Strengths: Arguably Turkey’s top current prospect, Semih Erden offers a long and lean body frame with good athletic skills, long arms and good legs ... He can run the floor very well for a guy his size and has good agility and quickness ... Especially right handed, he also has penetration possibilities to go with decent hands and passing, as well as acceptable body balance ... Even enjoying a good rythm on his outside shot (3 pt range) with a high release, he’ll have to work hard to make his percentages rise, become confident in himself and gain confidence from teammates to shoot from the perimeter ... Considering his size, ballhandling and dribbling are surely acceptable, and his shotblocking as well due to a good leaping ability and solid timing.

Weaknesses: Most influenced by his often poor mentality are his defense and rebounding ... Although in both aspects his instincts and awareness aren’t bad, his lack of intensity and concentration don’t allow him to be a steady intimidating force in the middle ... Does need some work on his timing when executing rotations and double teaming from help side ... It would also be interesting to see him bulk up and gain more arm strength ... Should also try to impose himself at the low post in half court offense, better developing his post moves.

Outlook: As far as I’m concerned, the only person who can prevent Semih from being drafted is … Semih Erden. The potential is undeniable, though at this point it appears he's wasting a good amount of his talent. Let’s hope he’s conscious enough of that and can tap into his outstanding potential.

Scouted: 23/11/2006 & 01/11/2007 FC Barcelona-Fenerbahce ülker Istanbul (both dates same match up)

Strengths: Has a great combination of size, speed, agilty, and footwork... Incredibly long body, with a great wingspan ... Plays with tremendous energy, always plays at high level of intensity ... Runs the floor well, and is well suited for an up tempo game ... Has the type of toughness you want in an inside player ... Does not back down from anyone, as witnessed when he held his own facing Tim Duncan which was huge cosidering he was barely 18 at the time ...

Weaknesses: He's still very young and his game is very raw... Needs time to gain experience and develop better basketball skills ... Must get stronger, work on his offensive game ... Would greatly benefit to add a couple of reliable post moves, and some range to his shot ... He has very good potential but for now he remains a project, but a great prospect nonetheless ...