Syracuse 68, St. John’s 63
Sunday, December 15, 2013 | 12:00 p.m. EST | Madison Square Garden (New York, NY)
Syracuse 10-0, St. John’s 6-3
Recap: St. John’s gave No. 2-ranked Syracuse a run for its money, but Orange senior CJ Fair (21 points, 5 rebounds) converted several “nail in the coffin” jump shots down the stretch to seal the victory. This game was loaded with NBA prospects—who all rose to the occasion and competed their tails off—but to me, the story of the game was the battle between freshmen guards Tyler Ennis and Rysheed Jordan. Ennis (21 points, 6 assists, 2 steals) quarterbacked his team throughout, displaying the ability to attack the rim. Jordan’s defensive prowess stood out, as well as his long arms and terrific open court ability. Syracuse sophomore Jerami Grant continued to showcase his rapid development, and all things considered, this was one of the most competitive college games to date this season.
Previous St. John’s Evaluation
Steve Lavin (Head Coach, St. John’s): 310-505-9439 (cell)
NBA Prospects (ranked in order of performance/potential shown):
1) Jerami Grant (SO, Syracuse): SF, 6-8, 210
2) Rysheed Jordan (FR, St. John’s): PG, 6-4, 185
3) Tyler Ennis (FR, Syracuse): PG, 6-2, 180
4) Jakarr Sampson (SO, St. John’s): SF, 6-8, 205
5) CJ Fair (SR, Syracuse): SF/PF, 6-8, 205
Tier 2
6) Sir’Dominic Pointer (JR, St. John’s): SF, 6-5, 198
7) Chris Obekpa (SO, St. John’s): F, 6-9, 225
8) Rakeem Christmas (JR, Syracuse): PF/C, 6-9, 225
Not “There” Right Now
9) DaJuan Coleman (SO, Syracuse): PF/C, 6-9, 290
10) Trevor Cooney (SO, Syracuse): SG, 6-4, 185
11) D’Angelo Harrison (JR, St. John’s): G, 6-3, 210
12) Orlando Sanchez (SR, 25 years old, St. John’s): F, 6-9, 220
13) Phil Greene IV (JR, St. John’s): G, 6-2, 185
—-
NBA Prospects
1. Jerami Grant — Sophomore, 20 years old (at time of Draft)
SF, 6-9, 210
Season (26.2 mpg): 12.9 PPG, 5.7 RPG, 1.8 APG
54% field goal percentage
Game (34 min): 14 points, 7 rebounds, 2 assists
Outlook: Grant made headlines with his improvement this past summer, when he was selected for the USA U19 National Team (before unfortunately having to sit out due to illness). He still has a long way to go, but it’s clear Grant has drastically developed since last season.
STRENGTHS
Proven Development
Freshman: 14.3 MPG, 3.9 PPG, 3 RPG
.68 PPP on Spot-Up attempts, .97 PPP on offensive rebounds/put-backs
Video: Spot-Up Last Season
Sophomore: 26.2 MPG, 12.9 PPG, 5.7 RPG
1.1 PPP on Spot-Up attempts, 1.7 PPP on offensive rebounds/put-backs
Video: Spot-Ups This Season
Elite Athleticism
Standing at 6-8, Grant is a freakishly athletic combo forward who impacts the game on both ends of the floor. He plays with great activity and energy, and has added muscle to his frame which allows him to score and rebound from various spots. Vertically, he’s ahead of his peers. This is apparent when blocking shots, and also when rebounding. His 1.69 point per offensive rebound ranks in the 97th percentile nationally. He’s also posting a solid 8.7 rebounds per 40 minutes. On film, it’s clear Grant is an elite athlete with great rebounding potential.
Video: Athletic Blocks
Video: Wing Rebounding (Crashing Boards)
Slasher
While 18% of Grant’s offense comes off offensive rebounds, 17% comes off cuts, where he’s also been excellent this season. This is another way Grant uses his athleticism and developing touch.
