Scouting Report: Big East Tournament Semifinals (2 Games)

NBA Prospects

1. Doug McDermott (SR, Creighton): SF, 6-8, 225

2. Fuquan Edwin (SR, Seton Hall): SG/SF, 6-6, 215

3a. Jalen Reynolds (FR, Xavier): PF, 6-9, 240

3b. Semaj Christon (SO, Xavier): G, 6-3, 190

Next Tier

5. Bryce Cotton (SR, Providence): PG, 6-1, 170

Doug McDermott — SF, 6-8, 225
Senior, 22 years old

Season (33.4 mpg): 27 PPG, 7 RPG, 1.6 APG
53% FG, 46% three-point (6 attempts)

Game (39 min): 32 PTS, 4 REB, 1 AST, 0 BLK, 0 STL
10-20, 2-6 three-point, 10-10 FT

Outlook: This was my first time observing McDermott live, and I think most of his strengths/potential weaknesses were transparent.

Firstly, McDermott gives 100% effort at all times, on both ends of the court. He’s always moving on offense—picking and popping, running off screens, or traversing the court to find gaps in the defense. He’s relentless in getting open to receive the basketball, and has the stamina to endure a 40-minute war. The guy is literally running off the ball for 25 seconds every possession.

Once he gets the ball, McDermott is probably the most prolific scorer I’ve seen this season (on the college level). Facing up on the perimeter or backing down in the post, he has an effortless and picture-perfect jump shot. And he’s accurate. He can shoot over smaller defenders, but his work against bigger players caught my eye. Equipped with a Dirk Nowitzki-esque fade away (pictured right; where Dirk leans backward to a 45-degree angle, kicks one leg up while holding his ground with a plant foot, and somehow gets his shot off), McDermott got his shot off all evening long.

To be fair, Xavier doesn’t feature a player taller than 6-9, but still—McDermott received the ball at the foul line, lowered his shoulder into the defense, and faded-away over two defenders. He wasn’t playing against NBA length, but McDermott made shots with the defense draped all over him. He handles the ball with either hand, and needs only an inch of separation to get his shot off. He can create that space with step-backs, jab steps and pump fakes. He didn’t appear to have a particularly quick first step, but he doesn’t really need one. He averages 27 points, and is flirting with the 50/40/90 club. He’s smart, scores the ball in a variety of ways, and has terrific anticipatory skills to give him a two-second advantage on offense. Extremely accurate shooter, with 6-8 size and a quick release.

I’m curious/concerned to see if he can withstand the wear and tear of an NBA season. McDermott works very hard to get his shot on the college level; I wonder if he can sustain the constant, arduous off ball movement and physicality. Maybe he’ll just stray the perimeter and shoot 3′s in the NBA.

Rebounding-wise, McDermott is capable of grabbing boards, but he won’t be rebounding through traffic at the next level.

While McDermott’s activity and energy is a boon to his offensive game, it caused some problems in evaluating his defensive ability. Firstly, McDermott wasn’t matched against NBA talent. Secondly, Xavier didn’t isolate him in ball screens or in the half court, so it was difficult to evaluate his lateral movement. Not the quickest feet, so I suspect he’ll struggle to contain penetration in the NBA. I anticipate he’ll exclusively play the perimeter in the NBA, but in all honesty, his perimeter defense was hard to grasp in this game.

Video

32 points vs. Xavier

Misses vs. Xavier (10-20)

Fuquan Edwin — SG/SF, 6-6, 215
Senior, 22 years old

Season (30 mpg): 14.5 PPG, 3.5 RPG, 1.7 APG, 2.7 SPG
44% FG, 33% three-point (4.7 attempts)
2.3 FTA

Game (39 min): 20 PTS, 1 REB, 1 AST, 1 STL
8-18 FG, 2-6 three-point

Outlook: Edwin again flashed potential as a “3 and D” swingman. He crisply moved without the ball, creating misdirection along the baseline and curling around screens for catch-and-shoot opportunities. On defense, his long wingspan was a factor in the passing lanes.

He doesn’t have a great handle, and he was inefficient overall (8-18 shooting), but he’s transparent as an NBA prospect. In the right system, he has good potential as a role-playing shooter.

