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Eddie Basden NBA Draft Scouting Report

Eddie Basden NBA Draft Scouting Report
Mar 29, 2005, 06:04 am
Strengths
Hard working, smart, gritty, energy type swingman. Fundamentally sound. Strong, chiseled body that he always keeps in top shape. All around role player who does a little bit of everything. Capable of dominating a game at the NCAA level without scoring. Plays with passion, but patiently and under control. Doesn't force things, lets the game come to him. Tough player, mentally strong and has an excellent court demeanor. Not afraid to hit the deck to come up with a loose ball. Good intangibles and the right attitude. Quiet leader who doesn't complain and leads by example.

Best attribute as far as the NBA is concerned is his outstanding disruptive defense, both man to man and team. Capable of locking down anyone from the 1-3 positions. An instinctive defender, sees things before they happen and always seems be in the right place at the right time. Terrific anticipation skills, gets in the passing lanes, comes up with a lot of steals, but without risking his defensive positioning excessively. Speed is not an issue as his lateral movement is fantastic. Has excellent strength and terrific hands. An excellent rebounder, despite his size.

Offensively, he's not a scorer, but he won't hurt you in the team concept. Has good ball-handling skills and is capable of bringing the ball up the floor. Will score some baskets if you give him an open look, by getting in the passing lanes and coming up with steals, or simply by being in the right place at the right time. Good unselfish passer, who understands the game and how to fit in within it. Averages almost 4 assists per game, which is excellent for a swingman who doesn't always have the ball in his hands.

Weaknesses
Size is a concern, listed at 6-5 but may be an inch or more smaller than that. We'll have to wait for measurements to get a final read and evaluate how that affects his draft stock. Athletically, he's not a freak. Has decent quickness, but nothing outstanding. 1st step is just average and he'll struggle to create his own shots at the next level. Will probably be relegated to a defensive specialist role in the NBA, but players like that aren't too hard to find in free agency considering his size. While he can hit the open three (shot 38% on the year), perimeter shooting isn't a real strength of his, as he only hit 22 three pointers all season, and only 40 in his entire college career.

Competition
Has been a role player for his entire college career, but really emerged as an excellent player this year for Charlotte down the stretch, helping them to get voted into the various polls, and forcing NBA scouts to recognize him as a legit draft prospect. Despite his size, he was the 5th best rebounder in C-USA this year, averaging 8.4 per game. He also scored 15 points a game, and averaged 3.7 assists and 3.2 steals. His matchups with super athletic swingman Rodney Carney will most likely be the tapes his agent will be sending out to NBA teams.

Charlotte received a 7 seed in the NCAA tournament and were upset by NC State in the first round. Basden scored 15 points (5-14) and pulled down 10 rebounds to go along with 4 assists, 2 steals and 4 turnovers. He was the one asked to guard NC State star Julius Hodge, but could not take him out of his comfort zone as he ended up as the catalyst for NC State with 19 points (8-12 FG), 9 assists and 7 rebounds.

Outlook
Basden is a 2nd round prospect, but could go undrafted if things don't go well at workouts, Portsmouth and Chicago if he is invited. He will get lots of invites to summer leagues and will definitely get his chance to make an NBA squad and prove that he can be a valuable role player.

Comments
While Basden certainly isn't the most intriguing prospect in the draft in terms of scoring ability or upside, he could very well make an NBA roster this summer thanks to his defense, attitude and versatility. His measurements will be key.

Facts
Didn't start playing organized basketball until the 10th grade.

C-USA player of the year and defense player of the year. Only player in conference history to win both awards except for Kenyon Martin and Dwyane Wade.

Owns the Conference USA all-time steals record.

Played high school basketball with Celtics guard Delonte West, and the two are still best friends.


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