D’Angelo Russell

McDonald’s All-American Recap: 

Russell continued to showcase the smoothest jump shot in the country. He knocked down jump shots with deep range and exceptional control, and he can score in bunches. What separates Russell, though, is his proven passing vision through the lane. Russell can shoot the lights out, but he’s unselfish and looks for teammates even while zipping up and down the court.

Russell can quickly change a game with his shooting ability. He can catch and shoot, stop-and-rise on the break, and most importantly he doesn’t seem to force bad shots. He could average 20 points as a freshman next year at Ohio State.

Defensively is where I worry most about Russell. I think he’s a good enough athlete and has the desire to defend, but I wonder what position he will defend at only 6-4 and an average wingspan. He sometimes stays upright in his stance, which he will need to refine, but overall he moves his feet well and has quick hands for steals.

Russell is a very complete guard with the most consistent jump shot at all three levels. Smoothest offensive player in the country, with developing point guard skills.

McDonald’s All-American Preview:

Russell is the “smoothest” player in the country. He’s a shifty 6-4 guard with effortless range on a lefty jump shot. Russell has the quickest release in the country. He has perfected the jab step to create separation and flick his wrist…resulting in a “swish.” He can play on-or-off the ball, has solid court vision, and with lightning-quick speed he can score in bunches.

I still can’t gauge Russell’s ceiling, because there are some holes in his game—namely, a lack of size and strength. But you can’t teach his jump shot and composure.

Elite quickness, ball skills and 3-point shooting are second to none. He could average 20 points as a college freshman. A slivery guard who can score against NBA length and athleticism, with a huge upside.

Elite 24 Showcase 2013 (New York, NY)

Observation 9: D’Angelo Russell is the “smoothest,” or most fluid, player in the country

The way Russell moves with the ball is special. He’s smooth and graceful in his movements, and sinks any jump shot with an effortless flick of his wrist.

The lefty has arguably the quickest release of any player, and uses a quick jab step to create separation and flick his wrist…resulting in a “swish”. He can handle the ball, has solid vision, and with lightning-quick speed, he can score, then score again and again.

I still can’t gauge Russell’s ceiling, because there are some holes in his game—namely, a size of size and strength. But man, you can’t teach the pure jump shot and smooth flow that he possesses.

Nike Global Challenge 2013 (Washington D.C.): Russell was named Co-MVP of the event, and rightfully so. Before the Global Challenge, I knew Russell was a dynamic scorer with lightning-quick ball control, but I didn’t now he could take over a game.

Russell was on fire in D.C., with games of 30 and 28 points. He has an ultra-smooth stroke, and can launch from deep with the flick of his wrist. He was an electric playmaker and had stretches where he was unstoppable. Russell should immediately be one of the more dynamic scorers in the country at Ohio State.

Nike Peach Jam 2013 (North Augusta, SC): Russell is a lefty with range on his jumpshot and crafty scoring ability. He can handle the ball, pass, and is talented enough to contribute in any game he plays in. He doesn’t always need the ball to be effective, but he’s most effective with the ball because he’s constantly in attack mode. A solid, slivery guard who will continue to improve going forward.