But I have concerns. Questionable motor; he doesn’t always run hard, and has lapses defensively. He’s also not a great passer or playmaker, and doesn’t go up strong at the rim. He goes up for layups almost 100 % of the time, when he should be dunking over big men.

He can shoot and accumulate steals. But there are some frustrating holes in his game, and considering he’s 22 years old, I wonder if he’s capable of refining his game. If he can simply focus in better and become more consistent, his length, 3-point shooting and defense certainly give him a chance at the next level.

Video

20 points vs. Providence

Misses vs. Providence (8-18)

Jalen Reynolds —  PF, 6-9, 240
Freshman, 21 years old

Season (13 mpg): 4 PPG, 3.7 RPG, 0.5 BPG
56% FG

Game (23 min): 8 PTS, 5 REB, 3 fouls
4-5 FG

Outlook: At 6-9 and 240 pounds, Reynolds is a chiseled and ultra-physical power forward. He plays deep in the post, using ox-like strength to seal his defender and secure the ball. He can drop-step dunk, and also displayed a hook shot over his left shoulder. What sets him apart, though, is explosive finishing ability. He finishes above the rim, with NBA bounce. Offensively, he’s mobile in transition, and he showcased a developing repertoire in the half court.

But right now, his range is limited to the immediate vicinity of the basket. He’s also old for his class.

But if he can develop some semblance of a jump shot, Reynolds becomes a viable NBA prospect in my opinion. He has Patric Young’s strength with a hint of Amar’e Stoudemire’s explosion. Potential as a roll man and physical rebounder. I’m curious why he only played 23 minutes, because Creighton had nobody to defend him in the paint.

If he can develop a 15-foot jump shot, Reynolds will become an instant double-double as a sophomore.

Video

8 points vs. Creighton

Semaj Christon —  G, 6-3, 190
Sophomore, 21 years old

Season (35.2 mpg): 17 PPG, 2.7 RPG, 4.2 APG
48% FG, 38% three-point (1.4 attempts)

Game (40 min): 18 PTS, 6 AST, 1 REB, 8-21 FG
8-21 FG, 0-3 three-point

Outlook: Christon is a 6-3 combo guard whose best attribute is attacking off the bounce. Equipped with very long arms, a quick first step to get in the lane, and a terrific “burst” to the basket. He’s a crafty finisher inside the arc, showcasing the ability to pull-up on a dime, finish a tear drop, or lay it up with grace. NBA size, a lethal handle, great finishing ability, and occasional playmaking for his teammates makes Christon intriguing as a lead guard in the NBA.

Thing is, right now he has no perimeter jump shot. Only 47 of 409 attempts this season are 3-pointers. Additionally, Christon is a better scorer than playmaker right now. He won’t survive as a 6-3 SG, but if he can improve his point guard skills—commanding an offense from the perimeter, as opposed to solely driving and dishing—he has a chance.

Long arms, quick first step, can finish at the basket and a blur in transition. If the jump shot comes along, he should draw a lot of interest at the next level.

Video

18 points vs. Creighton

Misses vs. Creighton (8-21)

6 assists vs. Creighton

Bryce Cotton — PG, 6-1, 170
Senior, 21 years old

Season (40 mpg): 21 PPG, 3.5 RPG, 6 APG
41% FG, 37% three-point (5.8 attempts)

Game (40 min): 18 PTS, 10 AST, 2 REB, 1 STL, 4 TO
5-14 FG, 1-3 three-point

Outlook: Cotton is carrying Providence into the NCAA Tournament, while averaging 40 minutes per game. He’s simply indefatigable.

On the court, he’s a crafty ball handler with a smooth mid-range game. Tight handle to get into the second level of the defense, where he can pull up for a jumper or dish. Super quick and gets anywhere he wants on the court.

But he’s diminutive in size and length, not a great athlete, and struggles to finish at the basket. He also expends a ton of energy to get his shot off against taller players on the perimeter. I don’t see Cotton scoring, or defending, at the next level. Good college player, but not NBA caliber.

