Post by kmatrixg on Mar 30, 2011 23:43:24 GMT -5
The first wave of scouts have returned from the NCAA Tournament and many players have impressed the leagues team of scouts. Many individual teams were seen at a number of games across the nation's 4 host cities, including 10 of the 13 current lottery teams. While the report has yet to become official, word is "Raptor Jesus" was seen lurking under the bleachers at many practice facilities. It is still unknown whether his intention was to bless, scout or eat prospects, but we all know the presence of "Raptor Jesus" is exciting either way.
Teams Participating: Stanford, Connecticut, UCLA Georgetown, Pittsburgh, LSU
Notable Players Scouted: Brook Lopez, Robin Lopez, Russell Westbrook, Darren Collison, Jrue Holiday, DaJuan Summers, DeJaun Blair
Player Reports:
Brook Lopez B D+ C- B C -- By staying an extra year at Stanford with his defensive minded brother, Brook seems to have learned some good techniques on the defensive end. Plays with increased tenacity and fire
Robin Lopez C+ D+ C- B B -- Robin is the Yin to Brooks Yang. Everything Brook lacks, Robin makes up for in strength and physicality. Many question the duo's effectiveness when they are separated. (Anyone else find it funny that Lopez went to San Jaoquin High School and currently plays for Phoenix?)
Russell Westbrook B- C+ C+ B C -- Westbrook completed the dream backcourt at UCLA with his teammate Darren Collison. While Collison was a pure playmaker, Westbrook thrived on getting to the hole while the defense focused on Collison's next move. If he wishes to be an effective player in the SSBL, Westbrook needs to become a PG...fast.
Darren Collison C+ B- B B- D+ -- Hands down one of the more promising point guard prospects and one of the most exciting ball handlers in college basketball. Fast on offense, effective on defense and almost seamless handling the ball. As always, age is a big concern and whether Collison is almost tapped out heading to the big leagues.
Jrue Holiday C+ C+ B- B- C- -- As raw as they come - the third wheel of UCLA's perfect couple. Holiday rarely saw enough court time to make an impact or to get into a groove, but the potential is there. A great athlete, Holiday can dart around the court with the best. His ball handling skills are excellent for a 19 year old and with more experience on the court during a game, his ability to find the open man will definitely get better. A sure project that will most likely stay in school - however, if not, don't be surprised to see a team take a chance on this youngster in the mid-first round.
DaJuan Summers B- D+ C- B- C+ -- Unlike his play during the current season, Summers has failed to prove he's worth taking a chance on in the lottery. His play thus far in the tournament has been sketchy and erratic. Still, a huge player with a soft touch offensively in the post. Not the quickest player but is an absolute BULL.
DeJuan Blair C+ D+ C- C+ B+ -- Surprisingly similar to Summers, Blair is an incredible physical force in the post. With elbows like the end of a baseball bat, Blair wills his way around the low block to sniff out any rebound in his general area. Will clean the boards like a Hoover. Think Reggie Evans, without the desire to give reach arounds.
A lead scout returned from a 2 month trip to Europe yesterday and after a day of rest, met with league officials about his findings:
"Brandon Jennings is an awesome player for Lottomattica. They pretty much gave him the keys knowing he'd only be there for a year. He looks so much better than when he came out of high school - his timing is better, his shot is better, his ball handling skills have improved through the roof. He's the real deal."
Brandon Jennings B- B B- B- D+
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"The much anticipated report of Ricky Rubio has finally arrived. I finally saw him start a few games after waiting about 2 weeks in Spain for an injury to heal and to be honest - he wasn't what I thought he'd be. He seems to play with a chip on his shoulder; his ego is massive while his play is mediocre at best most of the time. He has no jumpshot, he plays half-ass on defense and has the athleticism of a 78 year old grandmother. Anyone willing to take a chance on Rubio had better be doing it based on his age and potential and not talent - because right now, he's a huge work in progress."
Ricky Rubio C+ C B+ C D+
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"One of the biggest treats of my entire trip was going to Israel to see Omri Casspi play. He's an athlete first of all and nothing short of it. His length makes him a great defender as well as an adequate rebounder. On the offensive end, Casspi can get to the hole very quickly and easily, often finishing with a nice reverse layup (long arms). I wouldn't be surprised to see a team take a chance on Omri relatively early, possibly even in the teens."
