Mario Hezonja, 6-6, SG/SF, Croatia, 1995
Barcelona II
Jonathan Givony
Strengths:
-Good size for a wing
-Strong frame
-Good athlete. Nice quickness and explosiveness
-Solid shooter with feet set or off the dribble
-Can make tough shots with a hand in his face
-Solid ball-handler. Knows how to score in isolation settings. Crafty footwork getting into paint. Finishes elegantly around the rim with high-angled layups, or with power over opponents
-Sees the floor. Can pass a bit when he wants to
-Athleticism, strength allows him to rebound at a high rate, block shots occasionally
-Terrific scoring instincts and all-around feel for the game
Weaknesses:
-Intangibles are questionable. Displays poor body language. Aloof around teammates. Complains constantly to referees, teammates, coaches
-Doesn't give great effort on defense
-Offensive game very isolation-heavy. Can be a ball-stopper. Overdribbles. Takes bad shots. Freezes out teammates.
-Only plays at one speed. Could still improve on changing speeds, using hesitation moves creating shots in the half-court
Outlook: One of the top talents in European basketball in any age group. The MVP of the U16 European Championship. Averaged 30 points per-40 at the U17 World Championship. Already putting up good numbers in LEB Gold (Spanish second division) on Barcelona's second team, Barcelona II. Signed a seven year contract with Barcelona this past summer, with a two million Euro out clause for the NBA. Only question marks revolve around his attitude and whether that could stop him from achieving his extremely high potential.
Interview from the U17 World Championship:
Strengths:
-Good size for a wing
-Strong frame
-Good athlete. Nice quickness and explosiveness
-Solid shooter with feet set or off the dribble
-Can make tough shots with a hand in his face
-Solid ball-handler. Knows how to score in isolation settings. Crafty footwork getting into paint. Finishes elegantly around the rim with high-angled layups, or with power over opponents
-Sees the floor. Can pass a bit when he wants to
-Athleticism, strength allows him to rebound at a high rate, block shots occasionally
-Terrific scoring instincts and all-around feel for the game
Weaknesses:
-Intangibles are questionable. Displays poor body language. Aloof around teammates. Complains constantly to referees, teammates, coaches
-Doesn't give great effort on defense
-Offensive game very isolation-heavy. Can be a ball-stopper. Overdribbles. Takes bad shots. Freezes out teammates.
-Only plays at one speed. Could still improve on changing speeds, using hesitation moves creating shots in the half-court
Outlook: One of the top talents in European basketball in any age group. The MVP of the U16 European Championship. Averaged 30 points per-40 at the U17 World Championship. Already putting up good numbers in LEB Gold (Spanish second division) on Barcelona's second team, Barcelona II. Signed a seven year contract with Barcelona this past summer, with a two million Euro out clause for the NBA. Only question marks revolve around his attitude and whether that could stop him from achieving his extremely high potential.
Interview from the U17 World Championship:
Ilimane Diop, 6-11, Center, Senegal/Spain, 1995
Caja Laboral
Jonathan Givony
Strengths:
-Great size
-Has a frame that should have no problem putting on weight as he matures
-Tremendous wingspan
-Extremely mobile
-Fundamentally sound player
-Very good feel for the game
-Solid scoring instincts
-Shows a framework of a solid post game. Can back down players his age with solid footwork. Has a nice jump-hook
-Can make a mid-range jumper. 65-70% free throw shooter
-Excellent presence defensively. Good shot-blocker
-Good rebounder
Weaknesses:
-Foul prone
-Needs to continue to get stronger. Can get pushed around by older, more physically mature players
-Left hand needs work
-Post moves are very basic
Outlook: Senegalese big man who came to Spain at age 14 and was naturalized. Very exciting prospect. Looks to have all the tools to develop into an outstanding player down the road. Performed very well this past summer at both the U17 World Championship and U18 European Championship. Has great physical attributes, but also a solid skill-level and feel for the game. Rights are owned by Caja Laboral. Currently on loan to Aurteneche Maquinaria in LEB Silver (Spanish 3rd division).
