Ricardo Gathers

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Texas 74, Baylor 69

Wednesday, February 26, 2014 | Frank Erwin Center (Austin, TX)

Ricardo Gathers — F, 6-8, 270,
Sophomore, 20 years old

Season (18.4 mpg): 7 PPG, 7.1 RPG
45% FG, 4.4 FTA

—18.9% offensive rebounding percentage (3rd nationally)
— 23.2% defensive rebounding percentage (65th)
— 9.6 free-throws per 40 minutes

Game: 1 pt, 4 rbs, 1 blk
0-1 FG

Outlook: Standing at 6-8 and 270 pounds, Gathers is physical forward who competes below the foul line. He has a football player’s build, with chiseled upper body strength and a “punch first” mentality.

Offensively, most of Gathers’ scoring opportunities come on drop-offs and angles. He gets into the seams of the defense with off-the-ball movement; once he receives the ball, he has a powerful drop step move to initiate contact and finish with either hand. He has a bully mentality, lowering his shoulder—regardless how big the defender is—and forcing his way to a basket. Solid athlete, decent explosion, and a soft touch allow him to finish against bigger players in the post.

Gathers is an excellent rebounder for his size. He posts the 3rd best defensive rebounding percentage and 65th best offensive rebounding percentage in the country. He cleverly gets in front of his man, lowers his trunk to establish position for a potential rebound, and has strong hands to corral the ball off the rim. Gathers plays bigger than his size, and it’s worked thus far in college. 30% of his attempts come off put-backs, and 20% come off cuts. Gathers hasn’t shown much shooting ability, as nearly 100% of his attempts are within 10 feet of the basket.

But at 6-8, can he sustain this style of “punisher” play at the next level? It’s possible he could do it in a DeJuan Blair kind of way, but I’m not certain. Operating solely in the paint may not be sustainable at 6-8; he has decent explosion, but won’t necessarily dunk on an opponent. A jump shot—regardless how elementary—may be required at the next level.

Also, what position is he best suited to guard? Gathers moves well laterally to stick with his man off the dribble and defend (switch, hedge, etc) on the pick and roll, but bigger players can shoot over him.

I anticipate Gathers will stay all four years at Baylor. If he can develop a mid-range jump shot during the process, he could become a DeJuan Blair/Tyler Hansbrough type of prospect. Any team can use hard-nosed toughness that Gathers provides. I’m just not sure if his size will ultimately hold him back.

Video

Rebounding

Finishing/Cutting

Interior Misses