Olivier Hanlan
G, 6-4, 190
Sophomore, 21 years old
Hometown: Aylmer, Quebec
Season (36 mpg): 18.6 PPG, 3.4 RPG, 3 APG
45% FG, 35% three-point (5.5 attempts), 7.1 FTA
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VCU 69, Boston College 50
Saturday, December 28, 2013 | Barclays Center (Brooklyn, NY)
Olivier Hanlan — G, 6-4, 190
Sophomore, 21 years old
Game: 17 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists, 7 turnovers
Outlook: Last season’s ACC Freshman of the Year, Hanlan is an aggressive combo guard capable of scoring in a variety of ways. He can shoot from the perimeter—both with his feet set and creating off the dribble—and has a strong frame to attack the basket. Hanlan has a quick first step and big frame to finish at the hoop. He’s shooting 69% in the paint this season, to go along with an excellent 1.55 points per attempt. He also accumulates free throws, attempting 8 per game.
His 3-point shooting has dropped from 39% to 31% this season, but his true shooting percentage has increased from 57% to 59%, and he is a clear perimeter threat in college. Hanlan is also a solid rebounder, something that should translate to the NBA.
However, his biggest NBA question mark for me is determining where he fits at the next level. Is he a shooting guard or a point guard? Hanlan could probably play alongside another ball handler due to his 6-4 frame and off the dribble ability, but I’m not sold yet. I’m not sold on his point guard prospects, either, because despite his assist numbers increasing this season, his 20.7% assist percentage ranks 429th in the country.
Hanlan’s defense also concerns me. He’s 6-4 with a relatively short 6-5 wingspan – can he guard NBA shooting guards? Furthermore, on film he appears to stays upright in his stance, and sometimes lacks the lateral quickness needed at the NBA level.
Overall, an undefined position gives me pause, but Hanlan’s scoring ability is nonetheless impressive. I still don’t fully understand his game, so I’d like to see him again this season. If he can continue to score while also increasing his assist numbers—and if he can lead BC to a few ACC victories in the process—Hanlan NBA’s potential will become more transparent to me.
Scoring Ability
Video: Outside Shooting
Video: Driving
Video: Spot-Up
Passing
Video: Assists
Defense
Video: Containing Penetration
Video: Perimeter Defense