Video: Slashing
Transition Potential
Considering he’s an elite athlete with a high motor, Grant is a threat in transition. He needs to develop more of a “touch” around the rim (he can’t just rely on dunking the ball every time he jumps toward the basket), but the potential is there. The potential is also there defensively, where Grant has good timing to pin down shots in transition.
NEEDS TO IMPROVE
Offensive Moves / Shooting Range
Grant is an all-world athlete, but right now he’s still very raw in terms of creating shots for himself. He’s posting a below average .69 points per isolation attempt, which ranks in the bottom 70th percentile nationally. Grant’s limited offensive repertoire is apparent on film. He either pulls up for a jump shot, or puts his head down and tries to overwhelm opponents with his athleticism, which won’t suffice in the NBA.
Video: Isolation
In addition to developing some go-to moves, Grant needs to extend his jump shot. He’s currently 0-for-4 from three-point range this season. His form is flat and inconsistent. There’s not much bend in his knees—he jumps straight up and releases the ball. If he can develop his jump shot, I see some Thaddeus Young in Jerami Grant.
Video: Shooting (small snippet)
OVERALL
Grant’s skill level has a chance to catch up with his all-world athleticism. If that ends up being the case, well, I think his long-term potential is as promising as any small forward in the country. His combination of athleticism and graceful touch are matched by few others in college.
2. Rysheed Jordan — Freshman (age unknown to me)
PG, 6-4, 185
Season (18.8 mpg): 6.3 PPG, 2.8 RPG, 3.0 APG
28% FG
Game (31 min): 13 points, 6 rebounds, 3 assists
**Jordan missed the team’s most recent game vs. Youngstown State, as he returned to Philadelphia to be with his ailing mother. Per ESPN.com, Coach Steve Lavin said there’s “no timetable for Jordan’s return to the team at this point.” Jordan was coming off consecutive double-figure scoring games, and played well vs. Syracuse.
*I have not been able to identify Jordan’s age. Is his age a mystery? This is mildly concerning.
–
Outlook: Statistically, Jordan has been pretty awful across the board. He’s shooting a putrid 28% from the field, is 2-for-23 on jump shot attempts, and a terrible .09% from three-point range. There isn’t a silver lining anywhere offensively, and defensively the numbers aren’t great either (opponents shooting 47% on jump shots, averaging 2.4 fouls in only 19 minutes of play, etc).
So yes, Rysheed Jordan is a big project. And I just want to make it clear: He’ll need to completely re-make his jump shot if he wants to play in the NBA.
All that being said, though, I don’t think those numbers accurately represent Rysheed Jordan’s capabilities. We should consider he plays within an unpredictable St. John’s rotation, and plays alongside hit-or-miss players (most notably D’Angelo Harrison). Against Syracuse, Jordan continued to showcase a high motor, imposing defensive ability, and terrific driving ability on offense. He also displayed a poor jump shot. He has great size for a point guard and attacks the basket with conviction. Jordan is strong enough to finish through contact, and he can routinely overpower defenders on the college level. He wisely chose when, and where, to attack Syracuse’s zone.
Video: “Points” vs. Syracuse
Video: Assists vs. Syracuse
Defensively, Jordan switched between senior forward CJ Fair and freshman point guard Tyler Ennis. Fair bested Jordan, using sound footwork and a size advantage to score over him.
Against Ennis, however, Jordan made some impressive stops. His size, length and toughness noticeably neutralized Ennis for most of the second half. If I could take away one aspect of Jordan’s performance vs. Syracuse, it was his second-half defense vs. Ennis.
Video: Defending CJ Fair, Tyler Ennis
OVERALL
Jordan has been a putrid 2-for-23 on jump shots this season…
His form looks crooked (it seems like his guide hand is often “under’ the ball” when he releases), and it’s obvious he doesn’t have confidence shooting the basketball. Heck, defenders are backing off and daring Jordan to shoot.
He’ll need to improve his shot. If he does, though, the future looks bright for Jordan. He has NBA size and length for a point guard, and has the talent to back it up. He’ll need to prove he can lead an offense, but from a talent standpoint, I see it.