Interview:
Full Game:
China vs. Spain. Zhou Qi (#13) vs Ilimane Diop (#15)
Strengths:
-Great size
-Has a frame that should have no problem putting on weight as he matures
-Tremendous wingspan
-Extremely mobile
-Fundamentally sound player
-Very good feel for the game
-Solid scoring instincts
-Shows a framework of a solid post game. Can back down players his age with solid footwork. Has a nice jump-hook
-Can make a mid-range jumper. 65-70% free throw shooter
-Excellent presence defensively. Good shot-blocker
-Good rebounder
Weaknesses:
-Foul prone
-Needs to continue to get stronger. Can get pushed around by older, more physically mature players
-Left hand needs work
-Post moves are very basic
Outlook: Senegalese big man who came to Spain at age 14 and was naturalized. Very exciting prospect. Looks to have all the tools to develop into an outstanding player down the road. Performed very well this past summer at both the U17 World Championship and U18 European Championship. Has great physical attributes, but also a solid skill-level and feel for the game. Rights are owned by Caja Laboral. Currently on loan to Aurteneche Maquinaria in LEB Silver (Spanish 3rd division).
Interview:
Full Game:
China vs. Spain. Zhou Qi (#13) vs Ilimane Diop (#15)
Dante Exum, 6-4, Point Guard, Australia, 1995
Australian Institute of Sport
Jonathan Givony
Strengths:
-Terrific size for a point guard at 6-4
-Nice wingspan. Good frame
-Extremely smooth, fluid athlete with unbelievable body control
-Great first step
-Tremendous creativity with the ball in his hands
-Gets extremely low to ground on drives. Terrific ball-handler. Changes speeds. Super long strides make him tough to stay in front of. Rangy drives. Gets to basket off one dribble
-Puts huge pressure on the defense. Draws tons of fouls
-Superb in transition
-Finishes elegantly around the basket, sometimes from far outside the paint. Uses reverse moves effectively
-Can finish above the rim
-Creates effectively for others. Unselfish player
-Excellent feel for the game. Everything comes incredibly easy
-Solid rebounder for position
Weaknesses:
-Struggles to make shots from outside
-Shooting mechanics are poor
-Needs to improve his ability to drive and finish with his left hand
-Must get stronger. Gets pushed around on defense at times
-Still working on decision making skills in the half-court- when to score and when to distribute. Not quite a pure point guard yet
Outlook: Big, smooth guard with tremendous ball-handling skills and creativity. Outstanding talent and clear-cut NBA prospect. If he can improve his jump-shot, the sky is the limit. Currently at the Australian Institute of Sport. Reportedly leaning towards college (2014 recruit), like his father, Cecil Exum, who won a national championship at North Carolina, and moved to Australia to play professionally. Good enough to play virtually anywhere, but likely best suited going somewhere where he'll be counted on as a primary ball-handler, despite his size.
Highlights/Interview:
Strengths:
-Terrific size for a point guard at 6-4
-Nice wingspan. Good frame
-Extremely smooth, fluid athlete with unbelievable body control
-Great first step
-Tremendous creativity with the ball in his hands
-Gets extremely low to ground on drives. Terrific ball-handler. Changes speeds. Super long strides make him tough to stay in front of. Rangy drives. Gets to basket off one dribble
-Puts huge pressure on the defense. Draws tons of fouls
-Superb in transition
-Finishes elegantly around the basket, sometimes from far outside the paint. Uses reverse moves effectively
-Can finish above the rim
-Creates effectively for others. Unselfish player
-Excellent feel for the game. Everything comes incredibly easy
-Solid rebounder for position
Weaknesses:
-Struggles to make shots from outside
-Shooting mechanics are poor
-Needs to improve his ability to drive and finish with his left hand
-Must get stronger. Gets pushed around on defense at times
-Still working on decision making skills in the half-court- when to score and when to distribute. Not quite a pure point guard yet
Outlook: Big, smooth guard with tremendous ball-handling skills and creativity. Outstanding talent and clear-cut NBA prospect. If he can improve his jump-shot, the sky is the limit. Currently at the Australian Institute of Sport. Reportedly leaning towards college (2014 recruit), like his father, Cecil Exum, who won a national championship at North Carolina, and moved to Australia to play professionally. Good enough to play virtually anywhere, but likely best suited going somewhere where he'll be counted on as a primary ball-handler, despite his size.
