NBA Comparison: Will Barton/Hassan Adams

Strengths: Franklin was the head of the snake for SDSU’s attack on both ends of the court … Standout length and activity level from the wing position … High school high jumper. An explosive leaper off one-foot behind a head of steam … Scoring average soared from 2.9 as a redshirt freshman to 17 as a junior, with feel for the action maturing dramatically in a short period of time … Excellent mid-range stoke was on full display during opening weekend of the NCAA Tournament, off the dribble and the catch … Innate cleverness finding buckets in the lane; uses his body to create release angles and cut off angles for defenders to disrupt … Deceptive strength hiding behind those long sleeves- arrived on campus at 165 lbs. currently up to 205 … Initiates and sells contact, gets to the free throw line nearly 7 times per game and converts there … 38% score efficiency in ISO situations, specifically driving right from the top of the key (62%) … Exhibits high IQ moving away from the ball, thriving as a slasher/cutter/lob recipient … He has a knack for making plays in late clock situations and simply “finding a way”. The 28th leading rebounder in the nation at 9.5 per game, tied for 2nd amongst guards. Rebound and push. Did a better job of keeping his head up on penetration and finding open teammates as a junior (3.3 APG). A high-energy defender with alluring physical traits and 2/3 position versatility. He utilizes his length to play passing lanes aggressively (1.6 SPG). Despite being a master of nothing, brings many positive attributes to the floor … He will turn 22 in July …

Weaknesses: Some scouts question how well Franklin’s game translates to the NBA level … Described by detractors as a wild, undersized (6’5) combo forward that overpowers lesser athletes for mostly garbage baskets … Doesn’t seem to be able to fully utilize his explosiveness in game situations (with contact) … A far less dynamic athlete with ball in hand. Dribbles too upright and has difficulty turning the corner against pressure … He gets by defenders as a result of length more so than elite quickness … Does not convince that he possesses full trust in his handles or off-the-dribble repertoire … Too much settling: 33% of isolation opportunities resulted in a jumper (not including pull-ups); despite shooting just 28% from three-point range attempted 4.5 per game … Often forced into bizarre shot selection because of inefficient team offense … Jump shot lacks elevation with feet spread far apart … Surprisingly inefficient in transition at 0.9 PPP when commanding the break … Not a natural playmaker and frequently careless (3.4 TO) when taking matters into his own hands … His breakdown skills are unlikely to translate to the NBA level. Becoming a more consistent spot up shooting threat (30.1% FG) will be required to accompany his potential as a perimeter defender … Length enables him to hound the ball, but lateral quickness and change of direction are average … On court incident flipping off a fan, and reports came out (on college website) that he actually flipped off a ref after a charge call, which he denied, during first half of New Mexico game. Incident has not helped his cause as a character guy. Something he will no doubt have to account for during interview process … His interviews will likely be instrumental in whether or not he lands in first round …

Notes: Considered a boderline first round pick by NBA scouts …

Adam Ganeles 5/1/13