Again, lots of work to be done here, and I’m not even sure how old he is. But Jordan’s NBA potential continues to stand out, and at this point I can’t dismiss it because of a poor jump shot.
3. Tyler Ennis — Freshman, 19 years old
PG, 6-2, 180
Season (31.5 mpg): 12.1 PPG, 3.3 RPG, 5.4 APG, 2.8 SPG
30.4% assist rate, 5.5% steal percentage
Game (39 min): 21 points, 6 assists, 3 rebounds
Outlook: Of all the freshman in college basketball, it’s becoming clear Tyler Ennis will play the biggest role in his team’s success this season. He’s the quarterback and the engine of this Syracuse team. Surrounded by a handful of athletic swingmen, Ennis is the only Orange player averaging over 2 assists, and he’s always on the floor in big games—40 minutes vs. Baylor, 38 vs. Indiana, 37 vs. California, and 39 vs. St. John’s.
Through 11 games, he’s been perfect. Ennis commands the offense—and opposing defenses—with the poise and basketball IQ of a senior. Terrific two-way handle, and uses very calculated actions to attack the defense and initiate offense. This is some ahead of his time stuff—in terms of consistently making the correct “basketball play”—and it’s all predicated on Ennis’ ability to handle the basketball. He protects the ball (4.07 A/TO), but most of all, it’s his ability to turn the corner that really stands out. I think Ennis turns the corner—either getting around his man or getting around the pick-and-roll—faster than any guard in the country. He has NBA speed turning the corner. (He doesn’t appear to have NBA speed to finish around the corner, though, which we’ll get to.)
15 points, 3 rebounds and 3 assists at halftime. All things considered, I wouldn’t be surprised if he enters the Draft at season’s end. All that being said, Ennis has a lot of strengths, but also areas that give me concern with regards to his NBA potential.
STRENGTHS
Pick-and-Roll (Passing and Scoring), Poise/Calm Demeanor
As mentioned, Ennis is extremely poised and under control. 28% of his plays are in the pick-and-roll this season, where he’s doing a nice job scoring (1.1 points per possession, 83rd percentile), and also distributing (30.4% assist rate is top-100 in the country). Good feel for where his teammates are; not only the screener, but the other three guys as well.
Ennis is crafty enough to finish on the college level. He can penetrate and finish with either hand.
Video: Assists (mostly Pick-and-Roll)
Video: Driving to the Hoop
Again, special ball-handling, and impressive leadership at this age.
Developing Jump Shot
Ennis has a smooth and confident release on his jump shot. Good form indicates he can become a consistent shooter. Right now, he’s much better in catch-and-shoot (60% conversion rate), than shooting off the dribble (24% conversion rate). He’s made 10 three-pointers on 23 attempts thus far, which is OK considering the small sample size.
Video: Perimeter Shooting
Quick Hands (Smart Defender)
It’s tough to evaluate Ennis’ defensive ability in Syracuse’s zone scheme.
He’s averaging a stellar 2.8 steals per game, but I’m not sure if this is a result of Syracuse’s zone or Ennis’ individual ability.
Based on the film, it seems he’s locked in, protects the middle of the zone, and contests jump shots. Problem is, he’s not very quick moving laterally, so he could perhaps struggle in man-to-man schemes.
Video: Defense (small snippet)
Upside
He’s 19, and has only played 11 games, so we’re definitely not evaluating a finished product. The question is: how much better can Ennis get? Or, In the NBA, how much basketball IQ is needed to compensate for athletic shortcomings?
I think he’s a terrific player who’s more polished than nearly all of his peers — but his unproven/not clearly apparent athleticism (struggles to finish at the rim) and height (6-2 in shoes) must be taken into account as well.
QUESTION MARKS
Athleticism? Undersized? Straight-Line Speed?
Ennis is smart, poised, talented, etc.
But can he hold up athletically in the NBA? Right now, I’m not sure either way. Rysheed Jordan’s length and athleticism flustered Ennis down the stretch. Ennis still converted a few layups because he’s very crafty, but Jordan also won some possessions.