Omri Casspi C+ C+ C B C
Keep a watch out for more NCAA Tournament scouting results coming soon!
Houston
Teams Participating: Stanford, Connecticut, UCLA Georgetown, Pittsburgh, LSU
Notable Players Scouted: Brook Lopez, Robin Lopez, Russell Westbrook, Darren Collison, Jrue Holiday, DaJuan Summers, DeJaun Blair
Player Reports:
Brook Lopez B D+ C- B C -- By staying an extra year at Stanford with his defensive minded brother, Brook seems to have learned some good techniques on the defensive end. Plays with increased tenacity and fire
Robin Lopez C+ D+ C- B B -- Robin is the Yin to Brooks Yang. Everything Brook lacks, Robin makes up for in strength and physicality. Many question the duo's effectiveness when they are separated. (Anyone else find it funny that Lopez went to San Jaoquin High School and currently plays for Phoenix?)
Russell Westbrook B- C+ C+ B C -- Westbrook completed the dream backcourt at UCLA with his teammate Darren Collison. While Collison was a pure playmaker, Westbrook thrived on getting to the hole while the defense focused on Collison's next move. If he wishes to be an effective player in the SSBL, Westbrook needs to become a PG...fast.
Darren Collison C+ B- B B- D+ -- Hands down one of the more promising point guard prospects and one of the most exciting ball handlers in college basketball. Fast on offense, effective on defense and almost seamless handling the ball. As always, age is a big concern and whether Collison is almost tapped out heading to the big leagues.
Jrue Holiday C+ C+ B- B- C- -- As raw as they come - the third wheel of UCLA's perfect couple. Holiday rarely saw enough court time to make an impact or to get into a groove, but the potential is there. A great athlete, Holiday can dart around the court with the best. His ball handling skills are excellent for a 19 year old and with more experience on the court during a game, his ability to find the open man will definitely get better. A sure project that will most likely stay in school - however, if not, don't be surprised to see a team take a chance on this youngster in the mid-first round.
DaJuan Summers B- D+ C- B- C+ -- Unlike his play during the current season, Summers has failed to prove he's worth taking a chance on in the lottery. His play thus far in the tournament has been sketchy and erratic. Still, a huge player with a soft touch offensively in the post. Not the quickest player but is an absolute BULL.
DeJuan Blair C+ D+ C- C+ B+ -- Surprisingly similar to Summers, Blair is an incredible physical force in the post. With elbows like the end of a baseball bat, Blair wills his way around the low block to sniff out any rebound in his general area. Will clean the boards like a Hoover. Think Reggie Evans, without the desire to give reach arounds.
Overseas Report:
A lead scout returned from a 2 month trip to Europe yesterday and after a day of rest, met with league officials about his findings:
"Brandon Jennings is an awesome player for Lottomattica. They pretty much gave him the keys knowing he'd only be there for a year. He looks so much better than when he came out of high school - his timing is better, his shot is better, his ball handling skills have improved through the roof. He's the real deal."
Brandon Jennings B- B B- B- D+
-------------------------------------------------------
"The much anticipated report of Ricky Rubio has finally arrived. I finally saw him start a few games after waiting about 2 weeks in Spain for an injury to heal and to be honest - he wasn't what I thought he'd be. He seems to play with a chip on his shoulder; his ego is massive while his play is mediocre at best most of the time. He has no jumpshot, he plays half-ass on defense and has the athleticism of a 78 year old grandmother. Anyone willing to take a chance on Rubio had better be doing it based on his age and potential and not talent - because right now, he's a huge work in progress."
Ricky Rubio C+ C B+ C D+
-------------------------------------------------------
"One of the biggest treats of my entire trip was going to Israel to see Omri Casspi play. He's an athlete first of all and nothing short of it. His length makes him a great defender as well as an adequate rebounder. On the offensive end, Casspi can get to the hole very quickly and easily, often finishing with a nice reverse layup (long arms). I wouldn't be surprised to see a team take a chance on Omri relatively early, possibly even in the teens."
Omri Casspi C+ C+ C B C
Keep a watch out for more NCAA Tournament scouting results coming soon!
