NBA Comparison: Jaylen Brown

Strengths: Listed at 6’7 and 220 pounds, Kuminga is a physical force on both ends of the court … Freakish athlete with explosiveness, strength and great body control … He also has a solid skill set with the ability to handle and pass the ball … His forte appears to be on the less glamorous (defensive) end, where his quickness, strength and height can disrupt opposing wings and forwards … Kuminga has the build, speed and drive to defend positions 1-4 in the NBA … He can be used to limit a team’s primary scoring option, or as a versatile piece while switching during screens and other plays … While not a turnover forcing machine with just one steal per game, Kuminga should immediately become one of the better, more adaptable and skilled defenders in the NBA … His offensive game has similar intrigue, as he has a great handle for a player his size, and is adept at creating his own shot off of the dribble … The Elizabeth, New Jersey, native excels at driving to the rack, and can finish well in the paint, even when the defense collapses … Likes to work in the post, and can score easily especially against mismatches … Has a well-rounded offensive game, as he can knock down jumpers, penetrate and is a solid passer for his position…Is an elite transition player as well, because he has tremendous speed for his size, and out hustles other players, often leading to easy dunks … Solid scorer and rebounder, at 15.8 points and 7.2 rebounds per contest … Tremendous athleticism should raise both his floor and ceiling, and can help contribute to a greater offensive output until when/if his shooting ability develops … Is one of the youngest prospects in the draft, and is already competing at a high-level against very talented competition, and with an NBA ready body …

Weaknesses: Lacks consistency shooting … Kuminga is an incredibly talented player, and one with loads of potential, but the skill that will likely make-or-break him reaching that potential is how much he can improve upon his shooting consistency and range … He averaged just 24.6% from deep, and 62.5% from the foul line … Those numbers simply won’t cut it at the next level, and will severely limit Kuminga’s minutes and impact … Until he bumps those up, he may have to play more as a power forward, even if his best fit is at the small forward position … Lacked moves in the post, and often used the same spin move every time he got on the block … Kuminga needs more diversity in his post moves if he wants to score against bigger, stronger defenders … Can make difficult finishes, but sometimes botches easy ones … He needs to spend time developing his offensive game, as it is clear that checks every athletic and size box, but can look overwhelmed at times during games on offense … Turned the ball over as much as he assisted, and while he can make excellent passes, Kuminga also struggled with decision making …

Notes: Measured: 6’7 with a 6’11 wingspan and 217.2 lbs at the 2019 Nike Elite 100 camp  …

Michael Hopp 7/13/21

Strengths: 6’8 athletic wing … Good length with a 6’11 wingspan … High-level and explosive athlete. Finishes plays above the rim that most of his peers can’t contest. Quick off the ground and translates his athleticism well into game situations with good body control and hang time. Finishes with either hand in traffic … Versatile skillset. Effective in both half-court and transition … Good scoring ability and his ability to create has made great improvement over the past year as the game has slowed down for him and instincts have taken over. Averaged 9 points per game at 50% FG% over the Nike EYBL in 2018 and averaged 22.7 points per game at 48.9% FG% in 2019 … Shooting range extends to the 3PT line and he can hit shots off the dribble … Solid ball handler and playmaker with ability as an initiator, showing positive strides making reads with the ball. Passes out of drives and midway through his attack when the help defense comes … Quick burst with the ball. Good dribble penetrator and slasher going to his right or left. Sells crossover and changes direction well with the ball. Fearless driver and isn’t afraid to throw down dunks in traffic … Good tools and versatility as a defender. Good timing and elevation when blocking shots … Strong build and strength level, yet still fluid. Finishes and plays well through contact. Draws fouls at a good rate. Shot 5.7 free throws per game over the Nike EYBL in 2019 … Stays active off the ball … Good confidence and aggression … Has shown noticeable improvement in multiple areas of his game in the past year and his skillset is catching up his natural ability …

Weaknesses: Can be too quick with the trigger and settles for a lot of contested threes. Shot selection overall can improve and although he’s been efficient from the floor, he’s very high-volume. Attempted 17.2 shots per game over the Nike EYBL in 2019 … Can improve consistency as a 3PT shooter. Shot 29.8% 3PT% at 7.8 attempts per game over the Nike EYBL in 2019 … Can improve as a free throw shooter. Shot 55.2% FT% over the Nike EYBL in 2018 and 62.7% FT% in 2019 … Doesn’t stand out as a rebounder as you would think from someone with his size and ability. Averaged 3.7 rebounds per game over the Nike EYBL in 2018 and 5.4 rebounds per game in 2019 … Although playmaking has improved, he can work on limiting the turnovers. Tries to make the home run play at times. Averaged 3.2 assists to 3.5 turnovers per game over the Nike EYBL in 2019 … Can show more commitment on the defensive end, tends to coast a bit and can get caught watching …

Outlook: Transferred from Our Savior New American to The Patrick School … 2019 All-EYBL: Second Team and Underclass Team … Played in the 2018 Underclassman All-American Game and earned MVP of the 2019 Underclassman All-American Game in 2019 with 21 points …

Evan Tomes 12/18/19