Highlights/Interview:
Zhou Qi, 7-1, Center, China, 1996
Liaioning
Jonathan Givony
Strengths:
-Has great size at over 7-feet tall
-Long arms
-Very mobile for his size
-Excellent hands
-Versatile offensive player
-Shows decent footwork and post moves
-Makes turnaround jumpers with soft touch
-Can make a mid-range jump-shot. Shows range out to the 3-point line
-Converted 85% of his free throws at the U17 World Championship
-Can attack slower centers from the mid-post off one or two dribbles
-Solid passer
-Very good timing as a shot-blocker
Weaknesses:
-Extremely frail. How much will his body fill out?
-Lacks the strength or toughness to take advantage of his size consistently inside the paint
-Struggles to establish deep post position. Shies away from contact
-Has a difficult time finishing when an opponent puts a body on him
-Rarely boxes out on defensive glass. Doesn't go out of his area for loose balls
-Very passive offensively. Doesn't call for the ball or show any real emotion
-Activity/effort level is average. Doesn't run the floor willingly. Looks a bit lazy/apathetic at times
Outlook: One of the most talented international prospects in the 1996 class. Extremely gifted 7-footer with tremendous versatility and an advanced offensive game for his age. Shows good timing defensively. Very productive at the junior level. Mental makeup is a bit of a question mark. Doesn't show great passion for the game. Sometimes looks like he's playing because he's tall and talented, not because he enjoys it. Still extremely young both age-wise and physically, so has plenty of time to continue to develop.
Interview:
Full Game:
China vs. Spain. Zhou Qi (#13) vs Ilimane Diop (#15)
Strengths:
-Has great size at over 7-feet tall
-Long arms
-Very mobile for his size
-Excellent hands
-Versatile offensive player
-Shows decent footwork and post moves
-Makes turnaround jumpers with soft touch
-Can make a mid-range jump-shot. Shows range out to the 3-point line
-Converted 85% of his free throws at the U17 World Championship
-Can attack slower centers from the mid-post off one or two dribbles
-Solid passer
-Very good timing as a shot-blocker
Weaknesses:
-Extremely frail. How much will his body fill out?
-Lacks the strength or toughness to take advantage of his size consistently inside the paint
-Struggles to establish deep post position. Shies away from contact
-Has a difficult time finishing when an opponent puts a body on him
-Rarely boxes out on defensive glass. Doesn't go out of his area for loose balls
-Very passive offensively. Doesn't call for the ball or show any real emotion
-Activity/effort level is average. Doesn't run the floor willingly. Looks a bit lazy/apathetic at times
Outlook: One of the most talented international prospects in the 1996 class. Extremely gifted 7-footer with tremendous versatility and an advanced offensive game for his age. Shows good timing defensively. Very productive at the junior level. Mental makeup is a bit of a question mark. Doesn't show great passion for the game. Sometimes looks like he's playing because he's tall and talented, not because he enjoys it. Still extremely young both age-wise and physically, so has plenty of time to continue to develop.
Interview:
Full Game:
China vs. Spain. Zhou Qi (#13) vs Ilimane Diop (#15)
Ben Simmons, 6-8, Power Forward, Australia, 1996
Australian Institute of Sport
Jonathan Givony
Strengths:
-Solid size at 6-8 or possibly 6-9
-Great frame for his age. Very mature physically
-Smooth, fluid athlete
-Very good leaper
-Excellent in transition
-Finishes well around the basket
-Lefty who shows the ability to use both hands effectively
-Can make an occasional pull-up jumper
-Good potential defensively. Moves feet well. Can guard either forward position at junior level. Makes plays at the rim
-Team player. Makes the extra pass.
