Scouting Report: Saint Joseph’s vs. VCU

Keep An Eye On…

DeAndre Bembry (FR, St. Joe’s): SF, 6-6, 200

NBA Prospects

1. Treveon Graham (JR, VCU): G/F, 6-5, 220

2. Briante Weber (JR, VCU): G, 6-2, 165

3. Juvonte Reddic (SR, VCU): F/C, 6-9, 250

4. Langston Galloway (SR, St. Joe’s): G 6-2, 200

Next Tier

5. Ronald Roberts Jr. (SR, St. Joe’s): PF, 6-8, 225

6. Halil Kanacevic (SR, St. Joe’s): PF, 6-8, 260 

Keep An Eye On…

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

NBA Prospects

Treveon Graham
G/F, 6-5, 220
Junior, 21 years old

Season (28 mpg): 15.7 PPG, 7 RPG, 2 APG, 1 SPG
43% FG, 34% three-point (4.9 attempts)

Game: 15 points, 9 rebounds, 1 assists, 2 steals
4-12 FG, 2-7 three-point

Outlook: Graham is a bulky shooting guard who tries to “bully” his way offensively and finish at the rim. He is a crafty offensive player from the perimeter, with requisite size for an NBA SG. He uses jabs and pump fakes—and also a quick first step—to get into the lane, and has terrific body control to finish through contact. He heavily favors finishing with his right hand—both on film and per Synergy, where his attempts are 40 going right/8 going left—but he can get to the basket at will on the college level. Tight handle, quick first step, and the body to endure NBA contact.

Graham is also capable from 3, making 34% on 4.9 attempts. But he has a slow release, and isn’t the most efficient shooter. He can pull-up off the dribble, but again, he’s a volatile shooter right now. Graham doesn’t have a very long wingspan, but his strength and aggressiveness makes it hard to keep him off the glass. He can accumulate rebounds—offensively, he goes up for put-backs, and defensively he can grab a rebound and start the fast break.

That said, Graham has some question marks in his game.

Firstly, he doesn’t have a great handle to work off the dribble. But he also doesn’t cut or slash (2% of offense), which is often a trademark of players who struggle handling the ball but can finish at the basket. So, how will he produce points in the NBA? He’s strong, yes, but he doesn’t have a great handle, and isn’t very fluid off the ball.

Secondly, while Graham is a good rebounder, most of his rebounds come within the immediate vicinity of the basket, where he outmuscles opponents. The NBA is  a stronger league, so this style of rebounding—using strength, as opposed to length and leaping ability, to corral rebounds—may not translate at 6-5.

Thirdly, defensively, I’m not sure Graham has the lateral quickness or length necessary in the NBA. He’ll need to transform fat into muscle, and hope the muscle improves his foot speed. He often defends forwards in college, which won’t fly in the NBA.

Overall, Graham is a physically-strong scorer and rebounder, particularly inside the paint. If he can tighten up his perimeter jump shot, this will open up lanes and let him maximize his strength finishing at the basket. A good player and an NBA prospect, but he must continue to expand his game to the perimeter if he wants to crack an NBA rotation.

Video

15 points vs. Saint Joseph’s

Misses (4-12)

Briante Weber
G, 6-2, 165
Junior, 21 years old

Season (28.5 mpg): 9.5 PPG, 4 RPG, 4 APG, 3.4 SPG, 1.9 TO, 2.5 Fouls
45% FG, 25% three-point (1.2 attempts)
6.7% steal percentage (1st nationally)

Game: 8 points, 7 rebounds, 2 assists, 0 steals
4-12 FG, 0-1 three-point

Outlook: For me, Weber is a difficult player to evaluate.

I can start by stating he’s a lanky and athletic 6-2 “point guard.” Equipped with blazing speed and a Rajon Rondo-esque wingspan, Weber is the frontman of VCU’s full-court press and an excellent defender. Great anticipatory instincts and length to accumulate steals and deflections, both in half court and transition.

He’s probably the fiercest in your face defender in the country. He’s relentless in his defensive focus and intensity, and has the length to stifle point guards of all varieties. High motor, and could play all 40 minutes with ease. Weber is all over the place on defense, mostly for the better.

Offensively, it gets tricky. 31% of Weber’s attempts are in transition, and expectedly so. He has excellent quickness and athleticism to get out in transition.

