stephen-zimmerman-hd.jpeg

33 - Stephen Zimmerman

6-11, 235 Power Forward/Center
UNLV Freshman
Birthday
09/09/96 (27.5 yrs)
Hometown
Las Vegas, NV
High School
Bishop Gorman
Team Site Profile
Statistics
Athleticism
8
Size
9
Defense
8
Strength
7
Quickness
8
Leadership
7
Jump Shot
8
NBA Ready
7
Rebounding
8
Potential
8
Post Skills
7
Intangibles
6

NBA Comparison: Cole Aldrich/Tyler Zeller

Strengths: Possesses a very solid skill set and high basketball IQ that will allow him to eventually be impactful in the NBA … True 7-footer with 7’3” wingspan that can put it on the floor, block shots, and willing passer that looks to make plays for others … Has great touch around the basket with a decent hook shot with his left hand … Solid player in halfcourt situations. Very unselfish with high-level passing ability and decision-making … Great feel for the game with solid offensive skill set … Decent athlete that plays hard with high motor that can defend multiple pick-and-roll situations and has demonstrated the ability to recover in defensive situations … High energy player that can get up and down the floor and create open shots in transition … Mobile for a big man with ability to play the 4 and 5 positions … Can also play as a stretch 4 at next level due to above average mobility and good midrange shooting ability … Has the ability to put the ball on the floor and create shots and drive from the high to mid-post regions of the floor …

Weaknesses: Needs to improve his post play for the next level on both ends … Given his size, needs to learn how to use his body better and improve his ability to create in the post … Decent leaper off two feet although can appear to be less explosive when having to explode from a standstill position near the rim … Has the tendency to play upright and doesn’t properly load hips to absorb contact, especially in deeper low-post situations … Forces him to play farther out at times and doesn’t establish solid position or seal off completely, also forcing him to get pushed out at times and settle for farther shots … Will need to add lower body strength to be more explosive and stay low … When catching ball in short corner situations, needs to do a better job of staying in a power stance with hips low in order to absorb and finish through contact while using his length … Didn’t show physicality and appeared to shy away from contact at times during low-post and rebounding situations … Needs to get physically stronger overall and fill out his frame in order to become a more effective defender in the post as well as a better rebounder, given his wingspan and length … Somewhat limited making plays with his right hand … Had an arm injury as a kid that never healed properly and makes it so that he cannot fully extend his right arm. There is speculation that he may never be able to full weight train, and therefore will lack strength …

Overall: Zimmerman has the chance to be an impact player down the line in the NBA. Shows flashes of being able to make exceptional plays at both ends … He averaged 8.8 rebounds and 1.9 blocks per game as a freshman while shooting 46.3% from the field … He has some very intriguing skill sets that NBA teams are looking for these days in their bigs including passing, midrange shooting, ball handling, and pick-and-roll IQ on both ends … His length was a major factor in finishing plays around the rim and blocking shots despite not being an elite vertical leaper … Although he possesses solid physical characteristics for the NBA, he desperately needs to fill out his frame and add lower body strength to be more effective playing against NBA big men in the post on both ends … Also needs to be more consistent in his approach and play with more tenacity at times to maximize his potential as an NBA player …

Pete Kaffey 6/14/16

Strengths: 7-footer with above average agility and athleticism … Has excellent size with a 7’3 wingspan on a 7 foot frame … Came into UNLV and proved himself as a force as both a rebounder and shot blocker … Lefty big with soft touch on his shot and shows the makings of becoming an excellent face up and possibly low post scorer … Good feel for the game … A finesse power forward / center prospect … Smooth athlete with good ability to run the floor, play in transition … Can face up and knock down mid-range shots with some consistency … Nice passer, who can usually find the open man when doubled …. Doesn’t try too hard to be flashy or make a ton of mistakes … If anything plays "within himself" too much, as it seems he’s capable of producing more … Solid character kid, who shows desire and coachability … Has the potential to be a two way player … 

Weaknesses: Has all the attributes to stand out but has left many scratching their heads as to why he doesn’t play to his ability more consistently … Intensity and focus can improve … Had games where he really struggled to get on track … Laid back personality follows him onto the court at times … Toughness and confidence should improve over time as he gains strength and experience … Needs to develop more nastiness and seek out contact … Right (off) arm doesn’t straighten out completely (Similar to Brandon Rush). It may cause some red flags in physicals but obviously hasn’t hindered him much … A shy kid who should work on becoming more vocal … Not the most physical of players … While he has decent leg and body strength for his age, his shoulders lack bulk and adding upperbody and core strength will benefit him. May always struggle to add ideal strength … His post game is affected by lack of physcality and strength … Should look to develop better post skills, fight for position on the block … Likely to take some time to realize his talent, making him a candidate to fail with his first team and succeed with his second or third … Shot just 62% from the FT line, which should have been better considering form and touch … Had a freak knee injury during freshman year but bounced back quickly, only missing a few weeks of action …

Notes: Measured 6’10, 241.2 lbs, with a 7’2.75 wingspan and 9’1 reach at the 2014 USA U18 tryouts … Measured 7’0 (in shoes) 224 lbs, with a 7’2 wingspan at he 2014 LeBron James Skills Academy … Measured 6’10 without shoes, 6’10.5 with shoes, 232 lbs, with a 7’3 wingspan and 9’0.5 standing reach at the 2014 USA Junior National Team Mini Camp … Played basketball at the same class and high school, Bishop Gorman, that Snoop Dogg’s son (Cordell Broadus) played football  … Was considered one of the top prospects throughout his high school career, climbing as high as number 1 at points while an underclassmen …

Aran Smith 4/29/16


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