NBA Comparison: Kay Felder

Strengths: Super quick point guard coming off his best collegiate season (15.8 ppg, 5.8 apg) which was highlighted by leading his team to a Final Four appearance… Phenomenal athlete as his 42.5 inch vertical will attest to… His breakout game this year came in an Elite Eight overtime victory vs. Kentucky where he led his team with 26 points… Most dangerous in the open court where he can push the ball with his elite speed … rarely is there a faster player on the court… Has improved into a good 3-point shooter (37%) that is capable of big games (5/7 3PG v Florida in SEC Semifinal) … Better free throw shooter (82.8%) … Capable of getting to the free throw line (15/16 FT v UAB) with his ability to draw contact in the paint … Possesses a 6’5 wingspan to compensate for his small 5’11 height …

Weaknesses: Size could be an issue at 5’11… He will have to prove that he can play against taller and longer players in the NBA on a nightly basis… Has shown decision-making issues… Seems to set his mind on a decision before the play has developed, questioning his feel for the game… Can take bad/forced shots… His jump shot has improved in his 3 years at Auburn, but will have to continue to keep doing so for him to be a consistent NBA shooter from 3-point range… or such an elite athlete, he does not disrupt plays on the defensive end as one would expect …

Outlook: NBA teams may be reluctant to use a draft pick on Harper because of his size, but that doesn’t mean he won’t get a chance to prove himself… if he can continue to improve his jump shot, this gives him another valued asset that should land him on an NBA roster at some point… he is a top tier athlete, even at the next level, this won’t be questioned…  Harper’s stock is high after his NCAA tournament performance …

Notes: Measured: 5′ 9.75” barefoot,  5′ 11” in shoes, 169.2 lbs, 6′ 5.5” wingspan, 7′ 10” standing reach at the 2019 NBA Draft Combine …

Brian Cerone 6/1/19