In the clip below, Rysheed Jordan defends CJ Fair and Tyler Ennis… Jordan strips Ennis in the first play, and then defends him intermittently throughout the video.
Finishing Struggles
A combination of the question marks above—athletic shortcomings and not the fastest straight-line player—leads finishing struggles. 45.8% of Ennis’ attempts come “around the basket,” but he’s only scoring .97 points per possession on such attempts, ranking in the bottom 70th percentile nationally. On film, Ennis has a few missed dunks in there as well, which speaks to his average lift off the ground. He’s not a “bad” athlete, but he’s not as explosive as you’d ideally like.
Video: Finishing Struggles
OVERALL
Ennis is only 11 games into his college career, and this was only one game. He has all the intangibles you can ask for from a point guard, and he’s only a freshman.
Tght handle, precision passing, and consistency running a team are at an NBA level. But the jury is still undecided on his finishing ability, and athleticism on both ends of the floor. Ennis will have the ball in hands all season, so we should have a better idea before the season comes to an end.
4. Jakarr Sampson — Sophomore, 21 years old (at time of Draft)
SF, 6-8, 205
Season (28.3 mpg): 12.8 PPG, 6.9 RPG, 52% FG
Game (24 min): 12 points, 6 rebounds, 6-10 field goals
Outlook: As previously mentioned, Sampson is an NBA-level athlete with two-way versatility and smooth finishing ability. He can rebound from the wing and is improving off the dribble. If he can add muscle to his frame and continue to slowly extend his range, he’ll be one of the more intriguing prospects because of his bounce and activity level.
Sampson is more skilled creating off the dribble than I originally thought. Against Syracuse, he showcased the ability to create separation from his defender and rise for a jump shot. He still releases the ball from his chest, though, so I’m not sold.
Video: vs. Syracuse
He had good awareness on the glass, too.
This is not the end for evaluating Sampson. He’s developed nicely over the first half of the season — let’s see if he can continue to take steps forward. Also, it seems he’s assuming a leadership role on this St. John’s team, a sign of development off the court as well.
5. CJ Fair — Senior, 22 years old
SF/PF, 6-8, 205
Season (35.5 mpg): 17.8 PPG, 5.3 RPG
Game (36 min): 21 points, 5 rebounds
Outlook: Fair is having a terrific senior campaign. He’s scored at least 15 points in 10 of 11 games, and he continues to be a solid rebounder. Most importantly though, he’s the “go-to guy”on this Syracuse team; the offense runs through him late in games. He displayed terrific poise vs. St. John’s, and single-handedly closed the game with at least three “nail in the coffin” contested jump shots.
As an NBA prospect, he’s a versatile combo-forward with great length and athleticism. He’s a good shooter, but only in some situations — terrific mid-range, and good in catch-and-shoot situations; conversely, he really struggles to create off the dribble. Also, he clearly favors his left hand.
STRENGTHS
Face-Up (Mid-Range / Catch-and-Shoot)
You can tell Fair has put in enormous repetitions by the fact that he looks down when he operates in face-up situations. In other words, Fair will catch the ball, face up, and then patiently wait for the defender to make a movement. Once he finds that split-second window to get off a clean look, he rises for a shot…and usually makes it.
Fair is effective in the mid-range area (17 feet to the 3-point line), where he’s shooting 40%. He’s also a great catch-and-shoot presence, shooting 51%. He was unstoppable in this area vs. St. John’s.
Video: Mid-Range / Catch-and-Shoot
Creating Misdirection (Running Off Screens)
Fair is very good shooting off screens. He has good footwork to find an opening, and catches the ball in a fluid motion to rise for a shot.
Video: Off Screens
Fair is good at running off screens, but I also think this helps minimize/mask the fact that he struggles to put the ball on the floor.
Crashing Boards
Fair uses his bounce and length to crash the boards. He’s not particularly great at securing rebounds, but when he does secure a rebound, he’s almost automatic on tip-ins and quick put-back attempts.