Video

18 points vs. Seton Hall

Misses vs. Seton Hall (5-14)

10 assists vs. Seton Hall

NBA Prospects

1. Doug McDermott (SR, Creighton): SF, 6-8, 225

2. Fuquan Edwin (SR, Seton Hall): SG/SF, 6-6, 215

3a. Jalen Reynolds (FR, Xavier): PF, 6-9, 240

3b. Semaj Christon (SO, Xavier): G, 6-3, 190

Next Tier

5. Bryce Cotton (SR, Providence): PG, 6-1, 170

–

Doug McDermott — SF, 6-8, 225

Senior, 22 years old

Season (33.4 mpg): 27 PPG, 7 RPG, 1.6 APG

53% FG, 46% three-point (6 attempts)

Game (39 min): 32 PTS, 4 REB, 1 AST, 0 BLK, 0 STL

10-20, 2-6 three-point, 10-10 FT

Outlook: This was my first time observing McDermott live, and I think most of his strengths/potential weaknesses were transparent.

Firstly, McDermott gives 100% effort at all times, on both ends of the court. He’s always moving on offense—picking and popping, running off screens, or traversing the court to find gaps in the defense. He’s relentless in getting open to receive the basketball, and has the stamina to endure a 40-minute war. The guy is literally running off the ball for 25 seconds every possession.

Once he gets the ball, McDermott is probably the most prolific scorer I’ve seen this season (on the college level). Facing up on the perimeter or backing down in the post, he has an effortless and picture-perfect jump shot. And he’s accurate. He can shoot over smaller defenders, but his work against bigger players caught my eye. Equipped with a Dirk Nowitzki-esque fade away (pictured right; where Dirk leans backward to a 45-degree angle, kicks one leg up while holding his ground with a plant foot, and somehow gets his shot off), McDermott got his shot off all evening long.

To be fair, Xavier doesn’t feature a player taller than 6-9, but still—McDermott received the ball at the foul line, lowered his shoulder into the defense, and faded-away over two defenders. He wasn’t playing against NBA length, but McDermott made shots with the defense draped all over him. He handles the ball with either hand, and needs only an inch of separation to get his shot off. He can create that space with step-backs, jab steps and pump fakes. He didn’t appear to have a particularly quick first step, but he doesn’t really need one. He averages 27 points, and is flirting with the 50/40/90 club. He’s smart, scores the ball in a variety of ways, and has terrific anticipatory skills to give him a two-second advantage on offense. Extremely accurate shooter, with 6-8 size and a quick release.

I’m curious/concerned to see if he can withstand the wear and tear of an NBA season. McDermott works very hard to get his shot on the college level; I wonder if he can sustain the constant, arduous off ball movement and physicality. Maybe he’ll just stray the perimeter and shoot 3′s in the NBA.

Rebounding-wise, McDermott is a capable of grabbing boards, but he won’t be rebounding through traffic at the next level.

While McDermott’s activity and energy is a boon to his offensive game, it caused some problems in evaluating his defensive ability. Firstly, McDermott wasn’t matched against NBA talent. Secondly, Xavier didn’t isolate him in ball screens or in the half court, so it was difficult to evaluate his lateral movement. Not the quickest feet, so I suspect he’ll struggle to contain penetration in the NBA. I anticipate he’ll exclusively play the perimeter in the NBA, but in all honesty, his perimeter defense was hard to grasp in this game.

Video

32 points vs. Xavier

Misses vs. Xavier (10-20)

Fuquan Edwin — SG/SF, 6-6, 215
Senior, 22 years old

Season (30 mpg): 14.5 PPG, 3.5 RPG, 1.7 APG, 2.7 SPG
44% FG, 33% three-point (4.7 attempts)
2.3 FTA

Game (39 min): 20 PTS, 1 REB, 1 AST, 1 STL
8-18 FG, 2-6 three-point

Outlook: Edwin again flashed potential as a “3 and D” swingman. He crisply moved without the ball, creating misdirection along the baseline and curling around screens for catch-and-shoot opportunities. On defense, his long wingspan was a factor in the passing lanes.

He doesn’t have a great handle, and he was inefficient overall (8-18 shooting), but he’s transparent as an NBA prospect. In the right system, he has good potential as a role-playing shooter.

