NBA Comparison: N/A

Strengths: A very aggressive shooting guard … Has been somewhat under the radar playing in the Ukraine (although he led his team with 15.4 points per), but showed his game with a strong performance at the Treviso Euro Camp … He is a very good shooter and he proved that he can comfortably knock down shots out to the NBA 3 … He shoots with good balance and gets his feet set quickly, and as a result he can convert on a variety of shots … Knows how to use his shot to set up his drives, he can read closeouts and then attack accordingly … He has a nice frame already, but also has the wide shoulders that will allow him to add some more bulk … His wiry strength and attacking mentality allow him to get by defenders even when his driving lanes are initially cut off (he will not settle, but rather will continue his drive to the basket) … He has great open court speed and he knows how to use it, whether it’s going for a loose ball or when running the lanes in transition … Defensively, he puts in a tremendous effort, moves his feet well and uses his bulky frame to body the ball handler out of driving lanes …

Weaknesses: Does not have the quickest first step that will allow him to get by next level defenders … When attacking the hoop he relies on his body to create space, but against stronger players that advantage will be minimised … He recorded a solid 32’ max vert, but does not yet have the great ability to convert that explosiveness into game situations … Off the dribble he lacks the advanced moves to create space and to consistently get into the lane … At 6’5 ½ with shoes and a 6’7 wingspan he doesn’t have the length or the size to help him overcome his athletic shortcomings … He can get into trouble by trying to do too much and by forcing the action … His passing ability is fairly limited which is a result of his questionable court vision … Does get overaggressive defensively at times, (averaged 3.3 fouls in just 28.7 minutes) … Will need to break the stereotype of the Ukraine being just a big man factory…

Borko Popic – 6/25/2009