NBA Comparison: Sam Hauser

Strengths: Scheierman is a 6’7 200 southpaw F/G with solid strength and size as well as adequate length for the perimeter … A highly productive and skilled offensive player (18.5 PPG as a Sr., over 2200 points scored in his career); is known for his prolific shooting numbers (career 39 3FG%, 356 made 3s in his career) and he lit teams up from downtown and in the mid-range throughout his time in college … A knockdown shooter with a quick, high release when he has his feet set and he does a good job of moving to open spots and taking whatever the defense gives him … Good in transition, off DHOs and with rhythm pull-ups too, and shows enough savvy & subtle body control to lean in or fade away and create some room to get shots off even when guarded by quicker defenders at times…Nice mid-range game … Has solid footwork and always seems to have his legs underneath him, wasting little motion getting where he needs to on the court … A tricky and unorthodox player; uses the threat of his jumper to manipulate the defense’s attention expertly, particularly in ball screen situations, and is arguably as effective a passer on the move as he is a shooter (4 APG as a Sr.)…Played extended time as a PG early in his career and makes quick decisions; with his sound timing and vision he is often a step ahead of the competition in reading what’s happening on the court…Doesn’t need to dominate the ball or stagnate possessions to produce, which bodes well for him at the pro level … Plays at his own pace and rhythm; shows a good feel for the game…Though more of a finesse type player, he isn’t afraid of contact … Sound ability to rotate and be at the right places defensively; a tad underrated in his ability to do things like fight through screens and wall up against dribble penetration to funnel slashers into helpside defenders too … Outstanding rebounding production for a wing (9 RPG as a Sr., 7.8 career RPG); grabbed missed shots and initiated offense often at the college level … Experience and well-defined skills set up well to see immediate playing time, depending on the situation he’s drafted into of course …

Weaknesses: Below average athleticism; lacks quickness and shows sub-optimal leaping ability and explosiveness for NBA standards … Lacks foot speed and lateral speed defensively … Though he had surprising efficiency as a finisher (career 55 FG% inside the arc, 50 FG% as a Sr.) he didn’t get to the rim much at the college level, and that will figure to hold true in the pro ranks against bigger, more athletic defenders … Prefers pulling up almost exclusively when slashing in either direction, even in transition or occasionally when defensive collapses give some daylight to get to the paint … Not enough 1st step quickness or creativity handling the ball to pressure the rim much against set defenses, and generally relies on ball screens to get space … Has struggles handling quick players in space defensively; will likely be targeted often in switches and have to be either hidden or in a highly disciplined scheme to mask his athletic deficiencies on this end … Even on possessions when he was in the right spots teams often scored over and around him, particularly near the rim where he is able to offer minimal resistance…Hard to see him forcing many turnovers at the next level, as he takes a pretty conservative approach to defending by trying to always be in position and not having to worry about recovering much…Upside questions; 5-year college player who be 24 years old as a rookie

Overall: Scheierman has climbed the ranks after being an unheralded recruit from the state of Nebraska, where he was record-setting HS QB in football and a productive basketball player…He committed to South Dakota State for college without much fanfare and played limited minutes off the bench for the Jackrabbits as a Fr., averaging 6 PPG…He broke out as a Soph. and upped his production & efficiency during his next 2 seasons at SDSU, averaging 16 PPG on a blistering 44 3FG% and 50 FG% his final 2 years in the Summit League, winning conference POTY honors and leading his team to the 2022 NCAA tourny as a Jr…He then transferred closer to home at Creighton where he had a solid 2-year run, including being named a 3rd Team All-American as a Sr…His size, shot-making ability, passing skills, and college pedigree are all worthy of getting in the door for an opportunity in the pros…His athletic limitations, as well as advanced age for a draft prospect put somewhat of a cap on his upside (esp on defense), but the skill set is definitely worth monitoring as most teams can stand to take a chance on a role-player whose style has the capability to play alongside other shot creators whether they need off-ball or (occasional) on-ball help…After a stellar, accomplished college career and a strong showing at the 2024 NBA Combine, where he was lauded for his play in the scrimmages, Scheierman’s stock is as high as ever and there is significant 1st round buzz around him in the 2024 Draft after being seen as a likely 2nd rounder prior to the past month or so …

Notes: Measured 6′ 6.25” barefoot, 8′ 6.50” standing reach, 201.6 lbs, 6′ 8.25” wingspan, 27.5 standing vert, 32 max vert at the 2024 NBA Draft Combine …Measured: 6’6.5” barefoot, 6’7.0” in shoes, 8’6.5” standing reach, 197.8 lbs, 6’8.25” wingspan at the 2022 NBA G-League Elite Camp …

Jorrye Nixon 6/12/24