NBA Comparison: Kai Jones

Strengths: 6’10 talented forward … Good size and length for position … Mobile and very well-coordinated. Natural athlete and finishes above the rim with ease … Shooting range extends to the 3PT line and has a good release point on shot combined with his size. Shows a midrange fadeaway that’s difficult for the defense to contest … Draws fouls at a good rate. Shot 5.2 free throws per game over the Nike EYBL in 2023 … Sees the floor and passes well, knows how to thread the needle, showing good instincts in the high post and other half-court situations. His ability to see a play ahead of time at his size is tough to match. Pinpoints bounce passes and knows where his cutting teammates are. Averaged 3.1 assists to 2.4 turnovers per game over the Nike EYBL in 2023 … Good rebounder. Averaged 8.3 rebounds per game over the Nike EYBL and 7.3 (1.3 offensive) rebounds per game at the NBPA Top 100 in 2023 … Has a knack for getting clean swipes on the ball. Good shot blocker. Averaged 1.8 blocks per game over the Nike EYBL in 2023 … Averaged 1.4 steals per game over the Nike EYBL and 1 steal per game at the NBPA Top 100 in 2023 … Impacts the game in multiple areas …

Weaknesses: Strong frame but can continue to fill out and can be stronger with the ball. Can utilize his size mismatch more often, scoring with finesse rather than overpowering physically inferior opponents … Can improve scoring efficiency and look to find easier ways to score. Averaged 14.8 points per game on 38.7% FG% over the Nike EYBL in 2023 … Settles for outside shots often and can look to improve 3PT shooting consistency. Can push the ball on his shot and look to smooth out his release, coming out flat at times. Shot 17.5% 3PT% on 3.4 3PT attempts per game over the Nike EYBL in 2023 … Can improve as a free throw shooter. Shot 67.4% FT% over the Nike EYBL in 2023 … Can put the ball on the floor a little but doesn’t really get by anyone with his dribble. His handle can get loose when picking up speed … Can expand his post-game … Even when he’s the best player on the floor, he doesn’t present himself as an alpha. Tends to blend in more often than he should … Can pick up the intensity on both ends. Has gotten scored on at times just from his man simply playing harder than him. Gets beat somewhat often defending quicker players when getting switched on the perimeter. Lacks a low center of gravity combined with stiff hips, showing discomfort when changing direction and defending the perimeter at times … Great tools and talent but has a way to go to put it all together …

Outlook: Played in the 2023 Underclassman All-American Game … Played in the 2023 UA Next Elite 24 …

Evan Tomes 11/13/24

Notes: Measured 6′ 8” barefoot, 198 lbs, and a 6′ 11.0” wingspan at the 2023 Nike Elite 100 …