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BioSteel All Canadian High School Basketball Game Scouting Reports

BioSteel All Canadian High School Basketball Game Scouting Reports
Apr 15, 2017, 01:22 pm
Scouting reports on the top prospects seen at the BioSteel All Canadian High School Basketball Game.
Luguentz Dort, Canada, SG, Class of 2018, Uncommitted, 17.9 Strengths
-Powerful guard with solid size at 6' 5, a strong, chiseled frame, and a 6' 8.5 wingspan. Somewhat similar physically to Arizona guard Rawle Alkins at the same age, although Dort is a bit more explosive.
-Has a strong first step and is able to play above the rim. Explosive leaper off of one or two feet when he can get momentum behind him. Powerful in transition filling the lanes or handling himself.
-Aggressive, downhill slasher. 56.4% from two in DX database games. Plays with a degree of toughness that's very intriguing when coupled with his physical profile. Doesn't shy away from contact. Fearlessly attacks rim protectors.
-Not an elite ball handler but knows how to navigate a ball screen. Most effective out of early offense step ups. Can change directions with basic crossovers.
-Needs to improve as a shooter but proved that his shot isn't broken. Gets good rotation. Capable when he shoots on the way up or at the peak of his jump.
-Very competitive defensively. Can really sit down in a stance and slide. Will be able to check multiple positions at the college level thanks to his feet, strength and length. Can play some small-ball four in the NCAA. Will pressure the ball. Plays with toughness. Active in the passing lanes.
-Should be able to contribute right away thanks to his physical attributes and ability to defendWeaknesses
-Struggles to make shots with consistency. Shoots on the way down. Arc varies shot to shot. Loses confidence after a couple of misses. Shoots it differently every time. Lifetime 20.9% from three and 62.4% from the free throw line. Pull up can be a bit slow. Wants to get to the rim rather than pull up. Lack of a consistent jumper handicaps him as a scorer in the half court.
-Decision making can improve. Has a tendency to get out of control on the move. Not going to give you much as a secondary playmaker. Score-first mentality. Would benefit from being able to make basic reads out of pick and roll or drive and kick situations, especially given how reliant he is on penetration.
-Can improve his ball skills and savvy out of pick and roll. Best in a straight line. Doesn't shift gears all that often. More power than wiggle.
-Looked very explosive in the BioSteel game but is better in space than he is in traffic. Would benefit from adding more finesse to his finishing game as the level of competition continues to rise.
-Will get caught on screens at times. Body type not all that conducive to getting skinny over screens.
-Leadership skills have room to improveOutlook
Dort was far and away the best player on the floor during the 2017 BioSteel game. Although it's an All-Star setting, Dort brought consistent energy on both ends, tried to tear the rim down on every drive and even shot it well from the perimeter. He looked ready to step into a college game tomorrow and contribute. His shooting stroke remains a major question mark in terms of his long-term, NBA projection but his motor, powerful physical profile, explosiveness, aggressive slashing and two-way potential certainly caught the eye of NBA scouts. Dort remains uncommitted, but will without a doubt end up at a high major program where he'll be able to contribute early on, likely playing up to four positions thanks to his frame and mentality. Dort helped himself more than any other player in Toronto.
 

 
Matur Maker, Australia (via Sudan), C, Class of 2017, Uncommitted, 19.2 Strengths
-Measured a bit short (6' 9.5 in shoes) but solid length for a center prospect with a 7' 2 wingspan and a 9' 1 standing reach.
-Length helps him have an impact on the offensive glass and as a rim protector (2.1 blocks per 40).
-Moves a bit awkwardly but gets from point A to point B as a rim runner
-Competitive kid. Gets a lot of stuff done by simply playing harder than his opponents. Makes himself available off the ball.
-Has some touch from mid-range spots. Career 80.4% from the free throw line (107 attempts). Stroke is a bit mechanical and unorthodox but he gets good rotation. Will occasionally stretch it to three.
-Can straight line drive a little bit in space. Occasionally shows flashes of vision although he has some trouble executing.Weaknesses
-Poor frame for a center prospect, especially in his lower body. Legs are twigs. Upper body is a bit hunched. Shoes nearly falling off. 195-pound frame. A tad short for a center prospect at 6' 9.5.
-Lack of a base limits him athletically. A bit awkward in his movements. Below the rim in a crowd. Needs time to load up and play above the rim.
-Needs to strengthen his core. Knocked off balance easily. Struggles to play through contact. Has issues finishing in a crowd. Not going to body up in the post vs traditional bigs.
-Gets beat on switches. Hunched over guarding the perimeter.
-Slow to defensive rebounds. Instincts on the glass aren't great. Anchored to the floor from a standstill and doesn't have the frame to drive back opponents.
-Feel for the game has room to improve. Tries to play outside of himself - push in transition, create off the dribble. Doesn't have the skill set for that. Has issues executing the simple pass.
-Hands are a bit shaky. Loses the ball in traffic and while trying to create from the perimeter.
-Can improve his left hand and overall touch around the rim.
-Decent mid-range shooter but his stroke isn't all that fluid. Swishes followed by really bad misses. Slips out of his hands regularly.Outlook
Although Maker was very productive in the BioSteel game, he still has quite a bit of work to do in terms of his body, skill set and overall feel for the game. His athleticism and ability to play through contact are limited by his weak base, and he doesn't quite have the game to be a skill guy' at this stage. Maker can be a very effective college player if he can use his high motor to have an impact as a rim runner, shot blocker, offensive rebounder and overall energy big. He plays hard and approaches the game the right way. It remains to be seen what Maker's intentions are next year, but he didn't look like a sure-fire NBA prospect at this time despite his productivity.
 