But he’s a complicated player in the half court. He doesn’t have much of a jump shot, if at all. Only 40 of his 246 attempts are 3′s. Most of his contributions come in the form of driving the basketball. He uses a tight handle and quickness to get into the lane, and then has a tear drop to finish. Per Synergy, 44% of his attempts are jump shots, while 56% are in the lane. But what Synergy may label a “jump shot” is, in reality, a long-distance floater. It’s more like Weber drives the lane, and if he doesn’t go all the way to the rim, he uses a one-handed tear drop out to 20 feet. The only “jump shots” are 3′s (28%), and the occasional mid-range. Additionally, all but three of Weber’s jump shot attempts are unguarded. He’s not a good shooter right now. Poor form, and not a consistent release. Weber is best penetrating, then using his length to either dish it off, or lay it in/loft it over the defense. His length will allow him to finish over NBA length, but I don’t think 16-foot floaters will work in the NBA. He’ll have to develop a jump shot.

Also, where does he fit within the framework of an offense? Can he run a team and direct four other players on offense? VCU is anything but traditional, and Weber’s unorthodox game makes it even more unclear. If he can tighten his jump shot and handle (he keeps the ball high), and show that he can play with calm and grace when needed—you can’t go 120 miles an hour all the time—he could be a viable spark plug guard in the NBA. Best-case scenario would be a Patrick Beverley type; a great athlete who plays pesky defense, radiates energy, and uses his athleticism to make things happen offensively.

Again, Weber needs to refine his ball handling and learn to play at a slower pace. No easy task, especially approaching his senior year and playing in VCU’s offense. And of course, he must develop a jump shot.

But he’s fast and explosive, and is an excellent on-ball defender. If there’s a way to make him fit in an offense—and I’m honestly not sure if there is—I think Weber has a chance to develop into a Patrick Beverley type.

Video

8 points vs. St. Joe’s

Misses (4-12)

Juvonte Reddic
F/C, 6-9, 250
Senior, 22 years old

Season (27.5 mpg): 12 PPG, 8.4 RPG, 1 BPG
51% FG, 4.3 FTA, 3-9 three-point this season

Game: 8 points, 8 rebounds, 3 blocks
4-11 FG

Outlook: Reddic is an explosive forward who’s most effective in transition and around the rim. He’s mobile in the open court, with the athleticism to finalize plays as a trailer or running the wings. With space, Reddic dunks everything, whether it’s in the half court or transition. He plays with a very high motor, and plays hard on every possession. He’s a good rebounder, though his 8.4 RPG is inflated, as VCU attempts the second-most shots in the country, leading to more rebounding opportunities.

That said, Reddic is not equipped with many—if any—moves on offense. For a player whose game is confined to the immediate vicinity of the basket, he lacks a back-to-the-basket game. Only 2% of his attempts are in isolation, as he lacks a hook shot, turn around jumper, or anything of that ilk. He’s really only effective roaming the baseline for put-back opportunities, or finishing drop-off passes on the interior.

Reddic is not a good shooter either, as 90% of his offense occurs in the paint. Furthermore, only 25 of his 316 shot attempts this season have been from the mid-range area. He has an inconsistent release, often fading away for no apparent reason. Watching film, it’s clear that Reddic attempts mid-range jumpers only if wide open. Even then, he barely makes them.

Defensively, it’s difficult to gauge his individual abilities in VCU “havoc” style of defense. He seems to have good balance and patience in the post, staying upright and moving his feet well to stay with his man, and equipped with the necessary athleticism to contest shots in the paint. But the operative words are “seems to.”

In summary: Reddic is a terrific asset finishing above the rim in transition and scrapping for put-backs and dunks in the paint. He has good size at 6-9, with a strong frame and intense motor. But his limited offensive game—specifically, no range beyond 10 feet, and not many post up moves—is a concern. It won’t be easy cracking an NBA rotation at 6-9 without an interior repertoire or jump shot.

If he can develop his mid-range game, and continue to rebound with a “junkyard dog” mentality, Reddic could develop into a solid pick-and-pop player. His ceiling is a “Udonis Haslem” type. But right now, there’s more to be desired on the offensive end.

