NBA Comparison: Pascal Siakam / Obi Toppin

Strengths: At 6’9” with a long, wiry frame and standout athleticism, Fleming brings a rare blend of defensive disruption, floor-spacing ability, and explosive upside as a modern NBA 4 … Plays with a high motor and competitive edge …  Constantly active as a rebounder, shot blocker, and transition threat … Defensively, he has the tools to anchor small-ball lineups or operate in versatile schemes — averaged 1.5 blocks and 1.4 steals per game as a junior … Excellent instincts as a weak-side helper and closeout defender … Length allows him to erase mistakes, recover quickly, and contest without fouling … Covers ground well and is comfortable switching onto wings or contesting jumpers in space … Massive leap in his offensive profile. Fleming became one of the most efficient and confident stretch bigs in the Atlantic 10 — and arguably one of the most improved shooters nationally. After shooting just 32% from deep as a freshman, he knocked down 39.0% from three as a sophomore on high volume (4.5 attempts per game), hitting 62 threes — nearly doubling his total from the previous year (34). His shooting stroke is fluid and repeatable, with the mechanics to extend beyond the college arc … Comfortable popping off pick-and-rolls, trailing in transition, and spotting up from the corners … His ability to space the floor while still being a threat on the offensive glass makes him extremely valuable in modern offenses … Underrated passer with clever ability to find teammates and make reads … Has developed into a very well rounded player on both ends of the floor … Possesses a 7’5 wingspan, giving him standout length to play PF and C positions …

Weaknesses:  Struggles to create his own shot — limited handle and doesn’t have a go-to move in the post or off the dribble (something that might develop in time) … Off-ball awareness on offense can drift — tends to rely on guards creating for him … Assist-to-turnover ratio remains a concern (1.3 to 1.5), often forcing plays or losing control under pressure …  Needs to improve defensive discipline and avoid unnecessary reach-ins or late contests … Lateral quickness is decent for a forward but not elite — may struggle to contain perimeter-based fours in the NBA without improvement in defensive footwork … Will need to tighten his base, especially when closing out or defending pick-and-pops … Some limitations as a playmaker and decision-maker under duress. Turns 21 a couple weeks after the draft. While not the oldest prospects, he’s a couple years older than the freshman phenoms, giving his upside a little less luster … Played in the Atlantic 10, a mid-major conference, which leads scouts to question how well his production will translate against top-tier competition … Stats may be somewhat inflated due to level of opposition … Had several quiet games late in the season, raising slight concerns about fatigue and consistency when defenses focused on him …

Outlook: Late bloomer who showed considerable improvement from Sophomore to Junior years … Rapidly emerging combo forward with one of the most improved all-around skill sets in the country …Fleming projects as a fast improving, high-energy four or small-ball five at the next level. His rim protection, rebounding, and effort give him a strong foundation to build from, and he has the frame and athletic traits NBA teams look for in a modern big. If he can continue to grow as a shooter, Fleming has huge upside as a high level contributor who impacts the game with scoring, physicality, shot-blocking, and timely plays around the rim …

Notes: Born July 10, 2004 … From Camden, New Jersey … Played high school basketball at Nationally ranked Camden High and helped lead them to a 31–3 record as a senior …  Known for his energy, defensive presence, and work ethic … Currently undeclared major at Saint Joseph’s …

Aran Smith – 4/14/25