Video: Crashing Boards
NEEDS TO IMPROVE
Off the Dribble / Isolation Game
Fair isn’t a very skilled isolation player. He struggles to create off the dribble, and lacks the strength and post moves to operate with his back to the basket. His .67 points per possession in isolation situations ranks in the bottom 70th percentile nationally. He also heavily favors his left hand off the dribble.
Video: Off the Dribble Struggles
Video: Isolation Struggles
Skinny Frame
He will need to add weight while keeping his mobility as a 6-8 player. He blends in with Syracuse’s zone, but at the next level, stronger players could expose him in man-to-man situations.
OVERALL
For all of CJ Fair’s shortcomings, he has some NBA tools to work with (mid-range shooting, bounce and athleticism). If he can add muscle, develop his off the dribble skills and continue to be aggressive on the boards, he’ll have a better chance of sticking as a role player in the NBA.
Tier 2
6. Sir’Dominic Pointer — Junior, 22 years old
SF, 6-5, 205
Season (24.8 mpg): 6.9 PPG, 3.5 RPG, 2.5 APG, 1.7 SPG
22% three-point, 4.1% steal percentage
Game (29 min): 6 points, 2 rebounds, 3 steals, 5 fouls
Outlook: As I wrote following his performance vs. Bucknell:
“Standing at 6-5 with a 6-8 wingspan, Pointer is a long athlete and great competitor. Strong on-ball defender, and feeds off his defense to make plays in the open court.
Pointer’s offensive game is predicated on cutting/rebounding/spotting up in transition, but not much more. In other words, he’s been a poor shooter thus far in his carer, incapable of creating off the dribble or shooting from deep, which enables defenders to sag off and make him a non-threat in half-court possessions.”
Against Syracuse, all of this held true.
However, I can add Pointer is really starting to embrace his “x-factor” role. Although he has a broken jump shot right now, he can fill up a stat sheet (he posted 12 points, 11 assists, 9 rebounds, 3 blocks and 4 steals vs. Fordham earlier this month).
Video: “Points” vs. Syracuse
Terrific On-Ball Defender
Pointer digs in defensively. He has the size, physicality and desire to defend. He’s also consistent with his physicality.
In isolation situations, Pointer is holding opponents to .68 points per possession, which ranks in the 64th percentile nationally. Not “great” numbers, but his defensive potential is evident on film and when you watch him compete live.
Video: Isolation Defense vs. Syracuse
Underrated Court Vision?
Pointer has underrated court vision, as he can facilitate in transition and get his teammates baskets. I’m not certain about this, but I do think there’s potential in this regard.
OVERALL
Pointer still has a lot to improve on to be considered as a viable Draft candidate, but I’m intrigued by his strengths. He has a solid frame, strong defensive potential, and his intangibles carry over to other aspects of the game. He’s already a junior, so he needs to start showing some semblance of an offensive game. The last few games have been a good start, but he needs to elevate his performance even more.
7. Chris Obekpa — Sophomore, 20 years old
F, 6-9, 225
Season (23 mpg): 3.9 PPG, 6.2 RPG, 4.8 APG
21.6% block percentage (best in the country)
Game (25 min): 1 point, 3 blocks, 2 steals
0-2 FG
Outlook: I was disappointed by Obekpa’s lack of… well, everything, against Syracuse. He played 25 minutes of uninspiring basketball. When I observed him vs. Bucknell, I wondered how he’d fare against better competition, and unfortunately he failed the test vs. Syracuse.
Obekpa posted his lowest rebounding total of the season (1). Most concerning, though, was his absence defensively. He recorded three blocks, but a variety of Syracuse players—Jerami Grant, Rakeem Christmas, DaJuan Coleman, CJ Fair—had their way vs. Obekpa in the paint. I noticed that opposing players are starting to “lean into” Obekpa (as opposed to trying to shoot over him), which essentially keeps him on the ground and neutralizes his shot-blocking ability.
Obekpa’s performance vs. Syracuse made me second guess my initial impression. He didn’t appear to be that special athletically (Rakeem Chirstmas stuffed him at the rim), and he appeared somewhat undersized at 6-9. He also needs to gain weight — 225 pounds won’t suffice in the paint. It was only one game, but I’m reeling in my expectations for Obekpa. I think this game exposed his one-dimensional approach, and showed that if he isn’t impacting the game defensively, he doesn’t contribute much.