Video

8 points vs. St. Joe’s

Misses vs. St. Joe’s (4-11)

Langston Galloway — G 6-2, 200
Senior, 22 years old

Season (36 mpg): 17.5 PPG, 4.3 RPG, 1.5 APG, 0.8 TO, 21.3 PER
44% FG (12.6 attempts)
44% three-point (7.2 attempts)

Game: 19 points, 4 rebounds, 1 assist
5-11 FG, 5-8 three-point

Outlook: Galloway is an experienced SG with a natural scoring instinct, particularly from 3-point range. He’s very dangerous from 3, shooting 44% on seven attempts. Against VCU, he knocked down several contested shots, with hardly any separation. He’s an excellent catch-and-shoot player (1.24 PPP; 84th percentile), as he’s ready on the catch and, as mentioned, knocks down contested shots. A smooth shooter, who can create off the dribble or catch and shoot. 84% of his attempts are jump shots, and when he’s in a groove, he’s automatic.

More than the tangible shooting, Galloway possesses immense moxie and toughness. He’s calm under pressure, evidenced by various late-game jump shots, including a game-winner in the A-10 semifinals. He’s just a prolific shot maker, with the chance to explode in the NCAA Tournament.

That said, it’ll be tough for him to land in the NBA. He’s only 6-2, a below average athlete, and doesn’t have a quick first step. In other words, he can shoot from 3, but he lacks speed/burst off the dribble, and the athleticism to finish at the rim. He also hasn’t shown the vision to play point guard. He’s so concentrated on scoring that passing seems to be a secondary focus. Defensively, the aforementioned lack of speed and athleticism will make it difficult to guard either backcourt position.

Galloway is a terrific scorer on the college level. But he’s already 22 years old, and doesn’t have the necessary size or skill level to play shooting guard in the NBA.

Video

19 points vs. VCU

Misses vs. VCU (4-11)

Next Tier

Ronald Roberts Jr. — PF, 6-8, 225
Senior, 22 years old

Season (33 mpg): 14.5 PPG, 7.5 RPG, 1.5 APG
60% FG,
6 free-throw attempts, 59% free-throws, zero 3-pointers

Game: 15 points, 11 rebounds, 2 blocks
6-6 FG, 3-5 FT

Outlook: I had never heard of Roberts before this game. But man, he is a special athlete.

A 6-9 power forward, Roberts is a strong forward who cleans up on the glass and explodes near the rim. He’s semi-capable in the post, with one solid post move: a hook shot over his right shoulder (80% of his post attempts). But his biggest contributions come from put-backs and drop-offs, where he can finalize plays with power and athleticism.

He has NBA athleticism, for sure, but as a 22 year-old senior, the skills just aren’t there. He doesn’t have post skills or a jump shot, and while he finishes above the rim on offense, he’s not a ball-hawk on defense a la, say, Kenneth Faried.

Lacking mobility and size on both ends, and a severely limited offensive game, I don’t see the NBA in Roberts’ future.

Video

Possessions vs. VCU

 

Halil Kanacevic — PF, 6-8, 260
Senior, 22 years old

Season (32 mpg): 10.7 PPG, 8.8 RPG, 4.5 APG, 1.5 BPG, 3 TO, 3.7 fouls
54% FG (7.5 attempts)
58% free throws (3.6 attempts)

Game: 11 points, 14 rebounds, 2 blocks
5-10 FG, 1-2 three-point

*Transferred from Hofstra after the 2009-10 season. Sat out 2010-11, returned in 2011-12.

Outlook: Kanacevic is a point forward, leading St. Joe’s in rebounding and—oddly enough—assists. He has a “Joakim Noah” type of role—very physical in the post, can facilitate from the top of the key, and brings an infectious physicality. But at only 6-8, he lacks the foot speed, shooting, and overall offensive game to be considered at the next level. He occasionally knocks down jumpers from the stretch-four position, but 75% of his buckets come in the paint. Problem is, he’s not athletic, so he relies on outmuscling opponents directly under the rim for points and rebounds. But there’s a difference between “outmuscling” in college, and doing so in the NBA.

Good strength and technique to grab rebounds at the power forward position. But he’s limited offensively (he’ll struggle to score against NBA length/athleticism), and is unproven defensively. Add in he’s 22 years old, and I don’t see the NBA in Kanacevic’s future.

