NBA Comparison: Matt Bonner

Strengths: Face the basket bigman with range out to 3 point … Has a great stroke showing the ability to catch and shoot with a quick, fluid motion … Prolific scorer for a bigman … Shows the ability to put the ball on the floor and create shots for himself facing or with his back to the basket … Strong pick and pop candidate for the next level, despite average numbers as a spot up shooter as a senior … Has a high release point and is comfortable taking shots without much separation with his defender and usually just leans back and shoots over them … Solid mobility and good legnth … Runs the floor well for a bigman … Long arms and quick hops allow him to be a quality shot blocker. Averaged 2.2 blocked shots per game as a senior and 3 per game as a junior … Sure hands to catch passes … Strong attitude and work ethic … Utilizes a nice right hook shot over his left shoulder …

Weaknesses: A finesse player that prefers to float out to the perimeter. Not the most physical player … Needs to improve his offensive post play … Will need to get stronger to withstand the physicality of playing defense in the post … Offesnive rebounding is below average … Surprisingly shot just 33% from 3 and 66% from the line despite being a quality shooter … Talent level/statistics will be questioned due to playing in the Ivy league … Not the most explosive athlete … Foot speed is average …

Notes: A fluid athlete with a chance to stick in the league if he can find a niche a la Matt Bonner as an automatic spot up shooter … His ability to knock down mid range jumpshots makes him an appealing option in the mid-late second round …

Aran Smith 5/7/12