DeAndre Bembry — SF, 6-6, 200
Freshman, 19 years old
Season (32 mpg): 12 PPG, 4.5 RPG, 2.7 APG, 1 SPG
46% FG, 35% three-point (3.1 attempts)
Hometown: Charlotte, NC
*If the videos do not appear, please “refresh” the webpage once
St. Joseph’s 65, VCU 61
2014 Atlantic 10 Championship
Sunday, March 16, 2014 | Barclays Center (Brooklyn, NY)
DeAndre Bembry — SF, 6-6, 200
Freshman, 19 years old
Season (32 mpg): 12 PPG, 4.5 RPG, 2.7 APG, 1 SPG
46% FG, 35% three-point (3.1 attempts)
Game: 13 points, 4 rebounds, 8 assists, 1 steal
5-11 FG, 0-3 three-point
*Bembry was mentioned in “Under the Radar College Freshman” before the season, found here: http://staging.collegelayup.com/?p=9
Outlook: The A-10 co-Rookie of the Year, Bembry is a lanky swingman whose primary impact is on the defensive end. He’s already an excellent on-ball defender.
At 6-6 and with good length, Bembry has the physical tools to lock up on defense. He moves well laterally, has the length to contest, and has terrific anticipatory ability off-the-ball and in passing lanes. But equally as important, Bembry competes his but off on every possession. He never, ever, takes a play off, and he is long, athletic and focused. He gets all the 50-50 balls, and loves doing the dirty work. As a freshman, he’s already guarding the other team’s best player, which should accelerate his development as a defender. Good size, excellent physical tools, and an eagerness to defend give him tremendous upside defensively.
Bembry isn’t prolific offensively, but he’s no slouch either. Averaging 12 points on 46% shooting leaves me optimistic. The insane motor and refusal to take plays off carry over to offense as well.
He’s most effective as a cutting and slashing small forward right now, using energy and athleticism to attack the basket. Bembry attacks “going downhill,” astutely dipping his shoulder to certain angles in order to let his athleticism finalize plays. He can finish at the rim or pull up for a soft tear drop. Explosive in transition, and silky-smooth in the half court. In terms of style of play, Bembry reminds me of Shawn Marion. He’s an unselfish player who gets his buckets within the flow of the offense.
Bembry is a good rebounder, using length and physicality to collect rebounds through traffic. He’s had 12 games with at least 6 rebounds, but he needs to be more consistent.
For all the good qualities, though, Bembry has his fair share of weaknesses, too. He needs to tighten his handle and jump shot. He can’t beat his man off the dribble right now, and is converting 33% on jump shots (51% of all attempts). He also has a slow release on his jump shot, and his release point is concerning—he releases the ball from his chest, a la Marion. His shooting form is not as awkward as Marion’s, but it must be fixed, and in a hurry.
This has been a great year for Bembry—not only is he gaining invaluable experience, but he’s also heavily counted on by his team. Thus, he’s held accountable every game. Being tasked with the hardest defensive matchup—whether it’s a point guard or SG/SF—is not easy.
Bembry’s development this upcoming summer is vital. If he can develop his ball handling, and show improved shooter, he could emerge on the NBA Draft radar as early as next season. He had a lot of potential as a senior in high school, and has clearly taken huge strides during his freshman year. Only 19 years old, Bembry is one of the most talented—and underrated—small forwards in the country, regardless of class.
Video
13 points vs. VCU
Misses vs. VCU (5-11)
8 assists vs. VCU
NCAA Tournament — Thursday, March 20, 6:55 p.m. ET
Saint Joseph’s Hawks
Record
OVERALL: 24-9
CONFERENCE: 11-5
HOME: 11-4
ROAD: 8-4
NEUTRAL: 5-1
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DeAndre Bembry (FR) — 12 PPG, 4.5 RPG, 2.7 APG, 1 SPG
SF, 6-6, 200
46% FG, 35% three-point (3.1 attempts)
What He Brings:
— Only a freshman, but already an excellent player. A-10 Rookie of the Year.
— Terrific defender. Guards the other team’s best player.
— Never takes a play off. Long, athletic, focused. Gets 50-50 balls, and loves doing the dirty work.
— Impacts game with defense and energy, but can also finish in the half court.
— Not great shooting or attacking off the dribble. But doesn’t take plays off, so you must be engaged. Attacks glass, scores on cuts and jump shots, and defends with a purpose.
— X-factor. Match his intensity hustle.
Video
Defense
— Scoring / Attacking (rapidly improving)
Misses (not very polished right now)
From “‘Under the Radar’” College Freshmen
DeAndre Bembry | St. Joseph’s
SF, 6-6, 165
Quick Thoughts: Bembry is a lanky swingman whose foundation is energy and activity.
That doesn’t mean he’s not skilled, though — he’s a good finisher, and plays suffocating defense thanks to long arms, quick feet and a relentless motor. Bembry is always locked in and as a result has a nose for the ball.
If he can develop perimeter skills to be a threat on offense (he showed flashes in the Jordan Brand regional game, scoring 26 points including three 3-pointers), Bembry could make noise in the A-10, considering how good of an on-ball defender he is. He’s not Briante Weber, but he should make a defensive impact from the onset.
How He Fits:
Projected Starting Lineup
F — Halil Kanacevic (Sr)
F — Ronald Roberts Jr (Sr)
F — DeAndre Bembry (Fr)
G — Langston Galloway (Sr)
G — Chris Wilson (Jr)
Bembry should start at small forward and play significant minutes as a freshman. He will have the opportunity to showcase defensive skill and offensive potential.