Strengths: Landon is one of the most intense players in the nation. He doesn’t show it with the same flair and gusto as classmate Greivis Vasquez, but he is all business on the court and takes losing very seriously. He’s never distracted. … Authoritative finisher around the rim. In any given game, he’s liable to put up a SportsCenter-worthy dunk, particularly right in the face of the opposition. … Two years as a four meant added weight and strength. Landon can finish with contact and defend the post well for a natural wing. … Is in tremendous physical shape, chiseled thanks to Maryland’s top-rate weight-training program that has produced numerous NFL combine workout wonders. … Great midrange jump shot evolved in Gary Williams’ flex offense system. … Not a ball-reliant player at all. He can go long stretches, even games, with limited touches while still being effective on defense and the boards. … A smart defender who plays well in man-to-man and has learned zone as Terrapins have brought it out on occasion his senior and junior years. He’s also very good in the mid-court position of full-court press defense. … Very dangerous in the fast break, whether finishing or following on the wing.

Weaknesses: Playing alongside Ty Lawson as a senior in high school and Vasquez and Eric Hayes for four years at Maryland, Landon never developed any playmaking skills. He never creates plays for teammates and rarely does so for himself. … Lacks a great first step, despite his athleticism. As a result, he struggles to break down defenders from the wing, and operates best when his ball-handling is kept to a minimum. … Has disappeared at times for the Terrapin offense. He can have four or five big games in a row, then not reach double digits in the next five. … Playing with Vasquez, has never been asked to take the big shot in a game. … Not a true lockdown wing defender, better guarding undersized college fours and on help defense. … May not quite measure up against many small forwards, though length helps make up for that. … Good midrange jumper doesn’t extend out to NBA 3-point line. … Fits a mold in the NBA, but athletic wings without great range come a dime a dozen. Landon will have to test off the charts in terms of athleticism to really stand out in the crowd.

Adi Joseph 3/3/10