NBA Comparison: Wenyen Gabriel

Strengths: 6’8 left-handed forward … Good length … Solid strength and physicality. Doesn’t shy away from contact and draws fouls at a good rate. Shot 6.1 free throws per game at 70% FT% over the NIBC in 2021-22 … Consistently plays hard on both ends … Uses mismatch in the post … Good athlete and quick first step. Dunks off the vert and uses minimal gathers in half-court situations. Doesn’t need space when rising up, jumps well and throws down dunks in the crowded paint. Uses his right (weak) hand to finish … Averaged 16.3 points per game on 49.2% FG% over the NIBC in 2021-22 … Good rebounder on both ends. Averaged a 4^th best 7.5 (3^rd best 2.9 offensive) rebounds per game over the NIBC in 2021-22 … Versatile defender, literally defending every position in high school. In the game against IMG Academy, he spent time matched up against both Jaden Bradley (PG) and Jarace Walker (C) at different times in the game. Does a solid job defending in the post and consistently sits and moves his feet on the perimeter. Does a nice job switching. Covers a lot of ground and never fails to contest shots …

Weaknesses: Plays hunched over and has his head down somewhat often with the ball. Lacks ideal fluidity … Scoring range is limited and lacks consistent 3PT shooting. Pushes shot, release is mechanical, and doesn’t always get proper arc. Shot 20% on 2 3PT attempts per game over the NIBC in 2021-22 … Can improve as a ball-handler as he doesn’t generally beat defenders with his dribble and isn’t incredibly comfortable making moves with the ball. Usually picks up the ball after a few dribbles, looking to hand-off or pass if he doesn’t have a shot. Can be slow making reads with the ball. Unselfish but doesn’t have advanced passing ability and rarely passes on the move … While he plays hard, he tends to play at one speed. Can improve overall offensive technique and lacks creativity, despite scoring efficiently in high school, relying on physical tools will be more difficult at the next levels. Tends to go through stretches where he’s not heavily involved with the offense …

Outlook: Duke freshman … Transferred to Sunrise Christian Academy for his senior year … Scored 19 points (8-13 FG, 2-3 3PT) in the 2022 McDonald’s All-American Game … Played in the 2022 Iverson Classic …

Evan Tomes 8/27/22