NBA Comparison: Renaldo Balkman

Strengths: An agent of chaos, doesn’t need to have a play run for him, just makes things happen … Has a certain confidence and joy that comes through in his play … fiery competitor … Albeit lean, is a physical specimen (quick, fast, excellent vertical leap, excellent timing) … is a monster defensively … Incredibly, prior to Robert Morris, was the JUCO top shot blocker as a 6’7″ wing … In his lone season at Robert Morris, was Horizon League Defensive Player of the Year… Takes pride also in his on ball defense and is solid there, though he is most effective as an off-ball “roamer” … Above the rim finisher … While the assist numbers aren’t there, demonstrates decent vision and playmaking, is an underrated passer and play maker. Very quick first step which allows him to create opportunities  … Very efficient 2 point scorer (61% on 2 point FGs) … Decent FT shooter at 69% while taking 4.3 per game … Good setting the screen and rolling for a dunk finish or catching the lob  … Excels in the open court, can beat the opposition up the floor and make a tough finish … Good touch around the hoop, gets the ball off from the dunkers spot on offense, finding the right angle for the lay up …

Weaknesses: Fairly inconsistent with no clear go-to offensive ability … Mediocre shooter, though due to high proportion of shots around the rim and good finishing ability his field goal percentage is solid .. Skills are more in defensive timing and “doing the small stuff” … Takes threes (2.2 per game) but doesn’t convert (27%)  … Success at the next level will depend on making a big enough impact defensively and in generating useful chaos on both sides of the ball, though improved outside shooting would certainly help him find court time … Conditioning can improve, seems to go all out for 1-2 plays and then coast for 2-3 plays … Decent rebounder, though this is not where he excels …

Notes: Burst onto the national scene in the 2024-25 NCAA tournament with a 25 point, 9 rebound, 3 steal, 2 block performance as the significant underdog against 2 seed Alabama … Played two seasons at Mineral Area College, a JUCO in Missouri, before transferring to Robert Morris. After his lone season at Robert Morris, entered the transfer portal. It is TBD where Dickerson will play next season as of time of publishing … Was the 2024-25 Horizon League Defensive Player of the Year… Was the 2023-24 JUCO top shot blocker, third in total rebounds and fourth in steals …

Drew Wolin 4/1/25