Robert Woodard, 6'5, SG/SF, Mississippi, Class of 2018
Jonathan Givony
Strengths -Doesn't have great height for the wing yet (around 6-5) but is extremely long with a near 7-foot wingspan, which allows him to play bigger than his size. -Also has a very strong frame. Has added 16 pounds in the last year according to our measurements database -Extremely steady, versatile and mature for a player his age -Has an excellent feel for the game. Unselfish player who finds the open man -Making significant improvement as a jump-shooter. Seems to have improved his shooting range. Used to have a long hitch at the end of his jumper that he's slowly eliminating -Very competitive defensively. Gets in passing lanes frequently. Outstanding rebounder. Stays in front of opponents. Can guard multiple positions
Weaknesses -Not exceptionally athletic -Skill-level still a work in progress. Ball-handling ability is mostly limited to a straight line -Shoots a rainbow jumper that still lacks great consistency at the moment. -Slightly undersized for the wing
Outlook: One of the most improved players at the Camp compared to last year. Father played at Mississippi State. Solomon Hill-esqe small forward who can slide to the power forward spot in certain situations. USA Basketball staff members rave about his intangibles and work ethic, which is a great sign for his future.
Robert Woodard (#14 Future150) didn't wow anyone in his week of practices at USA Basketball, but was one of the rare forwards who could stretch the floor effectively, and with his huge 6-11 ½ wingspan and chiseled 214 pound frame, has ample size to guard most power forwards this age as well.
Standing 6-4 ½ without shoes, Woodard is somewhat caught between positions, but is versatile enough to make that work at this stage. His 6-11+ wingspan obviously helps a great deal. He passes the ball unselfishly, attacks closeouts intelligently, and knocks down mid-range jumpers and even 3-pointers (inconsistently), but has good enough mechanics that he should be able to develop this part of his game in time. He played hard throughout the week of practices, and even though he's not especially athletic or skilled, did enough to impress the USA Basketball staff and earn a spot on the 12-man final roster.
We talked to him about his development as a basketball player and much more in the following interview:
One of the youngest players in attendance, having just recently turned 15, Robert Woodard showed a very nice feel for the game and outside shooting stroke to compliment his excellent measurements for a wing player, at 6-4 ½ without shoes, with a 6-11 ½ wingspan and 207 pound frame.
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