NBA Comparison: Nick Anderson/Daequan Cook

Strengths: Prolific scoring swingman in a wiry 6-6 frame ... Highly efficient offensive game (46% FG for his college career) ... Lights out shooter with textbook form and high release ... Possesses boundless range with no deterioration in accuracy from distance (38.4%) ... Has no conscious, even in the face of repeated misses ... Extremely effective in catch-and-shoot situations, with his feet set and ready to fire ... Always squares his body to the rim with great balance and elevation on his jumper. Shoots well off the dribble when driving to his left ... Likes to take a jump stop just inside the paint for a little right-handed floater. Uses his vertical to quickly elevate over defenders inside. Has the ability to hang and adjust his shot mid-leap ... He's increased his aggression taking the ball to the basket ... Attempted 3.2 FT as a freshman, 4.7 as a sophomore and 7.2 through ten game as a junior (86%) ... Not afraid to take smaller defenders into the post ... Boasts an incredible wingspan ... Provides an incredible boost on the boards where he hits the offensive glass hard (5 rpg, 2 offensive) ... Has the skill set of a lockdown defender with his lateral quickness, length and dedication to the defensive side of the ball ... Was asked to take on an enhanced leadership role by coach Ford, and has responded commendably.

Weaknesses: Lack of ball handling skills really constricts his game ... He is not comfortable creating offense for himself or teammates ... Appears hesitant with the ball in his hands with a lack of ingenuity ... Despite his athletic gifts, does not look "smooth" when forced to make a basketball move ... Drives to the basket are predominantly to his left ... Unable to change directions with the rock ... Dribbles with his head down ... Turnovers (2 per game for his career) and offensive fouls have been a problem ... Not a particularly adept passer (1.3 ast per game) ... His basketball IQ needs work ... He's a natural shooter, but not a natural basketball player ... Could certainly stand to add some bulk, which would aid his ball handling woes ... Knocked off balance too easily on drives ... Despite improved aggression, still spends too much time floating around the perimeter, especially in crunch time. Needs to augment his mid-range game.

Notes: Has some oddball statistical games early in the 2009-2010 season, with a 15 rebound game vs. Seattle and a 5 block game vs. Arkansas-Pine Bluff. Was selected to the USA team at the World University Games where he averaged 7 pts and 2 rebounds in 12 minutes per game.

Adam Ganeles 12/19/09

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