Weaknesses:
-Limited offensively in the half-court
-Average ball-handler
-Poor outside shooter
-Very unconventional shooting mechanics
-No post moves
-Somewhat passive at times
Outlook: Extremely young. Only 15 years old at the U17 World Championship. Skill-level still catching up. Able to dominate players his age using his superior strength and athleticism. A little bit stuck between forward positions at the moment. Needs to improve as a ball-handler and shooter to play as a small forward. Will likely play college basketball starting in 2015.
Highlights:
Strengths:
-Solid size at 6-8 or possibly 6-9
-Great frame for his age. Very mature physically
-Smooth, fluid athlete
-Very good leaper
-Excellent in transition
-Finishes well around the basket
-Lefty who shows the ability to use both hands effectively
-Can make an occasional pull-up jumper
-Good potential defensively. Moves feet well. Can guard either forward position at junior level. Makes plays at the rim
-Team player. Makes the extra pass.
Weaknesses:
-Limited offensively in the half-court
-Average ball-handler
-Poor outside shooter
-Very unconventional shooting mechanics
-No post moves
-Somewhat passive at times
Outlook: Extremely young. Only 15 years old at the U17 World Championship. Skill-level still catching up. Able to dominate players his age using his superior strength and athleticism. A little bit stuck between forward positions at the moment. Needs to improve as a ball-handler and shooter to play as a small forward. Will likely play college basketball starting in 2015.
Highlights:
Marko Arapovic, 6-9, PF/C, Croatia, 1996
Cibona Zagreb
Jonathan Givony
Strengths:
-Solid frame for age. Should fill out
-Very efficient offensive player
-Can score inside the post with smooth footwork and a jump-hook he shoots with either hand
-Shows range out to the 3-point line
-Great timing on the offensive glass
-Great fundamentals
-Tremendous feel for the game
-Excellent passer
-Team player
Weaknesses:
-Average athlete. Not very mobile. Doesn't run particularly well
-Shows heavy feet on defense. Is he quick enough to guard power forwards? Is he big enough to defend centers?
Outlook: Considered one of the top European prospects in the 1996 class. Son of Croatian national team 7-footer and Olympic silver medalist Franjo Arapovic. Appears to have been coached extremely well growing up, as he shows the maturity and fundamentals of a much older player. Does not show great athleticism at the moment, but is still in an early stage of his development physically.
Interview:
Strengths:
-Solid frame for age. Should fill out
-Very efficient offensive player
-Can score inside the post with smooth footwork and a jump-hook he shoots with either hand
-Shows range out to the 3-point line
-Great timing on the offensive glass
-Great fundamentals
-Tremendous feel for the game
-Excellent passer
-Team player
Weaknesses:
-Average athlete. Not very mobile. Doesn't run particularly well
-Shows heavy feet on defense. Is he quick enough to guard power forwards? Is he big enough to defend centers?
Outlook: Considered one of the top European prospects in the 1996 class. Son of Croatian national team 7-footer and Olympic silver medalist Franjo Arapovic. Appears to have been coached extremely well growing up, as he shows the maturity and fundamentals of a much older player. Does not show great athleticism at the moment, but is still in an early stage of his development physically.
Interview:
Clint Capela, 6-9, Power Forward, Congo/Switzerland, 1994
Chalon
Jonathan Givony
Strengths:
-Tremendous physical attributes
-Great frame
-Long arms
-Huge hands
-Terrific athlete
-Excellent timing as a rebounder. Goes after every loose ball with purpose
-Very quick first step
-Very good finisher around the rim
-Great potential defensively
Weaknesses:
-Hasn't accepted who he is yet as a player. Thinks he's a small forward
-Falls in love with his jumper, which is extremely streaky
-Average feel for the game
-Makes unforced errors
-Bad body language. Goes after his teammates
Outlook: Already seeing some playing time for Chalon, the Euroleague team from France. Possesses phenomenal physical tools. Can make a huge impact around the basket when dialed in. Has special rebounding instincts. Offensive game is very raw, but doesn't seem to understand that. Looks to have ample size to play the 4 at the pro level. Just needs polish up his skill-level and improve his basketball IQ and attitude.
