NBA Comparison: Jordan Crawford/Nick Young

Strengths: Lefty combo guard with above average athleticism and scoring ability … Shows versatility having played his junior year at the PG position after proving to be a efficient SG in his first two seasons … Has the size to play the 2-guard position and his ability to play some point helps his cause … Strong rebounder for a guard. 7.1 rebounds per game show that he’s both athletic and aggressive and a real plus for his analytical numbers … Aggressive attacking the basket … Excellent body control to finish drives at the basket. Good at finishing after contact with And 1s … Solid defender using his length and anticipation to play the passing lanes and gather steals … Gives the impression that he plays hard on both ends of the floor, with good defensive posture and effort … Very solid in the open floor when his speed and quickness and decision making are all above average … Has maintained a solid a/to ratio throughout his college career … Hard work in the gym has led to a vastly improved jumpshot. He knocks down nearly one per game and shows the ability to pull up off the dribble and create shots for himself … Excels with the ball in his hands … A very strong ball handler, comfortable in breaking pressure and facing on ball defenders … Also shows the ability to find teammates on drive and dishes with solid vision … Solid mid-range game, utilizing pump fakes and can even take defenders down on the block and create with his back to the basket …

Weaknesses: Shot has been a major weakness to his game and while his form isn’t terrible, he must polish his mechanics and add more arc to his shot. Statistically, his shot is no better than it was as a sophomore, although he’s increased his volume and improved in a lot of other areas … 32% from the college 3 (0.8 makes on 2.7 attempts per game show he’s worked at it, and the from looks much better), his shooting isn’t a lost cause but will require hard work to extend it to NBA 3 point range. He’s much more of a "scorer" than shooter … Not a true point guard but has improved at facilitating, he doesn’t generally create offense for others … His career 59% FT shooting, and 61% as a junior displays his lack of great shooting ability. For some reason gets better rhythm shooting from the field … Positional question marks. Not a prototypical shooting guard prospect with his lack of great spot up shooting ability, but his versatility should help his cause … Could be a little more of a vocal leader …

Notes: The all-time scoring leader of the city of Bakersfield with 1,767 career points … Rated as a top 100 prospect by a number of recruiting services but generally in the 80 range … Played point guard in high school. Ranked in the top 10 in the Pac 12 Conference in scoring, rebounding and assists … Considered a bubble first rounder … Measured 6’6’’ in shoes, with a 6’9.5’’ wingspan and 198 lbs at the 2015 Nike Basketball Academy

Aran Smith 3/13/15