NBA Comparison: Ray Allen

Strengths: At 6’4, 185 lbs and a well-defined frame that has filled out more and more over the past year, Beal has decent size for a SG prospect … His most outstanding trait as a prospect is his jump shot … Beal shows a terrific stroke, very good mechanics and is a huge threat coming off screens or spotting up … Although not quite as good off the dribble, he’s still very good in that area too … He’ll be a very effective 3-point shooter in Gainesville immediately … Defensively Beal is also strong … He’s fundamentally sound, shows an excellent feel for the game and he’s got the body and enough athleticism to defend SG’s and most PG’s … Plays a mature game, and doesn’t force the issue or look to score outside of the offensive flow much …Has great upside as an off-ball scorer … Can pull up for jumpers and knock them down consistently from mid-range … Able to finish effectively around the rim when he gets there … High basketball IQ … Unselfish passer … Already is pretty strong and physically developed … Seems to have good leadership potential and is definitely a team oriented player ... Can flush off the break without needing to plan his footwork moving towards the basket ... Also a high level passer for a 2 guard ...

Weaknesses: Beal can improve upon his ball-handling … He isn’t the best at getting his own shots off the bounce, and sometimes struggles to get all the way to the rim … Beal also can be crowded to slow down his effectiveness a bit too much … A solid, but not standout athlete, and doesn’t own a quick enough first step to initially gain consistent advantages on defenders … Beal also is of mediocre height for an NBA SG, at 6’4 and with solid though not outstanding (6'7 wingspan) length … Would much rather pull up for jumpers than try his hand at finishing around the rim against the trees ...

Overall: Beal is a solid prospect with good ability on offense … His jump shot is outstanding, his ability to score off the bounce from mid-range is also great, he’s got a pretty good body for a young SG, and he’s a strong defender too … He’s not a tremendous athlete or ball-handler though, and thus struggles some as a finisher and slasher, but he does have great upside as an off-ball scorer at the SG spot … He’s a likely top 20 pick whenever he declares ...

Notes: Measured 6'3.5 (in shoes) 196 lbs, with a 6'7 wingspan at the 2011 Deron Williams Skills Academy.

Jorrye Nixon 7/20/11