NBA Comparison: Sam Dekker/Gordon Hayward

Strengths: Athletic, tough, and versatile wing … Can score in a variety of ways, including from beyond the 3 point arc – in his freshman season, over half of his field goal attempts come from three point range, where he converts at 35%… Does not need to be featured on offense to be effective … Goes after offensive rebounds, showing toughness on the boards … Has a smooth shooting stroke with a consistent and quick shooting motion … Team guy and solid decision maker … A quality free throw shooter (77%) who should be able to improve to being an 80+% FT shooter over time … Despite having good explosive ability, generally absorbs contact and finishes with crafty below-the-rim layups at the hoop rather than an explosive dunk … Should be able to learn to utilize his athleticism as he ages and gets stronger … Good soft touch around the hoop… Great size and skill set as a modern NBA wing … Turned 20 in December making him one of the younger prospects for this year’s NBA Draft …

Weaknesses: Seen as a development project and on top of that not a bigtime athlete … Has a good feel, but it’s apparent he’s still extremely raw and in need of time … At this point is more of a catch and shoot / finish player than someone who creates off the dribble… is a decent passer but has a ways to go in polishing his decision making … Can be a bit slow footed and / or upright on defense, needs to work on mechanics and focus … Has shown good leaping ability, off two feet but needs to improve in body control in order to utilize it to finish above the rim … Needs to add strength at just 22 lbs …Good height but lacks length …  Lacks a huge wingspan, arms length appear to be just average and probably has a near equal or close to equal height to wingspan …

Notes: Earned All-Big 12 Honorable Mention and Big 12 All-Freshman Team in 2024… Reclassified to 2023 class… has a brother, Joe, and a sister, Holly. Joe is a professional Australian Football player, and Holly currently plays soccer at Santa Clara… His father, Richard, played Australian Football professionally, and his mother competed in diving at a national level… Johnny reportedly is also an excellent Australian Football and cricket player… Had a signature 17 point (6-7 from the field), 8 rebound outing in a Feb 3 blowout win over #4 ranked Houston …

Drew Wolin 3/21/24