NBA Comparison: Jordan Poole

Strengths: Skilled combo guard with scoring ability … Possesses a good change of pace that he uses to get defenders off balance. Is able to make a move, keep his dribble, and then capitalize once his defender makes a mistake. Rarely allows defenders to dictate his pace. Uses a good mix of head fakes and ball handling moves to manipulate defenders. Routinely extends plays by continuing to attack defenders to force help side rotations, allowing for his teammates to find openings. Excellent at step back jumpers, especially off the pick and roll – creates a lot of space on his step backs. If defenders stay with his step back, he’s often able to drive to the rim and finish. Always has his eyes up when driving, allowing him to find cutting teammates for easy baskets when the defense helps. Mixes long strides and short choppy steps to create angles to attack. Shoots layups and runners from multiple angles and release points, making it difficult for shot blockers to anticipate his timing. Showed major improvement as a sophomore in getting to the free throw line and shooting a much improved percentage. Only scored in single digits 4 times his sophomore year

Weaknesses: Not the explosive athlete you’d hope for at 6’4”. Lacks length with just a 6’4 wingspan …  Has a thin frame that needs to put on muscle at the next level. Passes aren’t always the most accurate – passes don’t always hit teammates in the shooting pocket. This can force teammates to take more difficult shots from time to time. Has a narrow base on his jump shots which projects better for shooting off the bounce as opposed to catch and shoot. Narrow shot base can make it easier for him to be off balance while elevating on his shot. Doesn’t get ideal elevation on his shot, which can lead to easier contests. Can try to do too much, resulting in turnovers. Over-dribbles when met with pressure. Showed a poor second effort at times defensively. Florida’s defense liked to switch 1-4 on ball screens, Mann will have to get used to fighting through/around screens more often. Allows his center of gravity to get too high while defending and can find himself getting beaten by quick guards as a result.

Outlook: Mann is a skilled scorer and creator with the ball in his hands. He knows how to manipulate defenders and get to his spots on the court. However, he plays much smaller than he is, so even at 6’5”, he’s a one position player as he plays closer to 6’1”. His ability to create his own looks in the pick and roll and find ctters should translate very well to the NBA and he can make an impact right away. He likely needs to make some minor mechanical adjustments to his jumpshot, but he projects to be a solid rotation player early in his career with an opportunity to grow into a major contributor. If he can improve defensively and develop his body, he could end up being a steal in the draft.

Notes: Measured: 6’3.25” barefoot, 6’4.25”in shoes,  8’2.5” standing reach, 177.6 lbs,  6’4.0” wingspan at the 2021 NBA Draft Combine …

Eric Yearian 6/1/21