 
Noah Kirkwood, Canada, SG, Class of 2018, Uncommitted, 17.2 Strengths
-Nice physical profile for a two guard at 6' 6 with a mature 222-pound frame.
-Physical kid. Doesn't shy away from contact. Aggressive attacking the rim going both right and left. Has finesse finishes with either hand. Excellent footwork. Polished.
-Plays with a level of maturity well beyond his years. Tremendous feel for the game. Very under control. Unselfish. Professional approach.
-Can play out of ball screens and could develop into more of a combo guard down the road. Passes with either hand. Hits the roller or wing circling up in pick and roll.
-Will mix it up on the glass. Lifetime 8.9 rebounds per 40 minutes.
-Should be able to check multiple positions at the college level. Uses his smarts and competitiveness to keep the ball in front. High IQ off ball defender. Lifetime 2.6 steals per 40 minutes. Has the body to check some college fours. Embraces the challenge.
-Not a great shooter at this stage but should be able to develop into a respectable spot shooter in time. Lifetime 34.0% from three. Gets decent rotation.
-Ready to contribute at the collegiate level. Team guy who plays the right way.Weaknesses
-Lacks elite lngth for an NBA wing - 6' 6.5 wingspan. Very physically developed despite his age. How much more room does he have for growth?
-Not a very dynamic perimeter shooter. Airballed a free throw in the BioSteel game. Not much of a threat to pull up off the dribble. Can improve his ability to create space and knock down shots. Loses confidence in his jumper after a miss or two. Will turn down open spot ups.
-More fluid than explosive. Not going to play above the rim in traffic. Relies more on size and angles to get to the rim. Not going to break down NBA-level defenders in one-on-one situations. Doesn't always have the juice at the rim to finish over length.
-Smart and tough on defense but likely projects as an average defender at the highest levels due to his below average length and quickness. Relies more on physical tools than technique at times.
-Checks a lot of boxes but does he have an elite skill that translates to the NBA? Upside may be limited.Outlook
Kirkwood proved to be one of the better all-around basketball players in Toronto. He's smart, tough, and versatile on both ends of the floor. Although more of an off guard right now, Kirkwood's ability to play out of ball screens and manage a game could make him an interesting point guard project as an old school type who relies more on instincts, size and angles. With that said, he hasn't appeared to have improved all that much as a perimeter shooter and his average length and athleticism appear to limit his NBA upside. He's likely to have an impact early on in his career wherever he ends up, and is certainly worth tracking given his approach, feel and toughness. Kirkwood's perimeter jumper will be the key to unlocking his potential.
 

