Josh Scott | Colorado | Sophomore, 2o years old
PF, 6-10, 215
Last season (28.2 MPG): 10.3 PPG, 5.7 RPG, 19 PER
Breakdown:
Shot distribution:
13.7% Jump Shots
42.3% Around the Basket (not Post-Ups)
43.6% Post-Ups
Josh Scott’s freshman season was more of a teaser than anything else. His NBA future is contingent on how he continues to develop. Sure, this can be said for any college player, but for Scott, his potential is really the only exciting/enjoyable/inspiring facet.
Scott is a rangy and mobile big-man with a feathery touch around the rim using his left hand (he’s a lefty). He uses long strides and quickness to get ahead of the defense in transition, and many times last season finished fast breaks as the trailer.
In the half court, Scott mainly scores in three ways: 1) he slides into open spaces to get a quick shot (i.e. no dribbles) from the elbow or low post, or 2) he scores on a put-back — 18.4% of his shots came off offensive rebounds, and he posted a very solid 1.131 PPP—better than 67% of all college players—on such plays. Furthermore, his offensive rebound percentage of 11.8% was third in Pac-12 and 132 nationally, per KenPom.com. He’s an alert—albeit awkward, which we will get to—big man with a nose for the ball, and doesn’t need to be featured in the offense to be productive (again, last season he scored mostly on hustle plays and second-chance opportunities).
Let’s take a look at where Scott was most effective as a freshman
TRANSITION
15-FOOTERS
PUT-BACKS
Scott does a nice job in all three facets, but to make it on the NBA level, he needs to improve in several areas.
Firstly, his 215-pound frame isn’t doing him any favors. Opposing big men can easily bully Scott in the paint on both sides of the ball. He needs to gain 15-20 pounds to be able to bang down low. If he can add weight and maintain his touch and agility, Scott could considerably elevate his game.
Secondly, on film Scott appears “slow,” both in getting to a spot and also releasing his shot. He compensates with great size, but his going-through-the-motions appearance concerns me. Scott needs to improve his hand-eye coordination, as has difficulty catching the ball in stride. He also makes elementary mistakes, like holding the ball down low on entry passes and rebounds, which contributed to a 10.7% turnover percentage, ranking 5th worst in the Pac-12. Let’s take a look at Scott on the pick-and-roll, and also in turnover situations.
Scott can knock down jumpshots as a roll man, but he has difficulty finishing through contact, or even driving by a stationary defender. In terms of turnovers, Scott gets flustered under pressure, picks up his dribble, and keeps it low – a recipe for disaster.
OVERALL
Scott posted solid numbers as a freshman (19 PER, 10.3 PPG, 5.7 RPG), and validated his potential. Although he’s not the most athletic player, Scott’s size, rebounding, and inside touch make him an intriguing prospect. If he can gain weight and become more consistent on offense, he should emerge on the NBA Draft radar.