NBA Comparison: Russell Westbrook
Strengths: 6’5 athletic guard … High-level and explosive athlete. Jumps well off one or both feet, showing translatable run and jump athleticism on both ends, with a quick second jump as well. Quick first step and good speed with the ball, especially in the open floor. Changes speed well. Takes it to the rim with controlled aggression and good body control, doesn’t always have to go full throttle … Doesn’t shy away from contact and physicality … Can stop on a dime to elevate over the defense with a nice midrange pull-up … Gifted scorer with good instincts. Has had his ups and downs with efficiency but overall has been positive as a scorer. Scoring stats: (league best) 17.3 PPG 48.4% FG% NIBC 2022-23, (event best) 18.7 PPG adidas Eurocamp 2023, 15 PPG 51.6% FG% NBPA Top 100 2023, 16.5 PPG 57.1% FG% FIBA Senior Olympic Qualifier 2024. Good about not forcing his scoring or taking ill-advised shots … Shooting range extends to the 3PT line … Reliable free throw shooter: 76.6% FT% NIBC 2022-23, 84.6% FT% adidas Eurocamp 2023, 100% (9-9) FT% NBPA Top 100 2023, 82.6% FT% EYBL Scholastic 2023-24, 81.2% FT% FIBA Senior Olympic Qualifier 2024 … Moves well off the ball and reads cutting opportunities … Solid rebounder for position on both ends and earns second chance points at a good rate: 5.3 (2 ORPG) RPG NIBC 2022-23, 5 RPG adidas Eurocamp 2023, 4.7 RPG NBPA Top 100 2023, 5.1 (1.1 ORPG) RPG EYBL Scholastic 2023-24, 5.5 (4th best 3 ORPG) RPG FIBA Senior Olympic Qualifier 2024 … Still has room to grow but has shown progression passing, playmaking, and reads with the ball over his senior year, giving hope as a combo guard at the next levels instead of strictly a two-guard. Averaged 3.6 assists to 1.2 turnovers per game over the EYBL Scholastic in 2023-24 and 3.8 assists to 2.2 turnovers per game at the FIBA Senior Olympic Qualifier in 2024 … Committed and consistent defender with high-level instincts. Moves his feet quick laterally, sticks and pressures the ball. Quick hands, gets clean swipes on the ball, and jumps passes defending off the ball. Steal stats: (2nd best) 2.1 SPG NIBC 2022-23, (league best) 3.7 SPG adidas Eurocamp 2023, (league best) 2.7 SPG EYBL Scholastic 2023-24, (2nd best) 2 SPG FIBA Senior Olympic Qualifier 2024 … Blocks shots very well for position. Averaged 1.3 blocks per game over the NIBC in 2022-23 and a 2nd best 1.7 blocks per game at the adidas Eurocamp in 2023 … Consistent effort and energy but under control and doesn’t force his impact … High-level two-way potential …
Weaknesses: Length doesn’t stand out relative to height with a 6’5 wingspan and 8’3 standing reach … He’s had some plus 3PT shooting events, but his shot can get better ball rotation and perimeter shooting consistency can improve. Seems to miss a different way throughout the game. Shot 33.3% 3PT% on 5 3PT attempts per game at the adidas Eurocamp in 2023 and 32.8% 3PT% on 5.3 3PT attempts per game over the EYBL Scholastic in 2023-24 … Solid ball-handler but can improve dribble penetration and breaking down the defense without triple threat. He can improve scoring at the rim when he doesn’t dunk …
Outlook: Incoming Baylor freshman … MVP of the 2023 adidas Eurocamp … 2023 & 2024 New York Gatorade Player of the Year … Finished with 9 points (4-8 FG), 5 rebounds, and 2 blocks in the 2024 McDonald’s All-American Game … Scored 11 points in the 2024 Jordan Brand Classic … Scored 17 points in the 2024 Nike Hoop Summit … 2024 Naismith All-American 2nd Team …
Notes: Measured: 6’3″, 8’3″ standing reach, 188 lbs, 6’5″ wingspan at the 2024 Nike Hoop Summit …
Evan Tomes 8/1/24
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