Strengths: Left hander with excellent size (7-feet) and offensive touch … A player who looks extremely impressive in a workout setting due to his size, agility and touch … The young bigman shows the ability to shoot with both hands and has some range on his shot … Utilizes hook shots well and has the basics of playing in the post with footwork and post moves … At just 19 years of age, there is definitely some intrigue in what he could become … Shows solid physical strength and fluidity … Measured 7-feet in shoes with a 7-1.5 wingspan and a 9-2 standing reach which are all solid numbers for an NBA center … His 8.0% body fat shows that he has been working hard on his conditioning … Shows a positive attitude towards the game of basketball and being coached … Has the length and makings of being a solid rebounder but needs to get stronger and tougher …

Weaknesses: Coming from England, he didn’t grow up in a basketball environment and lacks the natural feel for the game that someone who does, possesses … His basketball IQ is a work in progress … International scouts are concerned that he has not developed over the past 2-3 years (crucial development years) the way he could have … Has bounced around teams over the past 2 years and has not had a stable foundation with which to grow from … Still plays in a low level in Europe and has not been able to make a big impact thus far … His level of experience in Europe remains extremely low … Has worked hard to trim his weight but lacks great foot speed … Heavy legs have been an issue for him, anchoring him to the floor and slowing him down in the open court … Has also had issues with his shoulders popping out of place, causing tears of his labrum … While he possesses excellent size and good strength for his age, he has a bit of an awkward body physique, lacking great body balance … While his agility is solid, he lacks elite level explosiveness and athletic ability … Not much of a defensive presence as a shot blocker …  

Notes: Impressed at the 2010 Chicago Draft Combine. But it’s important to realize he’s still extremely raw in a game setting … There’s a chance someone would take a flier on him in the 2nd round for the future if he chooses to remain in the draft …

Aran Smith 5/23/10

Interview by Basketball 24/7 – 2/5/2008

YouTube Clip – 06/14/2010