NBA Comparison: Nick Anderson/Daequan Cook

Strengths: Prolific scoring swingman in a wiry 6-6 frame … Highly efficient offensive game (46% FG for his college career) … Lights out shooter with textbook form and high release … Possesses boundless range with no deterioration in accuracy from distance (38.4%) … Has no conscious, even in the face of repeated misses … Extremely effective in catch-and-shoot situations, with his feet set and ready to fire … Always squares his body to the rim with great balance and elevation on his jumper.  Shoots well off the dribble when driving to his left … Likes to take a jump stop just inside the paint for a little right-handed floater. Uses his vertical to  quickly elevate over defenders inside. Has the ability to hang and adjust his shot mid-leap … He’s increased his aggression taking the ball to the basket … Attempted 3.2 FT as a freshman, 4.7 as a sophomore and 7.2 through ten game as a junior (86%) … Not afraid to take smaller defenders into the post … Boasts an incredible wingspan … Provides an incredible boost on the boards where he hits the offensive glass hard (5 rpg, 2 offensive) … Has the skill set of a lockdown defender with his lateral quickness, length and dedication to the defensive side of the ball … Was asked to take on an enhanced leadership role by coach Ford, and has responded commendably. 

Weaknesses: Lack of ball handling skills really constricts his game … He is not comfortable creating offense for himself or teammates … Appears hesitant with the ball in his hands with a lack of ingenuity … Despite his athletic gifts, does not look "smooth" when forced to make a basketball move … Drives to the basket are predominantly to his left … Unable to change directions with the rock … Dribbles with his head down … Turnovers (2 per game for his career) and offensive fouls have been a problem … Not a particularly adept passer (1.3 ast per game) … His basketball IQ needs work … He’s a natural shooter, but not a natural basketball player … Could certainly stand to add some bulk, which would aid his ball handling woes … Knocked off balance too easily on drives … Despite improved aggression, still spends too much time floating around the perimeter, especially in crunch time. Needs to augment his mid-range game. 

Notes: Has some oddball statistical games early in the 2009-2010 season, with a 15 rebound game vs. Seattle and a 5 block game vs. Arkansas-Pine Bluff. Was selected to the USA team at the World University Games where he averaged 7 pts and 2 rebounds in 12 minutes per game.

Adam Ganeles 12/19/09