NBA Comparison: Raul Lopez (pre injury)

Strengths: Point guard with good size and quickness … Knows how to get by people off the dribble … Utilizes misdirection and change of pace dribbles to keep defenders guessing … Has the ability to turn the corner to get to the hoop … Handles the ball extremely well and is able to make moves while going full speed or while in traffic … Likes to attack and push the tempo in transition, where he can use his speed to create opportunities … An extremely confident player who is not afraid to take the big shots … Can be dangerous when he gets into a rhythm where he can string together a run all by himself … Is very efficient scoring the ball (shot 57% from 2 PT in Euroleague play, and 50% in the Spanish league) … Shoots a high percentage from the foul line …

Weaknesses: Even though he handles the ball for large portions of the game, he is not a natural playmaker … Looks to attack, but does not keep his head up to survey the options … Tends to leave his feet to make passes, which gets him into trouble on a regular basis … Shoots a lot of contested and off balance shots, instead of keeping his dribble and getting to the basket … Does not have the body strength or leaping ability to finish at the basket efficiently … Loses his balance and gives up ground when taking contact … His shot is fairly streaky, especially when shooting on the move or off the dribble … His stroke is smooth, but the release comes slightly off the side of his head and it is a bit low … Defensively, he is lackadaisical and very undisciplined, struggles staying infront of people and also fouls at a very high clip (averages 2.3 fouls in just 21 minutes per game) …

Borko Popic – 6/21/2009