Video

11 points vs. VCU

4 assists vs. VCU

Keep An Eye On…

DeAndre Bembry (FR, St. Joe’s): SF, 6-6, 200

NBA Prospects

1. Treveon Graham (JR, VCU): G/F, 6-5, 220

2. Briante Weber (JR, VCU): G, 6-2, 165

3. Juvonte Reddic (SR, VCU): F/C, 6-9, 250

4. Langston Galloway (SR, St. Joe’s): G 6-2, 200

Next Tier

5. Ronald Roberts Jr. (SR, St. Joe’s): PF, 6-8, 225

6. Halil Kanacevic (SR, St. Joe’s): PF, 6-8, 260 

Keep An Eye On…

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

NBA Prospects

Treveon Graham
G/F, 6-5, 220
Junior, 21 years old

Season (28 mpg): 15.7 PPG, 7 RPG, 2 APG, 1 SPG
43% FG, 34% three-point (4.9 attempts)

Game: 15 points, 9 rebounds, 1 assists, 2 steals
4-12 FG, 2-7 three-point

Outlook: Graham is a bulky shooting guard who tries to “bully” his way offensively and finish at the rim. He is a crafty offensive player from the perimeter, with requisite size for an NBA SG. He uses jabs and pump fakes—and also a quick first step—to get into the lane, and has terrific body control to finish through contact. He heavily favors finishing with his right hand—both on film and per Synergy, where his attempts are 40 going right/8 going left—but he can get to the basket at will on the college level. Tight handle, quick first step, and the body to endure NBA contact.

Graham is also capable from 3, making 34% on 4.9 attempts. But he has a slow release, and isn’t the most efficient shooter. He can pull-up off the dribble, but again, he’s a volatile shooter right now. Graham doesn’t have a very long wingspan, but his strength and aggressiveness makes it hard to keep him off the glass. He can accumulate rebounds—offensively, he goes up for put-backs, and defensively he can grab a rebound and start the fast break.

That said, Graham has some question marks in his game.

Firstly, he doesn’t have a great handle to work off the dribble. But he also doesn’t cut or slash (2% of offense), which is often a trademark of players who struggle handling the ball but can finish at the basket. So, how will he produce points in the NBA? He’s strong, yes, but he doesn’t have a great handle, and isn’t very fluid off the ball.

Secondly, while Graham is a good rebounder, most of his rebounds come within the immediate vicinity of the basket, where he outmuscles opponents. The NBA is  a stronger league, so this style of rebounding—using strength, as opposed to length and leaping ability, to corral rebounds—may not translate at 6-5.

Thirdly, defensively, I’m not sure Graham has the lateral quickness or length necessary in the NBA. He’ll need to transform fat into muscle, and hope the muscle improves his foot speed. He often defends forwards in college, which won’t fly in the NBA.

Overall, Graham is a physically-strong scorer and rebounder, particularly inside the paint. If he can tighten up his perimeter jump shot, this will open up lanes and let him maximize his strength finishing at the basket. A good player and an NBA prospect, but he must continue to expand his game to the perimeter if he wants to crack an NBA rotation.

Video

15 points vs. Saint Joseph’s

Misses (4-12)

Briante Weber
G, 6-2, 165
Junior, 21 years old

Season (28.5 mpg): 9.5 PPG, 4 RPG, 4 APG, 3.4 SPG, 1.9 TO, 2.5 Fouls
45% FG, 25% three-point (1.2 attempts)
6.7% steal percentage (1st nationally)

Game: 8 points, 7 rebounds, 2 assists, 0 steals
4-12 FG, 0-1 three-point

Outlook: For me, Weber is a difficult player to evaluate.

I can start by stating he’s a lanky and athletic 6-2 “point guard.” Equipped with blazing speed and a Rajon Rondo-esque wingspan, Weber is the frontman of VCU’s full-court press and an excellent defender. Great anticipatory instincts and length to accumulate steals and deflections, both in half court and transition.

He’s probably the fiercest in your face defender in the country. He’s relentless in his defensive focus and intensity, and has the length to stifle point guards of all varieties. High motor, and could play all 40 minutes with ease. Weber is all over the place on defense, mostly for the better.

Offensively, it gets tricky. 31% of Weber’s attempts are in transition, and expectedly so. He has excellent quickness and athleticism to get out in transition.

