9. Royce Woolridge | Washington State (via Kansas) | Junior, 21 years old
G, 6-2, 180
Last season (32.0 MPG): 11 PPG, 2.8 RPG, 2.7 APG, 15.1 PER
Outlook: After committing to Kansas as an eighth grader, Woolridge had a brief stay in Lawrence, transferring after a freshman year in which he played a measly 2.8 minutes per game.
Woolridge is first and foremost a polished scorer. He has a quick first step and a wide frame to maneuver his way and score through traffic. He’s an excellent shooter, both in catch-and-shoot and off the dribble situations, and is also a solid pick-and-roll player. Woolridge is not very athletic, and doesn’t have exceptional speed, but he has a polished game and the ability to stick to his strengths.
All things considered, in my opinion Woolridge has the skill set to be considered at the NBA level. However, he faces one (potentially) monstrous problem: he’s a shooting guard in the body of a point guard. At only 6-2, Williams is undersized to play SG, but his skill set is of a “shooting guard.” If he can develop his facilitating skills and become more of a playmaker—and this is a big “if”, considering it requires him to reinvent his game—he’ll have a chance to prove himself at the next level. If he stays as a one-dimensional college scorer, he probably won’t have a chance.
Shot Attempt Breakdown: 55.3% Jump Shots | 37.1% Around the Basket | 7.6% Runner
STRENGTHS
Isolation
Woolridge posted a .908 points per possession in isolation situations, ranking in the 79th percentile nationally. He has a developing arsenal of moves, highlighted by an ability to attack going right. He also seems to drive at the perfect angle, using his hips to shield the defender and maintain a clear look at the basket. He can also use a step-back when driving at full speed, to create separation and knock down a jump shot. Examples are below:
Spot Up / Catch-and-Shoot
Woolridge also displayed a soft shooting touch last season, posing a solid 1.074 PPP in spot-up situations (81st percentile), and an excellent 1.271 PPP in catch-and-shoot situations (90th percentile). In fact, he was even better in “guarded” catch-and-shoots than “unguarded” catch-and-shoots, showcasing the ability to create and covert difficult shots. Let’s take a look at his spot-up ability, followed by his catch-and-shoot ability.
NEEDS TO IMPROVE
Facilitating
Although he led Washington State with 2.7 assists per game, on film it’s evident Woolridge has a score-first mindset. Granted, there weren’t many options for him to pass to, but if he’s going to make the transition to point guard, Woolridge will have to expand his mindset to look for his teammates as much as he looks for his own shot.
Pick-and-Roll
Woolridge’s struggles playing the point are perhaps most applicable in the pick-and-roll. Again, it’s not like his teammates were the most active off the ball, but still, as the clip below demonstrates, Woolridge was easily flustered on the P-n-R. He would often pick up his dribble and subsequently throw up an ill-advised jump shot, or defenders would expose his ball handling by trapping him and forcing a turnover (0:25 mark).
OVERALL
Woolridge was the Cougars’ second-leading scorer and assist leader in his first season with the team. Now as a junior, he will be handed the keys to the offense and given the freedom to make plays. If he can expand his game to develop his point guard skills (ball handling, patience, floor vision), he’ll take steps in the right direction.