Jordan Loveridge | Utah | Sophomore, 19 years old
SF/PF, 6-6, 220
Last season (31.7 MPG): 12.1 PPG, 7 RPG, 2 APG, 17.6 PER
Breakdown:
After a “breakout” freshman season in which he averaged 12.1 points and 7 rebounds per game, swingman Jordan Loveridge will now be the focal point of Utah’s offense, and inevitably, of all opponent scouting reports. A top-100 recruit coming out of high school, Loveridge has a silky-smooth jumpshot with a quick first step and developing mid-range game. He possesses a high basketball IQ, and if he can develop an off the dribble game, has a chance to be an NBA player.
After weighing 230 pounds last year, Loveridge has reportedly shed 15 pounds this offseason which should pay dividends on the court. He always had a deceptive first step, but he may now be able to gather a burst of explosion that was absent last season. All in all, with a strong jumpshot and impressive rebounding numbers, Loveridge has a chance to be one of the most productive players in the Pac-12 this season.
Shot distribution: 51.3% Jump Shots | 33.6% Around the Basket | 11.4% Post-Ups | 3.7% Runner
SHOOTING
Seventy-five percent of Loveridge’s jumpshots were of the mid-range and three-point variety, where he averaged a solid 1.0 PPP. Loveridge has beautiful form on his shot; he sets his feet, releases the ball at its highest point and follows through. He sometimes brings the ball behind his head, but overall he is a consistent catch-and-shoot player.
NOT GREAT IN ISOLATION, THOUGH
When defenders close out on him, though, Loveridge struggles to attack off the dribble. He produced a below-average .559 PPP (ranking in the bottom 23% of all players) in isolation situations, in addition to a 23.5% turnover rate.
Perhaps his isolation struggles were directly correlated to his heavy frame last year, and now that he’s trimmed down he’ll be able to make more of an impact. One way or another, if he wants to be an NBA player, Loveridge will need to expand his offensive arsenal to be more than just a catch-and-shoot threat.
OVERALL
With a trimmed down frame, Loveridge is in a great position to build on his impressive freshman campaign. He should once again lead the Utes in scoring, and continue to expand his offensive arsenal. If he makes progress this season, he should draw legitimate attention from NBA scouts.