Alex Poythress

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Kentucky 79, Providence 65

Sunday, December 1, 2013 | Barclays Center (Brooklyn, NY)

Alex Poythress — F, 6-8, 240
Sophomore, 20 years old

Season (19 minutes): 5.4 PPG, 7.6 RPG

Game (15 min): 5 points, 2 blocks

Notes: It’s sometimes difficult for me to evaluate Kentucky’s players during games due to the fact that there’s only one basketball being shared between at least five future NBA players. I am not sure how to evaluate Alex Poythress at this point, but this is what I’ve gleaned from my observations thus far.

On one hand, I like his physical frame and defensive versatility. Terrific athlete who can “glide” through the air and finish through contact. Poythress has the length to defend multiple positions, and takes pride in playing defense. At only 20 years old, he has a chance to develop into a solid defender in the NBA.

On the other, though, there are times in each game where Poythress seems either unaware, not confident in his abilities, or simply lost. He didn’t assert himself at any point vs. Providence.

On one play in the second half, Poythress was wide open on a fast break, but inexplicably decided to attempt a lob-pass to a trailing teammate on the weak side, rather than going up for an easy basket. Poythress was then harping on this mistake, which seemed to impact his focus on consequent possessions.

It was only one play, but it caught my eye. In all honesty, though, I need to watch more film on Poythress to fully understand his game.

North Carolina 82, Kentucky 77

Saturday, December 14, 2013 | Dean Smith Center (Chapel Hill, NC)

Alex Poythress — Sophomore, 20 years old
F, 6-8, 240

Season (17.7 mpg): 4.5 PPG, 6.1 RPG

Game (24 min): 6 points, 8 rebounds, 5 fouls

Outlook: Poythress had a decent outing. He continues to play with a high motor, impacting the game with offensive rebounding and defensive energy/versatility. Poythress secured 5 offensive rebounds in only 24 minutes, and his 18.2% offensive rebounding percentage (the percentage of available offensive rebounds he gets while on the floor) ranks 12th in the country.

However, I still do not fully understand Poythress as an NBA prospect. Because he plays only 18 minutes per game, I think the best setting to evaluate Poythress is at Kentucky practice, where he’s competing in an NBA-level environment but still has the freedom to make mistakes he wouldn’t necessarily be able to make in a game.

Video: Offensive Rebounds vs. UNC

Video: Fouls, (Poor) Defense vs. UNC