NBA Comparison: Desmond Bane

Strengths: Versatile, crafty, strong offensive minded player with a good all around game … A nightmare to defend, because he is always moving and a remarkably smart and tricky offensive weapon … Good and controlled on the drive… Effective and willing passer and playmaker, a bit of a point forward… Has a nice, soft touch in the lane including a polished floater …  Does not blow away with vertical leap. But has nice hang time, stays controlled, and does well on the delayed finish after absorbing contact in the air … Can hit the pull up mid-range off the dribble … Excellent set of simple but effective dribble moves, hesi-stops opponents in their tracks… Relatively strong guard who keeps position on the drive by out-muscling his opponent … Excellent at getting a half-step past the defender and holding his ground via the Chris Paul offensive “box out”… Can mix it up in the post, hit a drop step and finish with the slam in a halfcourt set … Faster in the open floor and on the fast break than he appears … Prolific offensive player … In his junior season at Cal put up 19.6 / 6.8 / 3.5 (points / rebounds / assists) averages on solid 46.5 / 36.0 / 79.6 percentages from FG / 3P / FT … Smart and tough player with an advanced feel and all around game … At 21 and a half, relatively young for this year’s draft class …

Weaknesses: Not the fastest wing … Can be somewhat methodical / predictable in his dribble driving . Despite this he may find ways to be effective off the dribble despite lack of blow by speed … Not a standout vertical athlete … Lack of great foot speed affects his on ball defensive upside  … Does not possess blow by speed but is excellent at getting to his spots … At Cal was really a feature offensive player … Can he fit seamlessly into an offensive scheme with a reduced role?  … Upside may be seen as somewhat limited as a player with a polished game and filled out body …

Notes: Transferred twice before finding a great fit at Cal … Started his collegiate career at Texas, before transferring to Texas Tech and ultimately landing at Cal… Voted onto the All-Pac-12 First Team & the NABC All-District 19 First Team in 2024; was the first Golden Bear since Ivan Rabb in 2016-17 to earn those honors … Athletic family. Brother Jordyn is a wide receiver at Arizona State and his other brother Berron played football at South Alabama …

Drew Wolin 5/14/24

Notes: Measured 6′ 5.50” barefoot, 8′ 6.50” standing reach, 218.2 lbs, 6′ 8.00” wingspan, 29.5 standing vert, 36.5 max vert at the 2024 NBA Draft Combine …