DeAndre Daniels

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Connecticut 78, Maryland 77

Friday, November 8, 2013 | Barclays Center (Brooklyn, NY)

DeAndre Daniels

Junior | SF, 6-8, 195

Daniels was not as assertive as I’d hoped, but he showed glimpses. He’s an athletic, versatile 6-8 swingman who’s trying to expand his offense to the perimeter.

Although he was 0-3 from three-point range, Daniels was not reluctant to step out and shoot the 3, which is a good sign. He has the green light to shoot from 3 if he wants. However, his shooting form is crooked—he does not bring his shooting hand (his right hand) under the basketball. His shooting hand is near the side of the ball when he releases.

Nice floater inside the paint. Unselfish play, swinging the ball and contributing on several “hockey assists.” DeAndre also showcased defensive versatility; he defended Dez Wells, Nick Faust, and played inside as well.

Would be nice to see DeAndre face-up in the mid-range area, as he tends to turn his back against pressure inside the 3-point line.

He needs to realize that scoring is not the only way to impact the game. There are rebounds, assists, blocks, active communication, and others ways to help his team. It seems like Daniels gets dejected if he’s not scoring the ball. Great kid, but needs to work on this.

Video: Smooth rip-through from the 3-point line for the easy dunk; Turn-around floater from the baseline; Turn-around jump shot from the high post

Connecticut 80, Yale 62

Monday, November 11, 2013 | XL Center (Hartford, CT)

DeAndre Daniels

Junior | SF, 6-8, 195

Daniels was held to 0 points, 0 assists, 0 steals and 1 rebound in 18 minutes of play. He had a terrible game from a contribution standpoint. Coach Ollie said he would have left Daniels in the game despite his shooting struggles, but Daniels did not convey any effort and desire “to do the little things.” Hopefully this is rock bottom for Daniels—I’m expecting him to turn the corner at some point soon.

Connecticut 82, Eastern Washington 65

Saturday, December 28, 2013 | Webster Bank Arena (Bridgeport, CT)

DeAndre Daniels — SF, 6-8, 195
Junior, 22 years old

Season (28.2 mpg): 13.1 PPG, 4.5 RPG, 1.4 BPG, 50% shooting

Game: 8 points, 4 rebounds

Outlook: After averaging 21 points and 9 rebounds during the last four games of his sophomore season, Daniels hasn’t fully capitalized the way I thought he would this year.

He has NBA size (6-8, 7-foot wingspan) and versatility, and I think he has more upside than most other small forwards, but Daniels needs to play with more aggression and intensity if he’s ever going to realize his upside.

Daniels is both skilled and versatile offensively—he has the athleticism to score in transition, and the skill to score in spot-up situations. He’s presumably in rare group of players who can shoot 43% from 3-point range and 65% around the basket. He’s taken the biggest stride in his interior face-up game. However, he still lacks a mean streak, and disappears for long stretches of time.

Defensively, he can guard both shooting guards and small forwards. His two-way potential is very intriguing.

In terms of improvement, Daniels has to 1) continue developing a few “go to” moves on the interior, 2) improve his handle on the perimeter, 3) add muscle to his 195 pound frame, and 4) play with more aggression. Bigger players often bully Daniels, which is frustrating because it’s difficult to evaluate his skills when he automatically gets out-muscled.

STRENGTHS

Offensive Versatility

Video: Versatility as a Screener

20% of Daniel’s baskets come as a pick-and-roll screener, where he’s posting a solid 1.11 points per possession. He’s effective because of his versatility — he can both “roll to the hoop” or “pop to the perimeter,\” which creates mismatches. He’s also showcased the ability to put those two attributes together — Daniels often pop to the perimeter, then drive to the basket.

Video: Spot-Up

Slow release is a little concerning for me.

Video: Cuts and Transition

Daniels doesn’t need the ball to be effective, which makes him even more valuable as a scorer. He’s a deft slasher who catches the ball in stride and finishes at the basket.

Video: 3-Point Shooting

Perhaps the most noticeable improvement in Daniels’ game has been his outside shooting. He shot 24% from 3-point range as a freshman, 30% as a sophomore, and now 43% as a junior. Slow release, but he’s more confident and his improvement is apparent.

Perimeter Defense

Daniels is holding opponents to 27% shooting on jump shots. His 7-foot wingspan allows him to play off his man but still contest. Daniels needs to get stronger, but he has the length to defend NBA small forwards.

NEEDS TO IMPROVE

Interior Game

Video: Post-Up Struggles

Daniels’ skinny frame makes it hard for him to establish himself in the paint. Because of this, he often fades away as to avoid contact and get a clean look at the basket

Right now, Daniels’ back-to-the-basket game is a work in progress. He’s clearly uncomfortable, and doesn’t pose a consistent threat. Adding muscle will make it easier.

Video: Developing Interior Game

OVERALL

Daniels is a skilled forward with NBA size and versatility. He can be effective from various spots on the floor, and can defend multiple positions. The problem is, he often disappears for long periods of time—even for an entire half. He certainly has the talent and versatility, but he needs to string together a series of productive performances.

Connecticut 69, Rutgers 63

Wednesday, March 5, 2014 | Gampel Pavilion (Storrs, CT)

#2 DeAndre Daniels — SF, 6-8, 195
Junior, 22 years old

Season (27.7 mpg): 12.3 PPG, 5.4 RPG, 1.4 BPG
46% FG, 43% three-point (3 attempts)
Only 2.3 FTA

Game (21 min): 7 PTS, 6 REB, 1 AST, 3 Fouls, 2 TO
3-6 FG, 0-1 three-point

Outlook:

— Good size for NBA SF, though he needs to add weight.

— Versatile offensive player. Can score from the perimeter or play in the post. Fluid off the ball. Can run off screens, catch and shoot potential. Good cutter; long arms to finish.

— Needs to improve perimeter handle. Committed two careless turnovers vs. Rutgers. On one play, Daniels drove from the perimeter, lost control, and telegraphed a careless jump-pass to a teammate.

— Developing back to the basket game. Showcased a drop-step hook shot vs. Rutgers. If his post game develops, Daniels has terrific potential as a duel threat on the pick and roll. He can roll to the hoop, or pop out for a jumper.

— Can guard 3′s and some 4′s in college. Long wingspan to contest shots on the perimeter. Just needs to add muscle to compete in the post.

— Slow release on shot is mildly concerning.

— Consistency is an issue. Had 3 points vs. Louisville earlier this season, then 31 the next game. Growing pains, or part of a larger trend?

— Overall, Daniels has NBA size and ability, with a clearly improving game. He will probably stay one more year in college, but his two-way versatility and competitive nature bode well for his future.

Video:

vs. Rutgers

Defense vs. Rutgers

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Scouting Video: DeAndre Daniels

STRENGTHS – 0:14
Pick and Pop – 0:34
Catch-and-shoot 3′s – 1:20
Versatility – 2:30
Cutting – 3:35
Capable Driver – 4:50
Transition athleticism – 5:50
Length – 7:00
Review (Strengths) – 8:10
AREAS OF IMPROVEMENT – 8:25
Weak Frame – 8:35
Defense – 9:22, 10:15
Inconsistent shooting – 11:38
Poor handle – 12:53
Erratic drives – 14:30
Uncoordinated? – 15:36
Rebounding? – 16:40
Review (Areas of Improvement) – 17:45