NBA Comparison: Jeff Teague / Brandon Jennings

Strengths: Lightning quick lefty guard in a small frame … A blur in every sense. Puts points on the board in a hurry … Fiery competitor … Fearless … Despite size, rarely has any trouble getting his shot off, even inside among the towers … Effortlessly glides around the floor and creates separation at ease … Thrived in the 6th man microwave role for Bruce Pearl and Auburn as a freshman, and projects to play a similar role as a pro … Composed, especially for a freshman on an elite team. Auburn earned a 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament and reached the Final 4, and he was often the team’s top offensive option, especially when Auburn needed a tough bucket in a high stakes scenario … A dynamo in the open court, can beat everyone up the floor and finish with a dunk or lay in … In the half court, operates well in the pick and roll and is special in iso, making something out of nothing. At the end of the shot clock or in a clutch situation, he’s an asset … Scores at all 3 levels. Plants his feet, gets elevation, and curls around the defense for a crafty finish… Gets up with exceptional hang time… Excellent separation off the dribble, including on the step back… 2:1 A:TO ratio, (3 apg coming off the bench in SEC) which is especially impressive given aggressive and improvisational style of play… Capable passer, including the highlight play, though scoring is more his calling card… Not a standout defender, but does possess decent timing on defense and on the steal, which he can quickly turn into 2 points … As a testament of his athleticism, especially going back to high school, has a number of highlight blocks on the defensive end … Proved he is not afraid of the spotlight, had his best month of the year in March this past season … Born 8/3/05, still ripe age of 19 which helps his cause from an upside projection standpoint … Knocked down 70-191 three pointers, 36.6% on the year, intriguing numbers for a freshman point guard …

Weaknesses: Combine Measurements are sure to create some sticker shock, causing teams to re-evluate the value, but it’s there  … Size is the obvious question, will be one of the smallest players in the NBA in height and weight. He is remarkably strong for his size and has other gifts that can offset the lack of size, but life is tough in the NBA for small guards, especially defensively … Can create and hit impossible shots including in the clutch. But not the most efficient scorer overall. Fits a specific role (microwave) … Pettiford’s success will depend on his ability to put up points in a hurry even against NBA competition, while not being a net negative on defense … Can he defend bigger, stronger guards? Will he be a liability on any defensive switch situation? … Can his body hold up over the NBA season long haul, let alone over numerous seasons of it? Relies a lot on his athletic gifts … May struggle to contribute initially at such a young age, combined with the size and defensive concerns …

Notes: Named to the McDonald’s and Jordan Classic All American rosters in 2024 … Was “just” a 4 star recruit coming out of high school in Jersey City, is “ahead of schedule” already declaring for the draft after his freshman season. Pettiford says, “I’m looking for an NBA team that values my skill set and sees my long-term potential… [If I do return to school then] I can’t leave this type of situation. I trust BP (coach Bruce Pearl) with all my heart, so I will roll with him. Loyalty is important to me.”

Drew Wolin 4/10/24

Strengths: 6’1 left-handed athletic guard … Explosive athlete with good body control and capable of highlight dunks. Very good athlete in the open floor and throws down dunks with either hand. Fearless taking it to the rim with aggression and capable of dunking on defenders … Shifty, quick with the ball, and first step. Stays under control at a high speed. Can stop on a dime and rise up into his shot before the defense can react … Averaged 16.7 points per game on 49.3% FG% over the Nike EYBL in 2023 … Shooting can be streaky and he can be quick trigger, but he has some natural shot-making ability. While he had some off games (2-9, 1-12, 0-4, 0-5) from 3PT, he ultimately shot a respectable 37.9% 3PT% at a high-volume of 7.3 3PT attempts per game over the Nike EYBL in 2023 … Numbers dropped a bit but solid free throw shooter. Shot 84.6% FT% over the Nike EYBL in 2022 and 74.4% FT% in 2023 … Defends well on and off the ball. Makes the ball-handler uncomfortable and does an excellent job staying in front. Good instincts and jump passes to turn defense into offense. Steal stats: 1.1 SPG Nike EYBL 2022, 3^rd best 2.2 SPG Nike EYBL 2023, 4^th best 1.4 SPG NBPA Top 100 2023 … Confident and always gives best effort …

Weaknesses: Lacks strength … Has some length but lacks size overall and is more of a combo than true point guard. At 6’1 he could take on more of an initiation role, as his natural approach is as a scorer and he spends a lot of time off the ball, spacing the floor. Passing is solid and he keeps turnovers low, but it’s an area that must continue to grow. Can look to create more and expand his offense in the half-court … As mentioned earlier, he can be quick with the trigger, taking the first shot he sees and despite shooting very respectable from 3, there’s more potential there. If he can erase some of those outlier shooting deficiencies, he’ll be an incredibly dangerous perimeter threat …

Outlook: Auburn commit … Played in the 2022 and 2023 UA Next Elite 24, recording 12 points, 4 rebounds, and a game high 7 assists in 2022 …

Evan Tomes 10/24/23