NBA Comparison: Christian Wood

Strengths: 6’8 athletic wing … Good size and length for position … High-level athleticism, among the best in the class. Runs the floor and quick off the ground with an impressive second jump, showing high-level quick twitch. Attacks the rim and will dunk in the crowded paint. Seeks out dunk opportunities in half-court situations … Natural shooting touch. Solid midrange pull-up and has potential as a scoring threat in the post. Shows a step-back, turnaround jumper, spins, reverse pivots, and other flashes of footwork from midrange … Shooting range extends to the 3PT line … Good activity and moves well off the ball … Capable of making impressive passes and reads, sometimes out of the post while other times off the dribble. Aware of his passing options, moves the ball quick, and accurately hits his target cross-court with either hand … Good rebounder for position … Good tools with his length, quickness, and versatility on the defensive end. Moves well laterally and covers ground quickly. Blocks shots well for position … High-level two-way potential and has natural ability that other players in the class can’t match … Younger for his class, will turn 18 in August of his freshman year of college …

Weaknesses: Has room to get stronger but frame should fill out over time … Can work on being more efficient scoring with better shot selection and look to expand on his offensive game … 3PT shot has a tad too much arc, he’s definitely capable of shooting from distance but he’s more on the streaky side than knockdown at this time. Can smooth out release on pull-ups off the dribble … Can improve as a ball-handler. Dribbles high and plays a bit too upright. Crossovers and changing directions with the ball aren’t always smooth. Lacks wiggle trying to by his guy, which often ends up with a midrange step-back. Tends to settle on jump shots, would like to see more scoring in the paint. Can be turnover prone … Good tools defensively but can tighten up on that end. There are times he seems content with being solid on closeouts and contests but can look to make the shooter more uncomfortable going into their shot and releasing, there are other times he bites for shot fakes and leaves his feet on closeouts …

Outlook: Rutgers commit … MVP of the 2022 Underclassman All-American Game with 34 points … Played in the 2023 UA Next Elite 24 …

Evan Tomes 10/22/23