NBA Comparison: Kenrich Williams / Trentyn Flowers

Strengths: Sanders is a skilled, cerebral combo forward who excels in the halfcourt with a smooth pull-up game and strong decision-making … Measured 6’7” barefoot with a 6’8.25” wingspan and 8’7” standing reach at the 2025 NBA Draft Combine … His 36.0” max vertical is solid, though he doesn’t play above the rim … Sanders is a capable three-level scorer who thrives off the dribble, particularly in pick-and-roll and isolation settings … He has a fluid shooting stroke that extends to NBA range, hitting 34.2% from three and 79.5% from the line in 2024–25 … His ability to create space using contact and footwork stands out, compensating for average burst … Averaged 4.5 assists per game and facilitated for teammates in the role of point forward, with his passing making him intriguing in a “Slo-Mo” Kyle Anderson-type role … He protects the ball well, limiting turnovers and making smart decisions … Sanders is poised and composed, rarely rushed, and plays with a veteran’s feel for the game …

Weaknesses: Sanders lacks elite athleticism and length, with a near-even wingspan to height ratio, which limits his defensive versatility and rebounding impact … His lateral quickness is average, making it challenging to stay in front of quicker guards … In transition, he is just average, lacking the speed to consistently beat defenders down the court … Defensively, he can struggle against more athletic opponents due to his lack of explosiveness and length … His rebounding numbers are modest for his size, partly due to his physical limitations … While his shooting is solid, he is not considered an elite marksman, and his release can be slightly slow, allowing defenders to contest effectively …

Outlook: Sanders is a late bloomer who spent four years at Cal Poly before transferring to Nevada for his fifth year, thanks to a COVID eligibility extension … At Nevada, he averaged 15.8 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 4.5 assists per game, showcasing his ability to lead an offense and create for others … His experience and maturity are evident in his play, and he could be a valuable addition to a team looking for a steady, intelligent forward off the bench … While his athletic limitations may cap his ceiling, his skill set and basketball IQ make him a potential second-round pick or undrafted free agent who can contribute in the right system …

Notes: Measured 6’7.00” barefoot, 203.2 lbs, 6’8.25” wingspan, 8’7.00” standing reach, 30.0” no step vertical and 36.0” max vertical at the 2025 NBA Draft Combine … Played four seasons at Cal Poly before transferring to Nevada for the 2024–25 season … Born in San Diego, California …

Aran Smith 5/19/25