NBA Comparison: Tari Eason

Strengths: 6’8 athletic wing … Good size and length for position with a 6’10.5 wingspan … Strong frame. Plays physical and initiates contact … High-level athlete with translatable run and jump ability, especially off one foot. Long strides in the open floor. Thrives in an up-tempo style where he can trap, run, and dunk in the open floor. Quick first step and slashes well in the half-court. Reads tip-slam opportunities well … Scoring stats: 19 PPG 65.3% FG% U16 Americas Championship 2021, 11.1 PPG 53.6% FG% U17 World Cup 2022, 10.2 PPG 45.8% FG% Nike EYBL 2022 … Changes direction well with the ball. Unselfish and shows instincts as a passer. Capable of making the right pass mid-attack and shows good timing hitting teammates in stride … Versatile and physical defender, can guard up or down in the lineup, and defends well on and off the ball. Takes contact and holds position defending in the post. Moves feet well laterally. Loves to trap, jump passes, and defend full court to turn defense into offense. Draws charges. Shows shot blocking instincts and covers ground well for position … High energy and motor on both ends. Good aggression and confidence … Younger for class, turned 18 in July after high school graduation …

Weaknesses: Strong frame but still has room to fill out … Good arc on shot and can get hot as a streaky shooter but he isn’t real consistent from 3PT right now. Shot 22.2% 3PT% on 1.5 3PT attempts per game at the U16 Americas Championship in 2021 and 28.9% 3PT% on 2.9 3PT attempts per game over the Nike EYBL in 2022 … Poor free throw shooter: 58.3% FT% U16 Americas Championship 2021, 58.8% FT% U17 World Cup 2022, 60.5% FT% Nike EYBL 2022 … Can improve shot creating and offensive technique overall, needing to smooth out areas in his offense. Drives can be forced and straight-line, lacking creativity and wiggle … Can improve decision making with the ball … Has the reputation as a strong rebounder but numbers can increase and there’s room for growth considering his height and abilities. Averaged 6.6 rebounds per game at the U17 World Cup and 5.8 rebounds per game over the Nike EYBL in 2022 … Can work on using left hand at the rim … Picks up unnecessary fouls at times …

Outlook: G-League Ignite rookie … Recorded 11 points (5-8 FG), 6 rebounds (3 offensive), 3 blocks, and 2 steals in the 2023 McDonald’s All-American Game … Recorded 15 points (9-10 FT), 9 rebounds, 5 assists, and 6 steals in the 2023 Nike Hoop Summit … Won Gold at both U16 Americas Championship in 2021 and U17 World Cup in 2022 … Named to the All-Tournament Team at the U16 Americas Championship in 2021 … 2023 Naismith High School Boys All-American 1^st Team … 2023 Texas Gatorade Player of the Year …

Evan Tomes 8/12/23