the 2015-16 season after having back surgery … NBA GMs are always wary of injury-prone big men (e.g. Greg Oden, Joel Embiid, etc.) Another factor Karnowski has working against him is his age. He will be almost 24 by the start of the 2017-18 NBA season, and most NBA teams will opt for the upside of a younger player … While he may be able to contribute for an NBA team, there are simply too many GMs who would be unwilling to select an older center with a history of back problems …

Notes: Measured 7’1.5 (in shoes) 294 lbs, with a 7’0 wingspan at the 2014 Nike Big Man Skills Academy … Played in the 2011 U18 European Championship in Wroclaw, Poland, where he was named to the All-Star Game and earned MVP honors … Named to WCC All-Freshman Team in 2012-2013 season … 2-time All-WCC First Team selection …

William P. Desautelle III 6/8/17 

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