Sir’Dominic Pointer

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St. John’s 67, Bucknell 63

Tuesday, November 19, 2013 | Carnesecca Arena (Queens, NY)

Sir’Dominic Pointer — SF, 6-5, 198
Junior, 22 years old

Quincy Lewis (High School Coach, Quality Education Academy): 801-368-4622

Season: 5.3 PPG, 5.3 RPG, 2.3 APG, 1.0 BPG

Game: 4 points, 6 rebounds, 6 assists, 3 steals

Outlook: Many believe this is a make-or-break year for Pointer, in terms of taking strides in his offensive game and showcasing his development into an NBA prospect. Standing at 6-5 with a 6-8 wingspan, Pointer is a smooth athlete with good length and a penchant to compete on every possession. He’s a 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, unable to create off the dribble or shoot from range, which in turn enables defenders to sag off and make him a non-threat in half-court possessions.

Poor Shooting vs. Bucknell

Pointer has a flat arch on his jump shot, and often shoots off balance. We’re only three games in, but for me, Pointer’s perimeter progress is essential—maybe even paramount—in projecting his development.

Transition

Pointer posted a solid 1.1 points per possession in transition last season, ranking in the top 60^th percentile nationally. He’s equipped with NBA athleticism, and can get ahead of the defense with ease. In terms of good-defense-leading-to-transition-opportunities, on film Pointer rivals just about anyone. His versatility shines through in this regard.

Isolation Defense

Pointer has the length to disrupt shooters, and is disciplined to stay between his man and the basket. If he does get beat, he has the length to recover and often block the shot attempt from behind.

Pointer was an all-around solid defender last season. His 0.69 points per possession on all defensive plays ranked in the 81^st percentile nationally, and he ranked in the 86^th percentile in isolation situations. Pointer held opponents to a 29.4% field goal percentage on jump shots, 22.2% on runners, 40.7% around the basket and 31.6% in post-up situations. I’m not saying he’s a defensive juggernaut, but defense is not an area of concern with Pointer.

Syracuse 68, St. John’s 63

Sunday, December 15, 2013 | Madison Square Garden (New York, NY)

Sir’Dominic Pointer — SF, 6-5, 205
Junior, 22 years old

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.