But I have concerns. Questionable motor; he doesn’t always run hard, and has lapses defensively. He’s also not a great passer or playmaker, and doesn’t go up strong at the rim. He goes up for layups almost 100 % of the time, when he should be dunking over big men.

He can shoot and accumulate steals. But there are some frustrating holes in his game, and considering he’s 22 years old, I wonder if he’s capable of refining his game. If he can simply focus in better and become more consistent, his length, 3-point shooting and defense certainly give him a chance at the next level.

Video

20 points vs. Providence

Misses vs. Providence (8-18)

Jalen Reynolds —  PF, 6-9, 240
Freshman, 21 years old

Season (13 mpg): 4 PPG, 3.7 RPG, 0.5 BPG
56% FG

Game (23 min): 8 PTS, 5 REB, 3 fouls
4-5 FG

Outlook: At 6-9 and 240 pounds, Reynolds is a chiseled and ultra-physical power forward. He plays deep in the post, using ox-like strength to seal his defender and secure the ball. He can drop-step dunk, and also displayed a hook shot over his left shoulder. What sets him apart, though, is explosive finishing ability. He finishes above the rim, with NBA bounce. Offensively, he’s mobile in transition, and he showcased a developing repertoire in the half court.

But right now, his range is limited to the immediate vicinity of the basket. He’s also old for his class.

But if he can develop some semblance of a jump shot, Reynolds becomes a viable NBA prospect in my opinion. He has Patric Young’s strength with a hint of Amar’e Stoudemire’s explosion. Potential as a roll man and physical rebounder. I’m curious why he only played 23 minutes, because Creighton had nobody to defend him in the paint.

If he can develop a 15-foot jump shot, Reynolds will become an instant double-double as a sophomore.

Video

8 points vs. Creighton

Semaj Christon —  G, 6-3, 190}
Sophomore, 21 years old

Season (35.2 mpg): 17 PPG, 2.7 RPG, 4.2 APG}
48% FG, 38% three-point (1.4 attempts)

Game (40 min): 18 PTS, 6 AST, 1 REB, 8-21 FG
8-21 FG, 0-3 three-point

Outlook: Christon is a 6-3 combo guard whose best attribute is attacking off the bounce. Equipped with very long arms, a quick first step to get in the lane, and a terrific “burst” to the basket. He’s a crafty finisher inside the arc, showcasing the ability to pull-up on a dime, finish a tear drop, or lay it up with grace. NBA size, a lethal handle, great finishing ability, and occasional playmaking for his teammates makes Christon intriguing as a lead guard in the NBA.

Thing is, right now he has no perimeter jump shot. Only 47 of 409 attempts this season are 3-pointers. Additionally, Christon is a better scorer than playmaker right now. He won’t survive as a 6-3 SG, but if he can improve his point guard skills—commanding an offense from the perimeter, as opposed to solely driving and dishing—he has a chance.

Long arms, quick first step, can finish at the basket and a blur in transition. If the jump shot comes along, he should draw a lot of interest at the next level.

Video

18 points vs. Creighton

Misses vs. Creighton (8-21)

6 assists vs. Creighton

Bryce Cotton — PG, 6-1, 170
Senior, 21 years old

Season (40 mpg): 21 PPG, 3.5 RPG, 6 APG
41% FG, 37% three-point (5.8 attempts)

Game (40 min): 18 PTS, 10 AST, 2 REB, 1 STL, 4 TO
5-14 FG, 1-3 three-point

Outlook: Cotton is carrying Providence into the NCAA Tournament, while averaging 40 minutes per game. He’s simply indefatigable.

On the court, he’s a crafty ball handler with a smooth mid-range game. Tight handle to get into the second level of the defense, where he can pull up for a jumper or dish. Super quick and gets anywhere he wants on the court.

But he’s diminutive in size and length, not a great athlete, and struggles to finish at the basket. He also expends a ton of energy to get his shot off against taller players on the perimeter. I don’t see Cotton scoring, or defending, at the next level. Good college player, but not NBA caliber.

Video

18 points vs. Seton Hall

Misses vs. Seton Hall (5-14)

10 assists vs. Seton Hall