 
Quincy Guerrier, Canada, SF, Class of 2019, Uncommitted, 17.9 Strengths
-Excellent physical profile for an NBA wing prospect. 6'6 with a 6'10 wingspan. Nice frame that will fill out well in time. Wide shoulders. Proportionate upper and lower body.
-Fluid athlete who can play above the rim in space. Fills the lanes in transition. Quick first step. Moves really well overall.
-Good straight line slasher thanks to his athleticism and stride length.
-Shooting mechanics could use some cleaning up but the ball comes out fairly well and he gets rotation and arc. Knocked down a few triples in the BioSteel game (including a transition pull up) after struggling during practices.
-Fluid handling the ball in the open court. Skill level has room to improve but showed brief glimpses in space.
-Competes defensively. Can really sit down and slide. Was willing to take on the role as defensive stopper during practices. Active off the ball as well. Verticality at the rim in helpside situations.
-3 and D style wing with physical upside.Weaknesses
-Overall skill level a work in progress. Limited to mostly transition finishes and straight line drives at this stage.
-Shooting mechanics leave much to be desired. Staggered feet, elbow out, forward jumper. Not the most natural stroke.
-Not going to create much offense in the half court. Handle is a bit raw versus pressure. Not comfortable pulling up off the dribble.
-Finesse as a finisher has room to improve. Relies more on tools.
-Average feel for the game. Decision making isn't great at this stage. Will hoist up contested jumpers early in the clock. More of a three than a two skill wise. Limited operating in pick and roll.
-Very quiet on the floor.
-Old relative to his class. Will be 20 years old by the time he plays his first college game.Outlook
Guerrier, who didn't have much of an impact on the U17 team that competed in the 2017 Worlds, was a pleasant surprise both in practices and the BioSteel game. Although he's a bit old for his class, the 6'6 wing has NBA tools and athleticism to go along with lockdown potential and a shot that should develop over time. Guerrier is still a little rough around the edges skill wise, especially considering his age, but the NBA is always looking for wings with size and length who can defend and make a shot, and Guerrier certainly fits that mold. The class of 2019 prospect has plenty of time to develop as well. The athletic wing definitely helped himself in Toronto as one of the more intriguing long-term prospects in attendance.
 

 Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Canada, PG/SG, Class of 2017, Virginia Tech, 18.6

-See Alexander-Walker's full scouting report from the Nike Hoop Summit here
O'Shae Brissett, Canada, PF/SF, Class of 2017, Syracuse, 19.2 Strengths
-Nice physical profile for a combo forward prospect at 6'8 with a 6'11 wingspan. 8' 9 standing reach will help him play some four although his skinny 200-pound frame could use some work.
-Fluid athlete. Moves well. A factor as a lane-filler in transition. Bouncy in space. Tip dunk threat on the offensive glass.
-Capable straight line driver. Mixes in right to left spin moves, usually when defended by fours.
-Very streaky but can make a spot up three. Gets rotation when on balance. Will create space with step backs in mid-range spots with slower defenders checking him.
-Covers ground defensively. Has the feet to check wings and the lengths to guard small-ball fours if he's able to fill out and play a little tougher. Does a solid job sliding and contesting on the perimeter. Active off the ball - 1.8 steals and 1.3 blocks per 40 minutes (53 games).
-Plays pretty hard more often than not. Will stick his nose in on the glass. 10.5 rebounds per 40 minutes.
-NBA teams are always looking for players in his mold - 6'8 + combo forward types who can guard multiple positions, get up and down in transition and shoot it a little bit off the catchWeaknesses
-Hasn't developed all that much physically. Needs to play at bigger than 200 pounds to be able to slide up to the four at the NBA level, which is really where his value is in bench units. Plays fairly hard, but isn't all that tough or physical.
-Still a very streaky shooter. Needs to operate more in the 35% range to improve his chances at sticking in the NBA. Confidence comes and goes in spot up situations.
-Doesn't have the skill set of a traditional wing. High handle. All straight line. Not a guy who's going to operate out of ball screens.
-Feel for the game is a bit limited. Wild going to the rim. Not a comfortable passer on the move. Will jack up contested step backs early in the clock. Just doesn't think the game at a very high level. Career 1.4 assists per 40 minutes.
-Reaches on the perimeter. Defensive discipline can improve.
-Argues with refs. Can play with a more professional, composed demeanor.
-Has tools and a theoretical skill set, but what does he do at the highest levels?Outlook
From a tools and fit perspective, Brissett was one of the more projectable NBA prospects to compete in the 2017 BIoSteel game. Combo forwards in his mold are in demand in today's NBA, and Brissett's ability to defend multiple positions and potentially make a spot three at 6'8 certainly make him intriguing. With that said, he hasn't improved all that much since we evaluated him during 2016 BioSteel week, as he's still an erratic shooter and decision maker, and hasn't gotten much stronger. Brissett will remain an NBA prospect because of his aforementioned attributes, but he'll have to show progression skill wise and physically to really get serious consideration sooner than later.
 

