NBA Comparison: Markus Howard

Strengths: … Small but efficient point guard … Explosive leaper. Capable of highlight dunks when he gets an open path to the basket, or on the break …  Extremely efficient stats with a 2-0 assist to turnover ratio and high level shooting splits (47.5 43.4 87.6) … Quick player, with excellent speed in the open floor … one of the draft’s top shooters … Shot is 43% from three and near 90% (87) from FT, all of which on high volume … Very determined and motivated player … Quick release on his shot should help some with size getting shots away … Solid in pick and roll actions, making good reads on when to shoot and when to get it to his roll or pop man … 6’4 wingspan helps make up for his lack of size somewhat … Still just 21 years of age, turning 22 in August, a “baby” in terms of age for a senior in the 2024 NBA Draft … Doesn’t who any major holes offensively, besides size potentially making it difficult to get easy looks … Analytics really enhanced by rebounding production … 5.8 boards per game is exceptional for a 6’1 point guard … Mentally tough competitor …

Weaknesses: Very small in today’s NBA at just 6’0 barefoot and a 7’9 standing reach … Size creates problems on both ends of the floor both defensively and getting shots off cleanly … Size limits his effectiveness in other areas when he’s not directly involved in scoring or assisting … Not a rebounder, not a disruptor on defense, so the offense has to be that much better to compensate for the negatives analytically … At 187 lbs, probably close to maxing out physically, but decent strength in relation to many guards his size … Has a transition to make with playing against bigger, longer and more athletic opponents every time out …

Outlook: Probably deserved Pac 12  player of the year but was edged out by Arizona’s Caleb Love … Was one of the nation’s most prolific and efficient scorers … Projected as a late second to undrafted player for the 2024 NBA Draft … Solid potential to ultimately make it with teams that value undersized, good shooting, back up point guards …

Notes: Measured: 6′ 0.25” barefoot, 187 lbs, 6′ 4.50” wingspan, 7′ 9.50” standing reach, 32.5 standing vert,  40.5 max vert at the 2024 NBA Draft Combine … Native of Southern California … Grew up idolizing Kobe and a fan of the LA Lakers …

Aran Smith 6/27/24