NBA Comparison: Leon Powe

Strengths: Bigman with excellent shooting ability with determination and solid feel for the game … Developed into one of the top bigmen at the NCAA level and a go to scorer on the block as well as becoming very consistent knocking down face up shots in the mid range … Sanogo was a key piece to UConn’s National Championship run … Has a consistent shot out to college three point range … High level free throw shooter … Despite being very undersized height wise at 6’7.25 barefoot, he has a plus 7.5′ inch wingspan over height measurement with a 7’2.5″ inch wingspan … His 9′.5″ standing reach is solid for a center … Turned 21 in January (12th) giving him an intriguing age as he’s got maturity but still younger than a number of other players in this year’s draft … Free throw improvement over college career is a testament to his hard work and dedication, going from 57.7% as a FR to 68.6% as a SO to 76.6% as a JR … Uses his length well on rebounds and ally oop finishes … After attempting just one 3 pointer in his first two seasons, added a three point shot to his arsenal as a junior … Hit 19-52 three pointers as a junior, good for 35.8% from distance … Well coached. Knows how to play to his strengths and use his strong body to his advantage … Plays to his strengths. Stays within his lane and doesn’t go outside his comfort zone … The fact that he has improved his game so much is a good sign that he can continue to improve and has excellent determination and work habits … Averaged 1.9 blocks per game as a sophomore, an outlier season from a shot blocking standpoint but shows the ability to get blocked shots, particularly off the ball on drives, when he puts his mind to it … While not a huge leaper, shows decent body control … Does a good job of getting defenders to bite on pump fakes and then punishes them with jumping into the and using his strength to finish through contact … Puts the ball on the deck and gets by opponents well utilizing jump hooks and spin moves on the block … Seals his man well showing good understanding of post play … Very good passer, (1.3 apg) using his vision and feel to find cutting teammates around the basket …

Weaknesses: At just 6’7.25 barefoot, lacks great height playing center at the NBA level … Figures to struggle defensively especially when forced to switch in pick and roll and pick and pop situations, as his lateral speed is below average … Below average speed running the floor … A below the rim athlete … Had just a 31 inch max vertical, among the smallest at this year’s combine … Not very athletic, generally does not make many plays in the open floor and operates better within a controlled half court setting than running the floor and making above the rim plays … He does not provide much in shot blocking despite his good length … Averaged just .8 blocks per game as a junior … Shoots a bit of a set shot so he may struggle to get shot off if defenders play up on him …

Notes: Measured: 6′ 7.25” barefoot, 9′ 0.50” standing reach, 257.8 lbs, 7′ 2.75” wingspan and a 31 inch maximum vertical at the 2023 NBA Draft Combine … Native of Bamako, Mali … Came to the USA at age 15 to pursue his education and following the advice of his Uncle, decided to pursue a career in basketball …

Aran Smith 6/12/23