Strengths:
-Tremendous physical attributes
-Great frame
-Long arms
-Huge hands
-Terrific athlete
-Excellent timing as a rebounder. Goes after every loose ball with purpose
-Very quick first step
-Very good finisher around the rim
-Great potential defensively
Weaknesses:
-Hasn't accepted who he is yet as a player. Thinks he's a small forward
-Falls in love with his jumper, which is extremely streaky
-Average feel for the game
-Makes unforced errors
-Bad body language. Goes after his teammates
Outlook: Already seeing some playing time for Chalon, the Euroleague team from France. Possesses phenomenal physical tools. Can make a huge impact around the basket when dialed in. Has special rebounding instincts. Offensive game is very raw, but doesn't seem to understand that. Looks to have ample size to play the 4 at the pro level. Just needs polish up his skill-level and improve his basketball IQ and attitude.
Gabriel Deck, 6-8, Power Forward, Argentina, 1995
Quimsa Santiago del Estero (Argentina)
Jonathan Givony
Strengths:
-Scoring machine at the junior level. 29 points per-40 at the U17 World Championship
-Extremely efficient offensively. 67% 2P%, 87% FT%.
-Very mature physically
-Excellent hands
-Tremendous scoring instincts
-Good feel for operating with back to the basket
-Great footwork, an array of spin moves, and very soft touch
-Absorbs contact around the rim. Draws plenty of fouls
-Terrific timing moving off the ball
-Can make a mid-range jumper
-Likes to face-up and drive from 17 feet
-Team player. Never takes bad shots. Plays under control
-Very good passer
-High basketball IQ
-Great on-court demeanor. Never rattled
Weaknesses:
-Average athlete. Lacks great quickness. Plays below the rim
-Needs to expand his range to the 3-point line.
-Struggles to contain his matchup on the perimeter. Poor lateral quickness
-Is he big enough to play power forward at the pro level?
Outlook: Highly unconventional, but extremely productive player who is very difficult for opposing teams to match up with at the junior level thanks to his terrific combination of strength, smarts and skills. Will need to find a position defensively and continue to expand his shooting range. Struggled to score with the same proficiency when matching up with Team USA, so question marks persist about how his style of play will translate to higher levels. Already seeing some minutes in the Argentinian league. Probably only a matter of time until someone in Spain snatches him up.
Strengths:
-Scoring machine at the junior level. 29 points per-40 at the U17 World Championship
-Extremely efficient offensively. 67% 2P%, 87% FT%.
-Very mature physically
-Excellent hands
-Tremendous scoring instincts
-Good feel for operating with back to the basket
-Great footwork, an array of spin moves, and very soft touch
-Absorbs contact around the rim. Draws plenty of fouls
-Terrific timing moving off the ball
-Can make a mid-range jumper
-Likes to face-up and drive from 17 feet
-Team player. Never takes bad shots. Plays under control
-Very good passer
-High basketball IQ
-Great on-court demeanor. Never rattled
Weaknesses:
-Average athlete. Lacks great quickness. Plays below the rim
-Needs to expand his range to the 3-point line.
-Struggles to contain his matchup on the perimeter. Poor lateral quickness
-Is he big enough to play power forward at the pro level?
Outlook: Highly unconventional, but extremely productive player who is very difficult for opposing teams to match up with at the junior level thanks to his terrific combination of strength, smarts and skills. Will need to find a position defensively and continue to expand his shooting range. Struggled to score with the same proficiency when matching up with Team USA, so question marks persist about how his style of play will translate to higher levels. Already seeing some minutes in the Argentinian league. Probably only a matter of time until someone in Spain snatches him up.
