Brandon Ashley | Arizona | Sophomore, 19 years old
F, 6-8, 235
Last season (20.5 MPG): 7.5 PPG, 5.3 RPG, 17.5 PER, 53% field goals
A McDonald’s All-American and top-20 recruit out of high school, to me Brandon Ashley is one of the most intriguing players in the country. He’s a gifted athlete with a silky-smooth flow and physical attributes (6-8 with a 7-2 wingspan). Ashley is a deft slasher with exceptional timing around the basket.
I think it boils down to this: Ashley has first-round-pick talent, but in order to maximize said talent, he will have to improve 1) his ball handling and 2) his assertiveness. Improving his “weaknesses” won’t be easy, but the good news is that unlike the majority of NBA draft prospects, Ashley’s potential and areas of growth are completely transparent, for better or worse.
In other words, the versatility is there, the rebounding (Ashley’s 21.4 defensive rebound percentage was 9th in Pac-12, and 129th nationally) is there, the defense is there. But attacking off the dribble, and more importantly the necessary motor, are not yet there.
Shot distribution: 27.9% Jump Shots | 51.9% Around the Basket (non Post-Ups) | 13% Post-Ups | 7.1% Runner
Ashley is in the Austin Daye/Tayshaun Prince mold — he can guard both forward positions on defense, and on offense can run the baseline, roam the perimeter and slash through the lane.
51.9% of his shots came around the basket last season, with 21.5% of those shot attempts coming from cuts to the hoop. Ashley’s length, bounce and timing make him a promising slasher.
CUTTING
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OFFENSIVE REBOUNDING
15.4% of Ashley’s shot attempts came off offensive rebounds (put backs), where he posted a solid 1.225 PPP (77th percentile).
As mentioned before, when Ashley is focused, his instincts and timing separate him from the pack.
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Ashley will have to elevate his game this season, and a major part of that “elevation” will hinge on his ability to put the ball on the floor and attack. This season, his focus needs to be on attacking the hoop with a refined intensity.
WEAK DRIVES
In the snippet of film above, Ashley is either “soft” attacking the rim, or his poor ball skills throw him into an off-balance shot. Ashley needs to put on weight, and develop (even if it’s just a little bit) his ball skills. If he can attack the rim while maintaining balance and position, his impact will be more than just a rebounder/slasher/active defender.
In other words, can Brandon Ashley—the epitome of versatility—impose his will? Does he have it in him? We certainly thought so coming out of high school, but now in year two, the pressure is starting to surface.