Wesley Saunders

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Harvard 88, Columbia 84 (2OT)

Friday, February 14, 2014 | Levien Gymnasium (Manhattan, NY)

Wesley Saunders — SG, 6-5, 215
Junior

Season (34 mpg): 15 PPG, 4.8 RPG, 4 APG, 2 SPG
48% FG, 32% 3-point

Game: 19 points, 7 assists, 3 blocks, 2 steals
5-8 FG, 8-12 FT

Outlook: Saunders, a do-it-all wing, has the size, strength and skill to make an impact in any conference. He just happens to play for Harvard.

At 6-5 with long arms and solid athleticism, Saunders contributes in virtually every aspect of the game. He unselfishly—and effectively—distributes the basketball, is a strong rebounder from the wing, and scores efficiently (15 PPG on 48% FG, 55% TS) within the framework of the offense. He’s not a go-to scorer, per se, but he can penetrate the lane and create offense. Saunders did whatever he wanted vs. Columbia. Scoring-wise, he was smooth on the pick and roll, pulling up or taking it to the basket with grace and body control. He’s not the most explosive leaper, but his long arms and strong build allow him to finish through contact. Good shooter, either with his feet set or off the dribble, although not consistent from 3 (32% on 1.3 attempts per game).

Saunders scored 19 points on 8 field goals. I would’ve liked to see him be more aggressive down the stretch, but instead he simply played within the offense until a good shot presented itself. Saunders displayed good passing instincts, as he converged the defense and kicked it to open shooters time and time again.

However, Saunders’ two-way ability is what distinguishes him. Saunders guards the other team’s best perimeter player every game, no exceptions, and still has a major impact offensively. This lends credence not only to his physical makeup, but also his stamina, mental toughness and competitive nature. Saunders is long and physical to contain penetration and contest layups. He averages 2 steals per game, and his 3.4% steal percentage ranks first in the Ivy and 116th nationally. That said, he has an average build by NBA standards, and on film, he appears to struggle containing penetration. He sometimes loses his footing on the perimeter.

I had some reservations about Saunders’ below-average leaping ability (explosiveness), and also about the competition he’s playing against. He’s posted big numbers throughout his career, but I question if Saunders is capable of scoring, distributing and defending against high-major players. Can he create space for himself against NBA defenders? No Columbia player could match Saunders’ physical makeup, let alone his skill set, so it was difficult for me to gauge his NBA potential one way or the other. What I could gauge, however, was that Saunders was the most offensively gifted and polished player on the court.

Here’s Saunders’ shot attempt breakdown this season (FG% in parenthesis):

52% jump shots (44%)
33% around basket (44%)
6.5% runner (17%)
8% post up (47% on 15 attempts)

Video: Unselfish / Court Vision

— Saunders’ 3.9 assists per game is second best on Harvard, despite the fact he hardly brings the ball up the court. He can distribute out of the pick and roll, or penetrate and kick. He is patient and decisive with the basketball. Saunders’ 25.6% assist percentage ranks 197th nationally.

Video: Attacking the Basket

— Saunders has good extension and body control to finish once in the paint. Smooth rip-through in the triple threat position, and is ambidextrous when finishing at the basket. That said, he’ll need to showcase the ability to change speeds in the half court.

Video: Catch and Shoot

— He is a capable catch and shoot player, albeit in a small sample size (11-for-24 on the season, per Synergy). He’s only attempted 28 3′s on the season, which is frankly not adequate for an upperclassman with NBA hopes. Developing a 3-point shot is paramount for his NBA prospects.

Video: Shooting off the Dribble

— Saunders gathers himself to rise off the dribble. A large portion of his shots (21%) are in the pick and roll, and 56% of his pick and roll attempts are pull-up jumpers. Saunders is skilled, yet still developing, his off the dribble shooting.

Video: Defense (containing penetration)

— Saunders has quick hands and good anticipatory instincts on defense, but I’m not sure if he’s quick enough laterally to defend NBA-level competition.