Damien Inglis, 6-8, SF/PF, France, 1995
INSEP Academy
Jonathan Givony
Strengths:
-Good size at 6-8
-Terrific frame for a player his age
-Long wingspan. Huge hands
-Solid athlete
-Excellent defender
-Good in transition
-Solid feel for game
-Team player
-Fluid with the ball. Good body control
-Does a lot of little things that players his age usually don't do
-Finds ways to score in transition, put-backs
-Very good rebounder
-Super effort level
-Rotates for charges
-Gets in passing lanes
Weaknesses:
-Sees most of his minutes at power forward right now
-Skill-level is average at best
-Cannot shoot with any real range
-Needs to improve ball-handling skills in half-court
-Doesn't know how to utilize his athleticism offensively. Doesn't get to the free throw line
Outlook: Hails from French Guiana. Promising prospect thanks to his combination of strong physical tools, feel for game and effort level. Much more advanced defensively at the moment. If he can develop a jump-shot, has a chance to play at the highest levels of basketball. Currently playing major minutes in the French 3rd division with INSEP.
Interview:
Strengths:
-Good size at 6-8
-Terrific frame for a player his age
-Long wingspan. Huge hands
-Solid athlete
-Excellent defender
-Good in transition
-Solid feel for game
-Team player
-Fluid with the ball. Good body control
-Does a lot of little things that players his age usually don't do
-Finds ways to score in transition, put-backs
-Very good rebounder
-Super effort level
-Rotates for charges
-Gets in passing lanes
Weaknesses:
-Sees most of his minutes at power forward right now
-Skill-level is average at best
-Cannot shoot with any real range
-Needs to improve ball-handling skills in half-court
-Doesn't know how to utilize his athleticism offensively. Doesn't get to the free throw line
Outlook: Hails from French Guiana. Promising prospect thanks to his combination of strong physical tools, feel for game and effort level. Much more advanced defensively at the moment. If he can develop a jump-shot, has a chance to play at the highest levels of basketball. Currently playing major minutes in the French 3rd division with INSEP.
Interview:
Moataz Hosny, 6-9, Center, Egypt, 1995
Jonathan Givony
Strengths:
-Great frame that should fill out nicely in 3-4 years
-Very long wingspan
-Extremely mobile. Covers tons of ground. Rangy moves
-Excellent timing as a shot-blocker
-Goes out of area for rebounds
Weaknesses:
-Limited offensive player
-Doesn't have much in the ways of post moves or a face-up game
-Lacks strength. Gets pushed around inside the paint
-Should be a much better rebounder than he is
-Looks a little bit lazy/apathetic at times.
-Poor passer. Average feel for the game
Outlook: Extremely long and mobile big man with excellent shot-blocking instincts. Looks to be in a very early stage of his development. Needs to get with a good program to develop his skill-level and basketball IQ. Has potential, but can he maximize it staying in Egypt?
Interview:
Strengths:
-Great frame that should fill out nicely in 3-4 years
-Very long wingspan
-Extremely mobile. Covers tons of ground. Rangy moves
-Excellent timing as a shot-blocker
-Goes out of area for rebounds
Weaknesses:
-Limited offensive player
-Doesn't have much in the ways of post moves or a face-up game
-Lacks strength. Gets pushed around inside the paint
-Should be a much better rebounder than he is
-Looks a little bit lazy/apathetic at times.
-Poor passer. Average feel for the game
Outlook: Extremely long and mobile big man with excellent shot-blocking instincts. Looks to be in a very early stage of his development. Needs to get with a good program to develop his skill-level and basketball IQ. Has potential, but can he maximize it staying in Egypt?
Interview:
JiWei Zhao, 6-0, Point Guard, China, 1995
Bayi
Jonathan Givony
Strengths:
-Quick first step. Gets to the rim. Aggressive in transition
-Good ball-handler. Uses strong jukes, spins, crossovers. Creative
-Likes to drive and dish
-Shows some solid leadership skills. Talks a little bit. Has character.
-Can make catch and shoot 3-pointers
-Puts good pressure on the ball defensively. Helps on defense. Dives on floor for loose balls. Very good in the passing lanes
-Tough guy
Weaknesses:
-Small. With very short arms
-A little too spectacular at times. Can get extremely wild. Turns ball over too much. Decision making needs work
-Struggles to finish inside the arc
-Streaky outside shooter
Outlook: Quick and aggressive point guard with strong character and nice creativity. Lack of size limits his upside, but could emerge as a solid player for China down the road.
