Desi Rodriguez

HoopHall Classic 2014 (Springfield, MA): Rodriguez is an athletic forward who excels in transition, and can operate in the mid-post. He is fast and built like an NFL tight end, finishing through contact below the foul line. He accumulates and-ones, and is a dunking machine in the open floor.

But at only 6-5, he struggles on the perimeter. A lack of a jump shot hinders his ability to stretch the defense and take advantage of his driving ability. Right now he’s merely a point forward who attacks the basket. Defensively, he can guard shooting guards and small forwards, which provides versatility.

A lack of a jump shot has relegated Rodriguez to the post. But he has rare athleticism and plays with a high motor. If he can somehow get a jump shot and move to the perimeter, he will finally have a defined role to use those tools. Won’t be easy, though.