NBA Comparison:

Strengths: Middleton is a late blooming prospect with solid size for a SG/SF at 6’7 210, and he’s still growing into his body … An underrated athlete ... Silky smooth operator on offense, and can score effectively at all 3 levels … Has a sweet jump shot … Soft touch, and is consistent out to about 22 feet, and shows raw NBA range … Able to make shots off screens, spotting up or off the dribble … Functional in the triple threat … Likes to operate in the mid-range area, most comfortable from 15-18 feet, and utilizes a nice pull-up game and an interesting blend of runners in his arsenal … Middleton can stick the 3 ball with his feet set, and he has the release speed and form to get his shot off against contests effectively … Plays the game at his own pace, and has a very unique and unorthodox style of play … Very unselfish and won’t go outside of the offense to get his own shots or production very often, which will benefit his eventual transition to the pros … Doesn’t need to dominate the ball at all to make his presence felt on the court … Nice passing skills … Will contribute some on the glass … Appears to be very coachable, team player, and he still has upside remaining as he get stronger and fills out his frame …

Weaknesses: Middleton right now needs to work on getting stronger to maximize his athleticism and ability to withstand tough defense … There are times when he can get pushed around on both ends by physical play … Middleton also would be well-served to continue to work on his ball-handling some more, were he’s currently mediocre … He does sporadically make moves with the ball that show his potential, but he’s not consistent with it yet and he’s not a guy who operates all that effectively in pure isolation sets … Doesn’t handle double-teams or extra defensive attention all that well … Can struggle to finish around the rim at times due to a lack of explosiveness and strength ... Could stand to get more aggressive and play with more urgency … Middleton is a middle-of-the-road defensive player, and he can struggle with on-ball defense at times … A bit upright in his stance and middling lateral quickness …

Overall: Middleton’s late blooming status and promising Soph. season making him a prospect worth keeping an eye on … He’s a good shooter with a smooth, unselfish floor game and the tools that project well to the next level as a complementary piece … He isn’t the best defender, but as he grows into his body he can be an even better player and prospect, as it looks like he hasn’t peaked physically or athletically yet … He’s be a shortlist Big XII Player of the Year candidate and a possible 2012 lottery pick ...

Jorrye Nixon 7/14/11

Notes: Measured 6'7.5 (in shoes) 211 lbs, with a 6'10 wingspan at the 2011 Kevin Durant Skills Academy.