NBA Comparison: Devonte’ Graham

Strengths: A speedster at the point guard position capable of pushing the ball at breakneck speed … Fits the mold of modern day, “score first” point, but shows an understanding of getting his teammates looks  … He is an absolute terror for other teams defensively as his speed makes him very difficult to contain while in transition and also in the half court … His lateral speed allows him to thrive on the defensive end of the floor as well … Shows above average anticipation ability. Jumps passing lanes and seems to have a sense of what opponents will do with his above average feel for the game … Dotson displays a relentless nature, constantly attacking the basket with the ball in his hands … He attacks with aggression and forces contact. Because of that, he finds his way to the foul line often (5.7 attempts per game – ‘19/’20 season) and converts with good efficiency (83% FTP – ‘19/’20 season) … Effective in running the pick and roll … Solid muscle tone and physicality … Dotson showed a willingness to get his teammates involved, averaging roughly four assists per game in each of the last two seasons … A heady player that shows the ability to create offense for himself and others … Can pull up off the dribble and also explodes by defenders when they play him close … Despite not having the length to finish off a lot of plays with dunks, he shows a solid ability to finish off acrobatic drives with creativity and touch … Uses his body well to shield off defenders and create just enough space on drives … Very good passer on ally oops … Does a solid job of driving and forcing off ball defenders to collapse and kicking to open teammates … Despite struggles from three in sophomore year, he displays an excellent shooting stroke … Chicago toughness. Strong competitor, seems to play well when the lights are brightest and is unafraid of big moments …

Weaknesses: Small for an NBA point guard with a sub 8 foot standing reach: At 6-foot-1 and 185 pounds, (6’3.25″ wingspan) 7′ 11.5” standing reach, Dotson is obviously on the shorter end of the “ideal” NBA-statured point guard … Dotson had difficulty shooting from outside throughout his sophomore campaign. After shooting 36% from three-point range as a freshman, he shot just 31% this past season … A solid athlete capable of getting up for dunks on breakaways, but his size limits his ability to be a guy that goes up in traffic and makes highlight plays at the rim routinely … Some of his effectiveness at the college level of finishing drives below the rim will need to be altered in order to find the same success against the athleticism and length of players the next level … At times loses control of the ball as a result of his fast-paced style of play … He averaged just under 2.5 turnovers per game in both of his college seasons … In college he relied on quickness in order to beat larger opponents, but that will be much more of a challenge, considering the length and speed at the pro level … A decent passer, but scoring is is forte. Not the type that will elevate the play of teammates considerably …

Outlook: Dotson led the Jayhawks at 18.1 points and 2.1 steals per game last season as a sophomore … He received First Team All-Big 12 and Second Team All-American honors for a team that finished the regular season with an impressive 28-3 record, 17-1 in conference … Kansas was primed to make a deep run in the NCAA tournament, and likely would have entered the field as the favorites … Considered a fringe first round pick who has a shot to develop into an NBA starter, but many project him as a back up at the next level …

Notes: Measured: 6’0.50” barefoot, 6’1.75” in shoes, 7’11.00” standing reach, 185.2 lbs, 6’3.00” wingspan at the 2020 NBA Combine … 2019 NBA Draft Combine – 6-foot-2 in shoes, Wingspan: 6’3.25″, Shuttle Run: 2.80 (2nd), Max Vertical: 38.5-in (tied for 6th), Agility Time: 10.63 (7th) … Kansas coach Bill Self described Dotson as one of the fastest players he’s ever coached. He also stated that Devon could have elevated himself to be considered among the best point guards ever to play for him at Kansas had his sophomore-year and college career not been ended early by the coronavirus pandemic….

Tyler Thomson 6/25/20

NBA Comparison: Cory Joseph

Strengths: 6’2 point guard … Explosive athlete. Quick first step. Finishes jams in traffic. Good body control and hang time … Aggressive mindset and confidence … Good dribble penetrator, fearless driver, and constantly attacks the basket. … Strong body and frame. Handles contact well … Draws fouls at a good rate, shot 7.4 free throws per game over the Under Armour Association … Good scoring ability at the rim and from midrange. Placed fourth in scoring over the Under Armour Association with 18.8 points per game while shooting 46.3% from the floor … Averaged 12.4 points per game while shooting 50.8% from the floor at the NBPA Top 100 … Reliable free throw shooter, shot 71.6% from the foul line over the Under Armour Association and 21-22 (95.5%) at the NBPA Top 100 … Has a good balance of when to score and when to distribute … Unselfish and leads in transition … Finished third in assists at the NBPA Top 100 with 4.3 per game and a 5/1 assist/turnover ratio … Good quickness and activity as a defender, puts intense pressure on the ball. Finished second with 2.6 steals per game over the Under Armour Association. Finished third in steals at the NBPA Top 100 with two per game … Good rebounder for position … Averaged 5.4 rebounds per game over the Under Armour Association …

Weaknesses: Doesn’t have great size or length with a 6’2.5 wingspan and 7’10 standing reach … Needs to improve as a three-point shooter. Shot 30% from three over the Under Armour Association … Only shot 2-16 (12.5%) from three at the NBPA Top 100. Jump shot lacks proper rotation … Averaged 3.2 turnovers per game over the Under Armour Association … Although an explosive athlete, his lack of size and outside jump shooting are his current obstacles as a prospect …

Outlook: Kansas freshman … McDonald’s All-American … Led Team Charlotte to the Under Armour Association finals …

Notes: Measured 6′ 0” barefoot, 6′ 2” in shoes, 7′ 11.5” standing reach, 178.6 lbs, and 6′ 3.25” wingspan at the 2019 NBA Combine …

Evan Tomes 11/2/18