NBA Comparison: Nick Fazekas/Matt Bonner

Strengths: A bigtime shooter. Has in the gym range and absolutely cannot be left open or he will knock down a 3 point shot … Looking at his NBA potential he could be a lethal weapon in pick and pop situations, playing alongside a quick and explosive guard … In a league that is based on spacing and shooting, he could become a valued piece in any offense creating gaps in defense for guards to attack the rim and punishing any kind of help from his man … One of the things that has made him so hard to guard has been his great touch and footwork, something that helped him punish any switch by the defense … Extremely confident and skilled, he understands the game and despite his athletic shortcomings and slow body, there is no doubt he could benefit offenses in the NBA … Competitive, smart and motivated kid …

Weaknesses: Defense. Slow feet combined with lack of athleticism … Lacks both strength and length … Physique for a power forward is not good … Likely will always struggle to put on much strength … He will struggle mightily to guard  NBA power forwards in the post and also struggle in pick and roll situations … Could show more toughness on the defensive end and on the glass, as well as protecting the rim … Most of his NBA career will depend on how teams value what he can bring on offense vs. how to limit his lack of effectiveness on defense … Will turn 24 in October …

Outlook: Arguably the best pure shooter in the draft … His quick stroke and scoring ability was one of the major reasons why the Bulldogs made deep tournament runs the past two years, including Elite 8 and then Sweet 16 appearances … After winning a Championship at Kentucky as a marginal rotation player, he was able to show all of his talent and touch at Gonzaga becoming one of the best scorers in school history, in just two seasons …

Notes: Measured 6’10’’ in shoes, with a 6’11.5’’ wingspan and 236 lbs at the 2015 Nike Basketball Academy

Aran Smith 6/14/16