Strengths
A college beast, does everything you would like an NCAA big man to do. Scores a little bit in the post using his brute strength, and finishes creatively around the basket thanks to a terrific wingspan. Tough and physical. A tenacious rebounder thanks to his strength, vertical leap and very good hands. Has expanded his range out to 16-18 feet this year and can hit them when he is open, especially from the baseline. Fairly smart, and very efficient, shoots a high percentage from the field. Unselfish, and a good passer out of the double team. Solid free throw shooter. More athletic than he looks, possesses a solid vertical leap.
Defensively, he blocks many shots and alters countless others around the rim. Rotates well on help defense.
Plays very hard, experienced and very durable.
Weaknesses
A 6-7 center. Might just not have the size or outstanding skills to make up for it at the next level. Non-existent ball-handling skills, can not put the ball on the floor as his 1st step is very limited. Jumper has improved but can only really hit it when he is wide open. Lateral quickness is very limited, and he'll struggle guarding PF's at the next level. Numbers have taken a hit playing next to better teammates. A bit inconsistent and is prone to disappear at times. Scores a lot in the post in college thanks to his brute strength, but needs to develop more of a finesse game to stick at the next level.
Competition
Plays for a solid team in a pretty good conference. Helped his team make the NCAA tournament, where they lost in the 2nd round to Kentucky, with Maxiell having an up and down game with 9 points, 4 rebounds, 2 blocks and 3 turnovers, struggling a bit against Kentucky's Chuck Hayes. His first game against Iowa was much stronger, scoring 22 points (8-11 FG, 2-2 3P), with 9 rebounds and 6 blocks.
In Maxiell's toughest matchup of the season against Wake Forest and Eric Williams, he did not have a good game, coming away with 5 points, 9 rebounds and 3 blocks while struggling to stay out of foul trouble.
He also had average outings against the best team in the conference, Louisville, combining for 20 points (6-13 FG), 8 rebounds and 2 blocks over 2 games and 63 minutes.
Outlook
A 2nd round prospect at best. Will likely have to have a fantastic summer to find himself on an NBA roster, starting in Portsmouth, continuing in Chicago if he's invited, and then in private workouts with NBA teams, showing that he has what it takes to make the transition to power forward at the next level and that his wingspan makes up for his lack of size. It's my personal opinion that his game is bettersuited for Europe, will he'll be able to continue to dominate eventually at the Euroleague level and make a lot of money for himself where the athletic, physical big men who can change the game defensively like him are scarce.
A college beast, does everything you would like an NCAA big man to do. Scores a little bit in the post using his brute strength, and finishes creatively around the basket thanks to a terrific wingspan. Tough and physical. A tenacious rebounder thanks to his strength, vertical leap and very good hands. Has expanded his range out to 16-18 feet this year and can hit them when he is open, especially from the baseline. Fairly smart, and very efficient, shoots a high percentage from the field. Unselfish, and a good passer out of the double team. Solid free throw shooter. More athletic than he looks, possesses a solid vertical leap.
Defensively, he blocks many shots and alters countless others around the rim. Rotates well on help defense.
Plays very hard, experienced and very durable.
Weaknesses
A 6-7 center. Might just not have the size or outstanding skills to make up for it at the next level. Non-existent ball-handling skills, can not put the ball on the floor as his 1st step is very limited. Jumper has improved but can only really hit it when he is wide open. Lateral quickness is very limited, and he'll struggle guarding PF's at the next level. Numbers have taken a hit playing next to better teammates. A bit inconsistent and is prone to disappear at times. Scores a lot in the post in college thanks to his brute strength, but needs to develop more of a finesse game to stick at the next level.
Competition
Plays for a solid team in a pretty good conference. Helped his team make the NCAA tournament, where they lost in the 2nd round to Kentucky, with Maxiell having an up and down game with 9 points, 4 rebounds, 2 blocks and 3 turnovers, struggling a bit against Kentucky's Chuck Hayes. His first game against Iowa was much stronger, scoring 22 points (8-11 FG, 2-2 3P), with 9 rebounds and 6 blocks.
In Maxiell's toughest matchup of the season against Wake Forest and Eric Williams, he did not have a good game, coming away with 5 points, 9 rebounds and 3 blocks while struggling to stay out of foul trouble.
He also had average outings against the best team in the conference, Louisville, combining for 20 points (6-13 FG), 8 rebounds and 2 blocks over 2 games and 63 minutes.
Outlook
A 2nd round prospect at best. Will likely have to have a fantastic summer to find himself on an NBA roster, starting in Portsmouth, continuing in Chicago if he's invited, and then in private workouts with NBA teams, showing that he has what it takes to make the transition to power forward at the next level and that his wingspan makes up for his lack of size. It's my personal opinion that his game is bettersuited for Europe, will he'll be able to continue to dominate eventually at the Euroleague level and make a lot of money for himself where the athletic, physical big men who can change the game defensively like him are scarce.
Comments