Still, he’s an elite shot blocker who’s been rebounding well this season. This is more of a drawback of expectation than an indictment—he’s still young, and there’s a lot of basketball to be played. But he needs to improve across the board if he wants to consider entering the Draft at season’s end.
Video: vs. Syracuse (very small snippet because there wasn’t much to display)
8. Rakeem Christmas — Junior, 23 years old
PF/C, 6-9, 225
Season (20.6 mpg): 5.1 PPG, 3.7 RPG, 1.4 BPG
Game (20 min): 8 points, 3 rebounds, 2 blocks
Outlook: Christmas is a great athlete with terrific defensive potential, but we need to call it like it is here: A former McDonald’s All-American, he hasn’t really developed the way many thought he would.
2011-’12 (freshman year): 11.5 MPG, 2.8 PPG, 2.9 RPG, 15.7 PER
2012-’13 (sophomore year): 20 MPG, 5.1 PPG, 4.6 RPG, 16.2 PER
2013-’14 (junior year): 20 MPG, 5.1 PPG, 3.7 RPG, 17.7 PER
Against St. John’s, Christmas looked good defensively. He made a few athletic plays, including blocking Chris Obekpa at the rim. He’s very comfortable in Syracuse’s zone, and because he’s mobile at 6-9, he’s interchangeable across the back line.
STRENGTHS
Around the Basket
Christmas plays with great energy. However, his offensive range is limited to five feet from the basket. His frame and high school potential indicated he’d be more than just a close-range player. But nearly 90% of his shot attempts this season have been attempted around the basket, and his numbers as an underclassmen were the same.
Impressive athleticism down low to dunk put-backs, and also has a soft touch on jump hooks over either shoulder. Establishes position well, although he lacks the muscle to do so in the NBA. Christmas has a developing post-up game, including a nice drop-step-dunk move, but he’s not a threat offensively.
Video: Around the Basket Scoring
Video: Post-Ups
Defensive Potential
Christmas stays vertical on defense, and has the bounce and length to contest shots in the paint. He ranks 53rd in the country with a 9.5% block percentage. It’s difficult to gauge man-to-man ability in Syracuse’s zone, though, so this must be taken with a grain of salt.
Video: “Spot Up” Defense
Video: Interior Defense
NEEDS TO IMPROVE
Poor Rebounding
Christmas has produced pedestrian rebounding numbers throughout college (3.7 RPG this season). If you’re a big man who plays primarily in the paint, you need to have at least some rebounding ability. Not a good look here.
No Range / Not Much Offensive Skill-Set
Christmas has essentially no range or polish outside of the immediate vicinity of the basket. As mentioned, nearly 90% of his shot attempts are around the basket. He lacks the touch/feel/polish/skill right now, and if you’re 6-9, you need to be able to do more than just dunk the ball.
Video: No Range
OVERALL
He has defensive tools that make him intriguing as an NBA prospect, but I haven’t seen enough to give him any plaudits right now. If he can increase his rebounding numbers, while at least developing a back to the basket move (like, even one move), then I’ll reconsider.
But right now, plateauing at 23 years old, I just don’t see it.
Not “There” Right Now:
9. DaJuan Coleman — Sophomore, 21 years old
PF/C, 6-9, 290
Season (14.5 mpg): 5.1 PPG, 4.6 RPG
Game (10 min): 4 points, 4 rebounds, 3 fouls
Outlook: Coleman has a wide frame to bully defenders at the basket. However, right now, his range is just that — five feet and in. He establishes position well, and has the touch to finish through contact. But 90% of his shot attempts this season have been in the immediate vicinity of the basket, and that’s too limited. Coleman was expected to come in and average close to a double-double, but he hasn’t lived up to the hype thus far.
A few good games could jump start a major turnaround for Coleman. If he sheds 20 pounds, extends his range and show’s he’s lighter on his feet, then he could really maximize his girth.
