NBA Comparison: Cole Anthony

Strengths: 6’2 combo guard … Good length … Can play on or off the ball … Quick first step with the ball and effective jab step. Stays under control at a quick pace … Effective pull-up off the dribble, stops on a dime, and gets shot off with little space from the defender. Gets hot from outside and can be a dangerous 3PT shooter. Good arc on shot and shoots off the catch or dribble … Good free throw shooter. Shot 75% (3-4) FT% at the U17 World Cup in 2022 and 77.5% FT% over the Nike EYBL in 2023 … Creative and plays well off the dribble, changing speed and direction well with the ball. Doesn’t pick up his dribble early or put himself in bad situations with the ball. Effective crossover. Drives well going to his left or right and doesn’t need triple threat to get to the rim. Good body control and hits difficult shots at the rim with either hand … Reads and reacts well with the ball. Good court vision and makes impressive passes mid-drive. Averaged 3.6 assists to 0.4 turnovers per game at the U17 World Cup in 2022 and 2.8 assists to 1.6 turnovers per game over the Nike EYBL in 2023 … Defends well and puts pressure on the ball-handler. Averaged 2.1 steals per game at the U17 World Cup in 2022 and 1.7 steals per game over the Nike EYBL in 2023 … Tough player and highly confident … Younger for his class, will turn 18 in July after high school graduation …

Weaknesses: Slight frame and lacks strength … Very quick but isn’t an explosive athlete and is a below the rim finisher … Can improve scoring efficiency as well as shot selection. Averaged 4.6 points per game on 40.7% FG% at the U17 World Cup in 2022 and 15 points per game on 43.5% FG% over the Nike EYBL in 2023 … Good 3PT shooter but can improve consistency. Shot 33.3% 3PT% on 5.6 3PT attempts per game over the Nike EYBL in 2023 … Undersized if his identity is based around scoring, which seems to be his natural approach. Still has room to grow as a playmaker, especially if he’s going to run the point at the next levels and reach his potential …

Outlook: Kentucky commit … Played in the 2022 UA Next Elite 24 … Won Gold at the U17 World Cup in 2022 …

Evan Tomes 11/15/23