But he’s a complicated player in the half court. He doesn’t have much of a jump shot, if at all. Only 40 of his 246 attempts are 3′s. Most of his contributions come in the form of driving the basketball. He uses a tight handle and quickness to get into the lane, and then has a tear drop to finish. Per Synergy, 44% of his attempts are jump shots, while 56% are in the lane. But what Synergy may label a “jump shot” is, in reality, a long-distance floater. It’s more like Weber drives the lane, and if he doesn’t go all the way to the rim, he uses a one-handed tear drop out to 20 feet. The only “jump shots” are 3′s (28%), and the occasional mid-range. Additionally, all but three of Weber’s jump shot attempts are unguarded. He’s not a good shooter right now. Poor form, and not a consistent release. Weber is best penetrating, then using his length to either dish it off, or lay it in/loft it over the defense. His length will allow him to finish over NBA length, but I don’t think 16-foot floaters will work in the NBA. He’ll have to develop a jump shot.

Also, where does he fit within the framework of an offense? Can he run a team and direct four other players on offense? VCU is anything but traditional, and Weber’s unorthodox game makes it even more unclear. If he can tighten his jump shot and handle (he keeps the ball high), and show that he can play with calm and grace when needed—you can’t go 120 miles an hour all the time—he could be a viable spark plug guard in the NBA. Best-case scenario would be a Patrick Beverley type; a great athlete who plays pesky defense, radiates energy, and uses his athleticism to make things happen offensively.

Again, Weber needs to refine his ball handling and learn to play at a slower pace. No easy task, especially approaching his senior year and playing in VCU’s offense. And of course, he must develop a jump shot.

But he’s fast and explosive, and is an excellent on-ball defender. If there’s a way to make him fit in an offense—and I’m honestly not sure if there is—I think Weber has a chance to develop into a Patrick Beverley type.

Video

8 points vs. St. Joe’s

Misses (4-12)

Juvonte Reddic
F/C, 6-9, 250
Senior, 22 years old

Season (27.5 mpg): 12 PPG, 8.4 RPG, 1 BPG
51% FG, 4.3 FTA, 3-9 three-point this season

Game: 8 points, 8 rebounds, 3 blocks
4-11 FG

Outlook: Reddic is an explosive forward who’s most effective in transition and around the rim. He’s mobile in the open court, with the athleticism to finalize plays as a trailer or running the wings. With space, Reddic dunks everything, whether it’s in the half court or transition. He plays with a very high motor, and plays hard on every possession. He’s a good rebounder, though his 8.4 RPG is inflated, as VCU attempts the second-most shots in the country, leading to more rebounding opportunities.

That said, Reddic is not equipped with many—if any—moves on offense. For a player whose game is confined to the immediate vicinity of the basket, he lacks a back-to-the-basket game. Only 2% of his attempts are in isolation, as he lacks a hook shot, turn around jumper, or anything of that ilk. He’s really only effective roaming the baseline for put-back opportunities, or finishing drop-off passes on the interior.

Reddic is not a good shooter either, as 90% of his offense occurs in the paint. Furthermore, only 25 of his 316 shot attempts this season have been from the mid-range area. He has an inconsistent release, often fading away for no apparent reason. Watching film, it’s clear that Reddic attempts mid-range jumpers only if wide open. Even then, he barely makes them.

Defensively, it’s difficult to gauge his individual abilities in VCU “havoc” style of defense. He seems to have good balance and patience in the post, staying upright and moving his feet well to stay with his man, and equipped with the necessary athleticism to contest shots in the paint. But the operative words are “seems to.”

In summary: Reddic is a terrific asset finishing above the rim in transition and scrapping for put-backs and dunks in the paint. He has good size at 6-9, with a strong frame and intense motor. But his limited offensive game—specifically, no range beyond 10 feet, and not many post up moves—is a concern. It won’t be easy cracking an NBA rotation at 6-9 without an interior repertoire or jump shot.

If he can develop his mid-range game, and continue to rebound with a “junkyard dog” mentality, Reddic could develop into a solid pick-and-pop player. His ceiling is a “Udonis Haslem” type. But right now, there’s more to be desired on the offensive end.

