NBA Comparison: Desmond Bane/Mitch Richmond

Strengths: Bigtime scorer with a variety of ways to gets points … Absolute bully of a lefty wing … Defenders opposite Shannon risk being put on a poster … Looks to rip the rim off. One of the more ferocious attackers and dunkers in college basketball …  Relentless attacker who is on another level in terms of strength compared to peers. Even in the NBA, strength, especially on the drive, is likely to continue to be his calling card … Will likely continue to be one of the strongest players at his size and position in the pros … Is an equal threat to attack the basket on the break, in the half court off the dribble, or half court on a cut … Finishes through contact, gets the and-1 … Gets to the line a lot (9 free throw attempts per game as a senior) and converts at an excellent rate (80%) … Known more at this point for his scoring, but is a capable and interested defender… Strong base allow him to move his feet quickly and absorb contact on the defensive end … Good size at 6’7 with a 6’8 wingspan and 8’6 standing reach … Capable of scoring in volume and with excellent efficiency (48% from the field during 2023-24) … Generally good selection … Third in the country in scoring at 23 ppg and shows the versatility to score from all three levels … Only player in college basketball with 7 made FT and 2 made 3P per game (only one player in NBA with that statistic – Luka Doncic) …

Weaknesses: Has a bit of a funky and low release on his shot. It starts low and it’s a sort of a fling (release has some similarity to Damien Lillard)  … But release is quick, and results are reasonably strong (36% from three in 2023-24 season) but could improve… Not the most prolific playmaker for teammates … Passing and vision are not his strong suit … He is not close to being someone that you can run an offense through… Handle could improve and overall ability to get his own shot and create for teammates … Doesn’t have the best outside shot yet, and ability to knockdown the three is likely to be a very important part of his game at the next level … Does not have great length, but has not shown any signs of suffering on the defensive end as a result so far …

Notes: Measured 6′ 5.50” barefoot, 8′ 6.00” standing reach, 220 lbs and a 6′ 8.00” wingspan and a 32 inch standing vertical and a 37.5′ inch max vertical at the 2023 NBA Draft Combine Measured 6’5.5” barefoot, 6’6.5” in shoes 8’4.0” standing reach, 206.6 lbs, and 6’8.25” wingspan at the 2021 NBA Draft Combine … Transferred from Texas Tech after his junior year to Illinois … Is playing the 2023-24 season at Illinois as a fifth year senior … 2024 First-team All-Big Ten by the coaches, media, and AP … 2023 First-Team All-Big Ten (coaches) and Second-Team All-Big Ten (media) … Father played basketball professionally for 20 years … Also played football in high school (wide receiver) … Lists favorite athletes as Cam Newton, Giannis Antetokounmpo and Russell Westbrook … Missed a number of games for Illinois in 2023-24 due to being accused of rape, but was later reinstated and permitted to finish out the season  … This will be brought up for him in interviews but it remains to be seen how, if at all, it impacts his eligibility going forward and draft position …

Drew Wolin 3/30/24

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