NBA Comparison: Wesley Matthews

Strengths: Energetic/athletic player who gives his all whenever he is on the floor … Has textbook mechanics on his shot and is a knockdown shooter when open … Great in the open court and transition … Aggressively slashes to the rim … Impressive and explosive athlete … Can grab the rebound and then lead the fast break … Plays within himself and efficiently in the half court … Excellent in catch-and-shoot situations … Also uses one or two-dribble pull-up jumpers well … More than just a catch and shoot guy showing improvement in his ability to create shots for himself … Moves well off the ball often taking advantage of his defender ball watching to cut to the hole for easy points … Plays with great balance … Elevation on jump shot helps make up for his lack of size on the wing (only 6’5") … Capable of highlight finishes at the rim when he gets an opening … Finishes well in the paint and has a decent floater … Gives tremendous effort on defense … Flies around to the ball and is almost always involved in any defensive sequence …

Weaknesses: Ability to create for others can still improve … Seldom gets to the rim off the dribble and will often stop his dribble when no clear move presents itself … Not much of a playmaker at this stage of his development … Ball handling is sufficient but can improve … Turnover prone due to lack of comfort when having the ball in his hands for long … Often too reckless as a defender … Will take chances that leave the rest of the team unable to compensate for … His fundamentals and technique as a defender in on ball situations needs reworking … Swipes at the ball rather then using his feet to stay in front of his man … Lacks elite size and length for a wing …

Notes: Measured 6’4 (in shoes) 185 lbs, with a 6’6 wingspan at the 2014 Kevin Durant Skills Academy … Selected to 2015 Jordan Brand Classic … Attended LeBron James Skills Academy and 2014 Nike Global Challenge … 2015 BallisLife All-American game member … Scored double digits in first 24 career games as a freshman … 2016 All-ACC Freshman Team and 2016 All-ACC Honorable Mention selection … Son of actors Michael and Deena Beasley …

Outlook: Beasley had a surprisingly stellar freshmen year at Florida State … Used his will and competitiveness to stand out above higher touted prospects … If he can become a better defender he will add to his value in the league  … His athleticism and shooting will get his foot in the door right away in the NBA, but figures to spend a lot of time in D-League initially …

Brandon Jefferson 3/31/16