Video

8 points vs. St. Joe’s

Misses vs. St. Joe’s (4-11)

Langston Galloway — G 6-2, 200
Senior, 22 years old

Season (36 mpg): 17.5 PPG, 4.3 RPG, 1.5 APG, 0.8 TO, 21.3 PER
44% FG (12.6 attempts)
44% three-point (7.2 attempts)

Game: 19 points, 4 rebounds, 1 assist
5-11 FG, 5-8 three-point

Outlook: Galloway is an experienced SG with a natural scoring instinct, particularly from 3-point range. He’s very dangerous from 3, shooting 44% on seven attempts. Against VCU, he knocked down several contested shots, with hardly any separation. He’s an excellent catch-and-shoot player (1.24 PPP; 84th percentile), as he’s ready on the catch and, as mentioned, knocks down contested shots. A smooth shooter, who can create off the dribble or catch and shoot. 84% of his attempts are jump shots, and when he’s in a groove, he’s automatic.

More than the tangible shooting, Galloway possesses immense moxie and toughness. He’s calm under pressure, evidenced by various late-game jump shots, including a game-winner in the A-10 semifinals. He’s just a prolific shot maker, with the chance to explode in the NCAA Tournament.

That said, it’ll be tough for him to land in the NBA. He’s only 6-2, a below average athlete, and doesn’t have a quick first step. In other words, he can shoot from 3, but he lacks speed/burst off the dribble, and the athleticism to finish at the rim. He also hasn’t shown the vision to play point guard. He’s so concentrated on scoring that passing seems to be a secondary focus. Defensively, the aforementioned lack of speed and athleticism will make it difficult to guard either backcourt position.

Galloway is a terrific scorer on the college level. But he’s already 22 years old, and doesn’t have the necessary size or skill level to play shooting guard in the NBA.

Video

19 points vs. VCU

Misses vs. VCU (4-11)

Next Tier

Ronald Roberts Jr. — PF, 6-8, 225
Senior, 22 years old

Season (33 mpg): 14.5 PPG, 7.5 RPG, 1.5 APG
60% FG,
6 free-throw attempts, 59% free-throws, zero 3-pointers

Game: 15 points, 11 rebounds, 2 blocks
6-6 FG, 3-5 FT

Outlook: I had never heard of Roberts before this game. But man, he is a special athlete.

A 6-9 power forward, Roberts is a strong forward who cleans up on the glass and explodes near the rim. He’s semi-capable in the post, with one solid post move: a hook shot over his right shoulder (80% of his post attempts). But his biggest contributions come from put-backs and drop-offs, where he can finalize plays with power and athleticism.

He has NBA athleticism, for sure, but as a 22 year-old senior, the skills just aren’t there. He doesn’t have post skills or a jump shot, and while he finishes above the rim on offense, he’s not a ball-hawk on defense a la, say, Kenneth Faried.

Lacking mobility and size on both ends, and a severely limited offensive game, I don’t see the NBA in Roberts’ future.

Video

Possessions vs. VCU

 

Halil Kanacevic — PF, 6-8, 260
Senior, 22 years old

Season (32 mpg): 10.7 PPG, 8.8 RPG, 4.5 APG, 1.5 BPG, 3 TO, 3.7 fouls
54% FG (7.5 attempts)
58% free throws (3.6 attempts)

Game: 11 points, 14 rebounds, 2 blocks
5-10 FG, 1-2 three-point

*Transferred from Hofstra after the 2009-10 season. Sat out 2010-11, returned in 2011-12.

Outlook: Kanacevic is a point forward, leading St. Joe’s in rebounding and—oddly enough—assists. He has a “Joakim Noah” type of role—very physical in the post, can facilitate from the top of the key, and brings an infectious physicality. But at only 6-8, he lacks the foot speed, shooting, and overall offensive game to be considered at the next level. He occasionally knocks down jumpers from the stretch-four position, but 75% of his buckets come in the paint. Problem is, he’s not athletic, so he relies on outmuscling opponents directly under the rim for points and rebounds. But there’s a difference between “outmuscling” in college, and doing so in the NBA.

Good strength and technique to grab rebounds at the power forward position. But he’s limited offensively (he’ll struggle to score against NBA length/athleticism), and is unproven defensively. Add in he’s 22 years old, and I don’t see the NBA in Kanacevic’s future.

Video

11 points vs. VCU

4 assists vs. VCU