Video: Put-Backs / Girth
Video: Offensive Struggles
Video: Pick-and-Roll Struggles
10. Trevor Cooney — Sophomore, 20 years old
SG, 6-4, 185
Season (29.1 mpg): 14.1 PPG
3.3 three-pointers, 49% three-point
Game (27 min): 0 points, 3 rebounds
0-3 three-point
Outlook: I don’t fully understand Cooney’s game just yet, but it seems he is a prolific shooter who plays an integral role in Syracuse’s success. He was a non-factor vs. St. John’s (D’Angelo Harrison locked him up, which is concerning considering Harrison is a poor defender), but Cooney’s overall body of work as a shooter speaks for itself.
78% of Cooney’s shot attempts are jump shots, where he’s shooting a terrific 46% from the field.
51% field goal percentage on catch-and-shoot attempts
35% field goal percentage on off the dribble attempts
Video: Jump Shot
Video: Coming off Screens
However, Other Than Shooting…
He hasn’t shown much else. He has good size at 6-4, but he’s a below-the-rim player. Furthermore, he’s not very skilled in isolation (much better catching-and-shooting than anything else), and struggles to finish around the basket. His .86 points per “around the basket” attempt ranks in the bottom 85th percentile nationally. His limitations are apparent on film as well.
When his jump shot isn’t falling (as was the case vs. St. John’s), Cooney is a non-factor and is often relegated to the bench. He also seems to shoot without thinking about the game situation. More prudent shot selection will pay dividends.
Video: Small, Not Athletic
Video: Missed Jump Shots
Video: Defense (can Cooney defend on the NBA level? he is small)
11. D’Angelo Harrison — Junior
G, 6-3, 210
Season (29.5 mpg): 19.9 PPG, 4.1 RPG, 2.0 APG
Game (35 min): 21 points, 6 rebounds
6-19 FG; 1-5 three-point
Outlook: D’Angelo Harrison was more of the same: inefficient and inconsistent with his jump shot. He took a number of ill-advised shots, and other than being a crafty scorer at the college level, he doesn’t bring much more to the table. He’s a near-terrible defender.
I don’t think he’s an NBA player. However, if he does in fact declare for the Draft this year, I wouldn’t be surprised if Harrison received a training camp invite simply due to his ability to score in bunches.
Video: “Points” vs. Syracuse
Video: Fluke Rebounds
Video: Misses vs. Syracuse
12. Orlando Sanchez — Senior, 26 years old
F, 6-9, 220
Season (21.4 mpg): 6.9 PPG, 5.1 RPG
Game (28 min): 6 points, 7 rebounds
Outlook: The more I watch Sanchez, the more I’m confused. He has neither a defined position nor a consistent skill set. Sanchez shoots 3-pointers, but also tries to back his man down. He plays on the perimeter but also in the paint. He has “skills” from both the perimeter and paint, but not in a particularly impressive way. Plus, he’s going to be 26 years old at the time of the Draft.
Sanchez provides a needed scoring punch and good size for this St. John’s team, but he needs to show more for NBA consideration. I don’t think he’ll get drafted for his “ability” to take his man off the dribble from the perimeter.
What bothers me most is that Sanchez has complete freedom in St. John’s’ offense, so it’s really all on him. He’s on a stage to display his talents, but I don’t see it at this age.
Video: Scoring vs. Syracuse, Fordham
Video: Poor Rebounding Fundamentals
13. Phil Greene IV — Junior
G, 6-2, 190
Season (25.7 mpg): 9.9 PPG, 3.4 RPG, 1.5 APG
80% of attempts are jump shots; 1.25 PPP on mid-range jump shots (95th percentile)
Game (18 min): 2 points, 5 rebounds
Outlook: Greene is merely a one-dimensional player right now. His only offensive skill is his mid-range jump shot, which he relies on too much. I like his make-up as a player, but a 6-2 shooting guard who can neither shoot from deep nor penetrate the lane is very limited.
Video: One-Dimensional
*Ages calculated at time of 2014 Draft