Strengths:
-Quick first step. Gets to the rim. Aggressive in transition
-Good ball-handler. Uses strong jukes, spins, crossovers. Creative
-Likes to drive and dish
-Shows some solid leadership skills. Talks a little bit. Has character.
-Can make catch and shoot 3-pointers
-Puts good pressure on the ball defensively. Helps on defense. Dives on floor for loose balls. Very good in the passing lanes
-Tough guy
Weaknesses:
-Small. With very short arms
-A little too spectacular at times. Can get extremely wild. Turns ball over too much. Decision making needs work
-Struggles to finish inside the arc
-Streaky outside shooter
Outlook: Quick and aggressive point guard with strong character and nice creativity. Lack of size limits his upside, but could emerge as a solid player for China down the road.
Domagoj Bosnjak, 6-6, SG/SF, Croatia, 1995
Siroki
Jonathan Givony
Strengths:
-Nice size for a wing at 6-6 or 6-7
-Good frame.
-Good mobility
-Solid shooter. Can come off screens. Very good with feet set
-Can put ball on floor a bit
-Team player. Decent passer. Unselfish
-High basketball IQ. Plays under control. Very good temperament
Weaknesses:
-Not a great athlete
-Needs to improve ability to create inside the arc and finish around the basket
-Lateral quickness appears average. Defensive potential still a question mark
Outlook: Not oozing with upside or skills, but looks to have a solid future at the European level thanks to his versatility and smarts. Already seeing some minutes in the Adriatic League with Siroki.
Strengths:
-Nice size for a wing at 6-6 or 6-7
-Good frame.
-Good mobility
-Solid shooter. Can come off screens. Very good with feet set
-Can put ball on floor a bit
-Team player. Decent passer. Unselfish
-High basketball IQ. Plays under control. Very good temperament
Weaknesses:
-Not a great athlete
-Needs to improve ability to create inside the arc and finish around the basket
-Lateral quickness appears average. Defensive potential still a question mark
Outlook: Not oozing with upside or skills, but looks to have a solid future at the European level thanks to his versatility and smarts. Already seeing some minutes in the Adriatic League with Siroki.
Sidi Ndir, 6-3, PG, Senegal/France, 1995
Orleans (France)
Jonathan Givony
Strengths:
-Good size
-Great speed in transition
-Super quick hands for steals
-Can shoot a bit. Doesn't have bad form. Can pull-up off dribble. Definitely has potential as a shooter
-Great potential defensively. Can put great pressure on ball and move feet
Weaknesses:
-Average ball-handler. Struggles to get all the way to rim at times
-Struggles to finish through contact. Must get stronger
-No left hand
-No in between game
-Does not possess great instincts for playing the point. Doesn't know how to run a team. Tends to overdribble. Sometimes overly aggressive
-Fundamentals on defense are poor. Stands very upright. Gambles for steals
Outlook: Physically talented guard still at a very early stage of his development. Has good potential with his size, athleticism and shooting ability, but must improve his fundamentals and playmaking ability.
Strengths:
-Good size
-Great speed in transition
-Super quick hands for steals
-Can shoot a bit. Doesn't have bad form. Can pull-up off dribble. Definitely has potential as a shooter
-Great potential defensively. Can put great pressure on ball and move feet
Weaknesses:
-Average ball-handler. Struggles to get all the way to rim at times
-Struggles to finish through contact. Must get stronger
-No left hand
-No in between game
-Does not possess great instincts for playing the point. Doesn't know how to run a team. Tends to overdribble. Sometimes overly aggressive
-Fundamentals on defense are poor. Stands very upright. Gambles for steals
Outlook: Physically talented guard still at a very early stage of his development. Has good potential with his size, athleticism and shooting ability, but must improve his fundamentals and playmaking ability.
Chris Egi, 6-9, Center, St. Andrews College, Canada, 1996
HS Class of 2015
Jonathan Givony
Recruiting Rankings: ESPN: #20, Scout: #15, Rivals: #20, 24/7: #21
Strengths:
-Terrific physical attributes
-Great frame
-Long arms
-Superb athlete
-Excellent leaper
-Good shot-blocking instincts
-Crashes the offensive glass
Weaknesses:
-Very limited offensively
-Strictly a catch and finish guy
-Skill-level, overall understanding of the game is low
Outlook: Just turned 16 years old in September. Still at an extremely early stage of his development. Lacks significant polish, but shows nice upside with his rare physical attributes.
