NBA Comparison: Kyle Guy

Strengths: Spencer is a crafty combo guard and will knock down shots when left open… Excellent 3-point shooter that can hit from all over the court, shot 44 percent from beyond the arc in 2023-24 — fifth in the NCAA… Tremendous feel for the game and team mentality … Competitive player who loves to challenge the opposing team’s top players verbally and mentally … Fits into any offense with his floor spacing and awareness on the court. A deadly shooter that knows when and where to get his shots and can make plays in them id-range … A proven winner that elevated his game going from the Patriot League to becoming First Team All-Big East and named to Final Four All-Tournament team … Rebounds well for his size and makes all the right plays, finished eighth in the nation with a 3.6 assist-to-turnover ratio showcasing his high IQ… Shot 91.1 percent from the free throw line — career leader in UConn history. One of, if not the best shooter on every team that he’s played for. Can run the pick and roll and has a lot of basketball knowledge and experience after playing five seasons of Division 1 basketball. Spencer can be a role player and add bench depth and shooting for teams at the next level. Scrappy guard that can provide a spark at any time and light it up when his team needs it.

Weaknesses: While a great shooter who can get open shots, Spencer’s athleticism and agility could be put to the test at the next level… Lack of foot speed could prove difficult to overcome against NBA athletes … Lacks great size for a combo guard 8’2 standing reach … Might not have the size, speed and strength to defend at a high level in the league which could keep him off of the court in the long run especially if the shots aren’t falling. History of injuries including a hip injury that required surgery that took him out for most of his first two years of college. Not great defending on the ball and against players larger than him… Does better as an off-ball spot up shooter, struggles with creating his own shot off of the dribble… Role player seems to be the best outcome for a player of his size and athleticism at the next level … Already 24 years of age, so what you see is what you get to some degree, and upside is not as high as other picks …

Notes: Measured 6′ 3.00” barefoot, 8′ 2.50” standing reach, 201.8 lbs, 6′ 5.00” wingspan, 23 standing vert, 30.5 max vert at the 2024 NBA Draft Combine … Davidsonville, Maryland, native, attended Boys’ Latin High School… Brother of Tewaaraton Award winner and Golden State Warriors guard Pat Spencer (who is also generally considered one of the best lacrosse players in the world) … Attended Loyola-Maryland freshman-junior year before transferring to Rutgers for his senior year and attending UConn for his fifth year. Led Patriot League in scoring in 2021-22 en route to being named First Team All-Patriot League… Named Associated Press Big East Newcomer of the Year in 2024, averaging 14.3 points, 4.9 rebounds and 3.6 assists. Started all 40 games at UConn including eight games of at least 20 points scored …

Liam Wichser 6/19/24