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| Team: Nevada, Sophomore |
| Physicals | Positions | Rankings | Misc |
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H: 6' 8"
W: 215 lbs
Bday: 06/20/1989
(20 Years Old)
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Current: PF
NBA: SF/PF
Possible: SF
| Round: 2 Pick: 6 in 2011 Mock Draft
Rank 34 in NCAA Sophomores
Rank 71 in Top 100 Prospects
RSCI: 20
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High School: Galena HS
Hometown: Reno, NV
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| Basic Per Game Statistics - Comprehensive Stats - Statistical Top 25s |
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| Top NBA Draft Prospects in the Non-BCS Conferences, Part Two
November 4, 2009
Matt Kamalsky
A left-handed forward holding the rare distinction of being a former McDonald’s All-American opting to play in a small conference, Luke Babbitt didn’t disappoint in his first season at Nevada. Averaging almost 17 points per-game, Babbitt showed the savvy of a much older player. Not sharing the upside that the other comparably hyped players from his class enjoy, Babbitt solidified himself as a top player in the WAC, and has three more years if needed to legitimize his NBA draft stock.
The limiting factor on Babbitt’s NBA potential will always be his physical profile. Not enjoying great size or strength at the power forward position, Babbitt isn’t an imposing physical specimen, and his lack of great quickness and explosiveness only compound concerns about his ability to translate his game to the next level. While both of those concerns will hurt him moving forward, Babbitt was arguably the most polished freshman in the NCAA last season, and possesses the skill-level and smarts to play in the NBA.
A smooth offensive player with an outstanding feel for putting the ball in the basket, and though he doesn't make his teammates better, Babbitt has a number of very promising tools, the most polished of which proved to be his jump shot last season. Displaying a high release point, and a fluid release with his feet set, Babbitt is an exceptional catch and shoot option. According to Synergy Sports Technology, Babbitt makes 70% of his open catch and shoot looks, making teams pay for giving his space. However, Babbitt’s percentages plummet when he’s defended to under 25%. Compare those two numbers with Babbitt’s outstanding 42.9% shooting from beyond the arc, and it seems entirely plausible that Babbitt could improve on his efficiency from deep if he can step away from the block and find more space on the perimeter –quite a feat for a player already ranked in the top-10 in our database in terms of three point percentage.
Though Babbitt’s struggles shooting over defenders translates into his midrange game to an extent, he proves capable of scoring from almost anywhere on the floor, though he's prone to forcing some fadeaway jumpers from inside the arc. Able to put the ball on the floor to get into the lane, Babbitt is a smart player who moves well without the ball, picking and choosing his spots inside the arc, using his body well, and turning the ball over at an extremely low rate for a young first option. Preferring to drive left when facing up from the midrange and tending to turn over his left shoulder in the post, Babbitt can score with a turnaround jumper over either shoulder and flashes a hook shot when he can spin into the middle of the lane. A threat to score whenever he receives the ball, Babbitt gets to the line at a good rate, and isn’t afraid to take the ball aggressively to the rim off the bounce. An excellent free throw shooter, if Babbitt can improve his pull up jumper and add some counter moves to his post repertoire, he’ll be a nightmare to defend in the WAC next season.
A versatile threat that could possibly play either forward position on the next level offensively, Babbitt doesn’t enjoy the same potential defensively. Possessing average lateral quickness and leaping ability at the college level, Babbitt likely lacks the physical tools to defend NBA small forwards. Though his length affords him some success defending the post and rebounding the ball on the college level, Babbitt’s lack of physicality and athleticism are definitely a concern, and a characteristic that limits his ability to accumulate blocks, steals, and rebounds. He doesn't appear very quick to react when his man makes a move, nor does he appear to have the type of intensity that would help him be a solid defender.
At this juncture, Babbitt reminds us of Austin Croshere, and has the potential to be a Steve Novak type shooter down the road. Potentially a four year player, Babbitt’s lack of physical tools will always limit him defensively, but if he can diversify his offensive game, he could propel himself into the draft conversation. Improved polish in some aspects of the game and improved productivity will no doubt afford him a shot at the NBA whenever he declares.
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adidas Nations Basketball Experience: 2008 High School Prospects
August 14, 2007
The most consistent player at the camp seemed to be 6-8 power forward Luke Babbitt, who is headed to Nevada next year. While certainly not the best prospect around as far as his NBA potential goes, Babbitt has already “figured it out” as a basketball player and is sure to have a great impact at the collegiate level for the Wolf Pack.
A smooth lefty who likes to face the basket, Babbitt can put the ball on the floor and either beat his man off the dribble or pull-up for a mid-range jumper. He has nice touch, good hands and range out to the 3-point line, and knows how to use his body to create space in the post for a left-handed jump-hook shot. He can score a little with his back to the basket, and has really nice touch on his turnaround jumper. Babbitt is a smart player who plays hard and understands how to operate within half-court sets. He’s not an explosive forward by any means, and probably lacks size for the four spot and lateral quickness to move out to the 3. That means he will most likely have to earn himself a spot in the NBA through his production, rather than through his upside. The coaching staff at Nevada probably won’t mind that even one bit.
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adidas Nations Basketball Experience Notebook (Day One+Two)
August 5, 2007
This might be a surprise considering the quality of players on the 2008 high school squad (top 10 prospects B.J. Mullens, Jrue Holiday, Tyreke Evans, many more) but the best player on the floor in the US vs. Team Africa game (in our estimation at least) was Nevada commit (and one-time Ohio State signee) Luke Babbitt. Babbitt showed off a very developed skill level for a player his age, knocking down 3-pointers, pulling up off the dribble, converting hook shots around the basket, and putting the ball on the floor. Babbitt isn’t a very explosive player compared to some of the prospects here, but he’s smart, tough, has great hands, uses his body extremely well, and just knows how to play. There is no question that he is going to be an outstanding college player.
[Read Full Article]
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