serge-ibaka-hd.jpg

9 - Serge Ibaka

6-10, 228 Power Forward/Center
N/A International
Birthday
09/18/89 (34.5 yrs)
Hometown
Congo
International Team
Tartu Rock
2007 Statistics
Athleticism
10
Size
9
Defense
9
Strength
6
Quickness
8
Leadership
7
Jump Shot
7
NBA Ready
6
Rebounding
8
Potential
9
Post Skills
6
Intangibles
7
92 Overall:

NBA Comparison: Shawn Kemp

Aran Smith – 9/27/2007

Strengths: A tremendous athlete blessed with insane length and leaping ability Conjures up memories of Shawn Kemp. Ibaka reportedly had a higher vertical than any of the players drafted in the 2007 draft. Which is extremely unusual for a taller player Despite his immense physical gifts, Ibaka hustles at all times and works hard on his game showing a lot of improvement in a short time He’s currently playing in Spain for L’Hospitalet Has solid footwork in the post, and an improving turn around jumper He can even extend out to the 3 pt line and knock down shots on occaision Has the tools to become a first round pick in the next year, as he is not far from having an NBA ready body, and plays hard He’s relentless on the boards and his length and athleticism makes him a formidable shot blocker Has good touch on his shot, and solid mechanics, he just needs to become more comfortable with his offensive game so it becomes second nature

Weaknesses: Coming from the Congo, his age may come into question He appears to be young and at least close to his listed age so it likely won’t be to big a deterrant, but teams are normally wary of the age of young African players who seem “too good to be true”. But unlike some other recent African draft picks who did not play NCAA ball (DeSagana Diop, Malick Badiane, Saer Sene) Ibaka is already showing offensive abilities Ibaka also needs to work hard on his skills, while he shows nice potential with his ball skills and post moves, they are far from refined Learning a few moves that he can consistently go to in the post will greatly improve his offesnive abilities Needs to add some muscle to his frame. Right now, he’s too lean and will get pushed around under the basket But he’s still very young, and appears to be able to put weight on without any problems At the adidas Global camp in New Orleans, Ibaka suffered with cramps, so staying hydrated and improving on his stamina are important

YouTube Clip – 1/1/2001

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