NBA Comparison: Dimitris Diamantidis (offensively), Zoran Planinic

Strengths: A combo guard with good scoring instincts and advanced passing ability … Has a natural feel for the game and is able to see plays well before they materialize, allowing him to deliver passes that seem impossible to make … At 6’6 he has great size for a guard (as it allows him to see over top of defenders, but it also makes him a difficult matchup) … He has good potential to play in a pick and roll system, because he is good at keeping his dribble alive and drawing the rotation … Has crafty moves off the dribble, and uses his long strides to get past defenders … Can use either hand to finish at the basket … Split time between both guard positions, and was able to bring a nice mix of attributes to both spots … Showed the ability to operate without the ball and come off screens … Has become a better shooter from the outside, stretching his range and improving his percentages … Solid contributor on the glass as well as in the steals department … Plays with a lot of passion and confidence, he is not afraid of throwing difficult passes or taking big shots … Has proven that he can perform in key moments against top level collegiate competition … Continued to improve various facets of his game throughout his career …

Weaknesses: Lacks the first step to explode by defenders … Has a hard time turning the corner, and usually has defenders riding his hip … He is not an aggressive player and has trouble against defenders who get into his body … Not a great finisher inside, he doesn’t have great strength or body control to complete plays through contact … Can be very erratic with the ball and with his passing (taking way too many risks)… Shoots a slight set shot, which takes longer to release and allows the defense to recover … Not a great shooter off the dribble, does not have great rhythm and elevation, which is the cause of inconsistent results from midrange … Does not project well as a defender at the next level, lacks the lateral quickness and does not put forward much of an effort on that end … Will have a hard time containing either guard position off the dribble … Is an arrogant player, which is sometimes a positive, but he needs to learn to control his emotions and not cross the line …

Borko Popic – 06/26/2010

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