 
Abu Kigab, Canada, SF/PF, Class of 2017, Oregon, 18.4 Strengths
-Solid tools for a frward prospect at 6'7 with a strong 214-pound frame.
-Decent athlete in space. Solid first step. On the thick side but had some impressive moments playing above the rim in practices.
-Versatile offensively. Played at least three positions all week. Can operate on the ball some. Has vision out of pick and roll and in the post. Very capable passer. Has a feel. Will likely play a lot of mismatch four for Dana Altman at Oregon.
-Solid straight line slasher. Aggressive kid.
-Capable shooter with time and space. Shoots off his finger tips but gets rotation and has touch.
-Flashes of a high motor when things are going his way. Talks on defense. Doesn't fully sit down but competes and has instincts on the perimeter. Will fly around off the ball. 2.2 steals and 1.0 blocks per 40 minutes.
-Will attack the glass - lifetime 1.3 boards per 40 minutes.
-Swiss Army Knife who fits Oregon's position-less style very well.Weaknesses
-Type of body that can thicken up quickly. Wide hips. Will have to stay in shape. How much athletic potential does he have left given his body type? Average length for a combo forward type (6' 9 wingspan).
-Attitude needs work. Huge personality that can be a positive when things are going well but needs to find a way to stay even keel during adversity. Too emotional. Could get old to other teammates very quickly.
-Decision making has a ways to go. Has a feel but will pull up from 30 feet without moving the ball once. Wild going to the rim. Much more effective when he plays the right way, moves the ball and uses his versatility.
-Very streaky shooter. Needs time and space. Shoots a set shot. Ball on his finger tips. Lifetime 29.7% from three and 69.9% from the free throw line.
-Handle is a bit loose. Comfortable with the ball but not going to change speeds or directions all that comfortably versus high level defenders. With the way he shoots it he's not much of a threat to pull up in mid-range spots. Caught between the three and the four on offense.
-Not as explosive in a crowd. Can improve his ability to finish versus length and athleticism: career 43.2 2P%. What is his elite skill? How does he score consistently in the half court? 14.9 points per 40 minutes.
-Too upright guarding the perimeter. Not as active on that end when things aren't going his way.Outlook
Kigab is a very unique prospect in that he has some natural size, checks a lot of different boxes as a versatile role player type, yet doesn't want to fully embrace the role player mentality. If he's willing to accept being a passing, mismatch four who can straight line slash and make occasional spot threes, he'll be really effective at Oregon. He has instincts and a motor (sometimes) defensively, and Coach Altman will most likely find a way to put him in a position to maximize his strengths and potential. If Kigab can stay in shape and mature mentally, he should definitely be able to have an impact early on for the Ducks, and could develop into a legitimate prospect down the road thanks to his versatility. Kigab's mental approach will go a long way in determining his future.

 
Shamiel Stevenson, Canada, SF, Class of 2017, Pitt, 18.9 Strengths
-Strong, developed frame at 6-6, 236 pounds. Proportionate through upper and lower body. Although he operates more on the wing he has the strength to play some super small-ball four. Decent length relative to his height - 6' 9 wingspan.
-Aggressive straight line driver. Doesn't shy away from contact. Puts pressure on the rim. Uses his strength to power his way to the rim. Lifetime 65.8% from two.
-Solid athlete in the open floor. Fluid in transition. Good lower body agility.
-Slow release but shooting stroke is developable. Gets rotation.
-Uses his size and agility to guard on the perimeter. Has the strength to slide up and guard some small-ball fours for stretches. Fairly active off ball: 1.4 blocks per 40 minutes.
-Good positional rebounder. Will crash the glass. 8.9 rebounds per 40.Weaknesses
-Skill set has room to improve in order to play strictly as a wing. Didn't show much comfort playing out of ball screens. Best as a straight line slasher. Doesn't have much wiggle.
-Slow getting into his jumper. Career 53.1% from the free throw line. Shoots a set shot. Not much of a threat to pull up off the dribble.
-Showed some flashes as a passer but looking to score first and foremost. Can get a bit wild going to the rim.
-More powerful than freaky explosive
-Solid length relative to height but doesn't have the ideal reach for a small-ball four type if a coach is hoping to utilize his strong frame as a mismatch power forward.
-Body language can improve. Regularly complaining to refs. Rolling eyes at teammates when he doesn't get the ball. Overall demeanor was a bit off-putting.Outlook
The Pitt commit is worth keeping an eye on because of his combination of strength and agility as a power wing who could even slide up to the four in small-ball lineups at the collegiate level. Stevenson needs to polish up his overall skill set, namely his jumper, to really enter the conversation as a legitimate NBA prospect, but he should be a productive college player in the ACC and could have a shot after four years.
 

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