Recruiting Rankings: ESPN: #20, Scout: #15, Rivals: #20, 24/7: #21
Strengths:
-Terrific physical attributes
-Great frame
-Long arms
-Superb athlete
-Excellent leaper
-Good shot-blocking instincts
-Crashes the offensive glass
Weaknesses:
-Very limited offensively
-Strictly a catch and finish guy
-Skill-level, overall understanding of the game is low
Outlook: Just turned 16 years old in September. Still at an extremely early stage of his development. Lacks significant polish, but shows nice upside with his rare physical attributes.
Paolo Marinelli, 6-2, Point Guard, Croatia, 1995
KK Split
Jonathan Givony
Strengths:
-Good size
-Nice frame
-Solid athlete
-Good ball-handler. Can create shots for himself and others
-Nice footwork
-Good in transition
-Shows potential playing the pick and roll
-Sees floor relatively well
Weaknesses:
-Limited offensive player
-Struggles to score efficiently inside the arc
-Poor perimeter shooter
-Can get very wild at times. Makes unforced errors. Commits foolish turnovers. Forces the issue badly at times
-Lacks fundamentals defensively
Outlook: Talented young point guard who shows intriguing physical tools and solid potential as a ball-handler and facilitator, but is still in a very early stage of his development. Already seeing solid minutes in the Adriatic League at a very young age, so clearly his team sees something in him.
Strengths:
-Good size
-Nice frame
-Solid athlete
-Good ball-handler. Can create shots for himself and others
-Nice footwork
-Good in transition
-Shows potential playing the pick and roll
-Sees floor relatively well
Weaknesses:
-Limited offensive player
-Struggles to score efficiently inside the arc
-Poor perimeter shooter
-Can get very wild at times. Makes unforced errors. Commits foolish turnovers. Forces the issue badly at times
-Lacks fundamentals defensively
Outlook: Talented young point guard who shows intriguing physical tools and solid potential as a ball-handler and facilitator, but is still in a very early stage of his development. Already seeing solid minutes in the Adriatic League at a very young age, so clearly his team sees something in him.
Owen Odigie, 6-6, SF/PF, Australia, 1993
Melbourne Tigers (NBL)
Jonathan Givony
Strengths:
-Chiseled frame
-Very long arms
-Outstanding athlete
-Can faceup and attack off the dribble. Good in straight lines
-Tremendous finisher with a head of steam
-Great competitor on defense
-Goes after every rebound
Weaknesses:
-Limited offensive player
-Must improve advanced ball-handling skills
-Shooting mechanics are poor. Long, slow release
Outlook: Extremely athletic and well-built forward who is slowly converting from an undersized power forward to a power 3. We've seen him on a number of occasions starting at the U17 World Championship in Hamburg in 2010, at the U19 World Championship in Latvia in 2011, and at the 2012 EuroCamp and adidas Nations. Would have been an excellent mid-major college player with his brute strength and athleticism, but elected to go the pro route, signing with the Melbourne Tigers in the NBL.
Strengths:
-Chiseled frame
-Very long arms
-Outstanding athlete
-Can faceup and attack off the dribble. Good in straight lines
-Tremendous finisher with a head of steam
-Great competitor on defense
-Goes after every rebound
Weaknesses:
-Limited offensive player
-Must improve advanced ball-handling skills
-Shooting mechanics are poor. Long, slow release
Outlook: Extremely athletic and well-built forward who is slowly converting from an undersized power forward to a power 3. We've seen him on a number of occasions starting at the U17 World Championship in Hamburg in 2010, at the U19 World Championship in Latvia in 2011, and at the 2012 EuroCamp and adidas Nations. Would have been an excellent mid-major college player with his brute strength and athleticism, but elected to go the pro route, signing with the Melbourne Tigers in the NBL.
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