Post by Jayborne23 on May 1, 2007 13:36:48 GMT -5
International Prospects
This article reflects only the opinions of the ABCA's head scout (J.D. Barkley) and the ratings presented are merely suggestions. Potential's are not listed because they should be clear by reading the report. Not all players mentioned are necessarily in the upcoming draft.
Nicolas Batum
Batum has been in the eyes of many international scouts for some years now. He's made strides playing with his team in French improving his strength and his court awareness. Batum will undoubtably be one of the best athletes in whatever draft he declares for. His athleticism allows him to be an agressive defender and a very efficient slasher. His jumpshot will never be great considering his form, but it has been effective enough. Likely a top 5 pick in the upcoming draft, and a future All Star.
Possible Ratings: B C+ C B C
Alexis Ajinca
This guy is 7'1" with a 7'9" wingspan. That fact alone makes scouts salivate. But then you get to the other fact that he's 215lbs and about as strong as your average SG. His length matched with impressive athleticism for a 7 footer allows him to be an effective weak side defender. He isn't a great post defender due to his strength, and isn't quick enough to defend 90% of the ABCA SF's. It wouldn't be too hard to figure out given the preceeding information that Ajinca is a lot more comfortable facing up. He actually has considerable range from outside, hitting a 3 pointer every now and then. A mystery where he will go, given his unique skill set.
Possible Ratings: C B- C- B- C+
Danilo Gallinari
Definitely one of the most intriguing players ever produced by Italy, Gallinari will make an impact as soon as hit hits the NBA. Danilio is a 6'9" forward (playing PF in Italy) with the skills of a guard. Not overly athletic, the best way to describe him is crafty. He handles the ball extremely well for his size allowing him to score off the dribble despite not being overly quick. He will never be a great defender, but is good at jumping the passing lanes and creating steals. Gallinari's slashing isn't his only ability, as he's been known to win a few 3 point contests. He's a very smart player, but the biggest question is how well will his athleticism, or lack thereof, translate to the league.
Possible Ratings: B- B- C+ C+ C
Victor Claver
Claver is talented, but his biggest problem is by far his consistancy. He can absolutely stun you one game with his quick 1st step and slashing ability, then come out another game turning the ball over and struggling with his shot. Claver is a good shooter for a 6'9" player, but he doesn't have much range on his shot. He's also a solid defender because he has good lateral quickness, but isn't always agressive with his D. Very average rebounder. Fringe lotto pick, mainly because he can't escape questions about his consistancy.
Possible Ratings: B- C+ C- B- C
Omri Casspi
The Isreali guard should fit in well with an up-tempo team. To be 6'8", he runs the floor fluidly and can create plays with the ball. Don't be fooled into thinking he's just another soft Euro, he has been known to go to the hole strong and finish with a nice dunk. He has a considerable amount of leaping ability. Can hit the 3, but makes his living hitting mid-range jumpers. Casspi also has a tendancy to gamble for steals and end up getting beat because of it. A very unmotivated rebounder. He knows he's talented, and that can sometimes get to his head. His assurance in his skills makes some scouts doubt his will to improve.
Possible Ratings: C+ B- C B- C-
Ricky Rubio
He's been playing professional ball in Spain since he was 14, and boy can he play. His recent 2 inch growth spurt positions him as a SG in the ABCA, but his past experience as a PG will certainly help. Regardless of when he comes out (he will be eligible for the '10 draft), Rubio will be the best defensive guard. He is excellent at denying the ball, frustrating defenders, and creating turnovers. Turnovers that lead to him having incredible steal per game numbers. I probably should mention that he's ambidextrous. Not very strong, but quick enough to penetrate well. He could use some work on his long range shot, but his mid-range is improving. Some scouts say he's the next Dejan Bodiroga of the ABCA, except with lockdown defense. Top 5 pick, period.
Possible Ratings: B- C+ B- B+ C-
Tim Ohlbrecht
Germany first gave us Dirk, and now we get Ohlbrecht. Tim has defenitely modeled his game after Dirk, as he is a 7 foot three point shooter. Like Dirk, scouts wish he would spend more time playing the post because he is a crafty scorer downlow. Ohlbrecht's range has also drawn a lot of praise, and he is a threat to hit the 3 if left open. A solid athlete, Tim loves to face up defenders but can struggle mightily putting the ball on the floor. One thing that seperates him from Dirk is his ability to effect games in other ways than offense. Ohlbrecht is an excellent rebounder and has great timing as a shot blocker. His shot blocking skills make up for the fact that he's a weak man-to-man defender. Could be a star in the league, or just a solid role player.
Possible Ratings: C+ B- D+ C+ B
Petteri Koponen
He's 6'5", weighs 195lbs, and he's coming out of.....FINLAND? Most scouts were just as surprised but his abilities make his country of origin irrelevant. Koponen's size isn't his only admirable attribute, rather scouts are drawn to his willingness to find the open man. Despite possessing an effective outside jumper, Koponen only uses it as a last resort and will never be a big scorer. Known to use his head to look for weaknesses in an opponent, rather than use athleticism or strength. Struggles defensively against more athletic defenders. Has a high basketball IQ, a true student of the game.
Possible Ratings: C B- B- C+ C-
Artem Zabelin
As the late great Old Dirty Bastard once said, "Oh baby I like it rawww." Zabelin is just that, he's completely unpolished. He has the height (7'1"), but not the size (215lbs). He desperately needs to add some strength to be effective in the low post. Has made strides with on his jumpshot and hits relatively well for a 7 footer. Solid shotblocker due to long wingspan. Zabelin can move well for his size and make the extra pass. Has center size, but may never have a center's skill set. A risky pickup that could pay off big time.
Possible Ratings: C+ C+ C C+ C+
This article reflects only the opinions of the ABCA's head scout (J.D. Barkley) and the ratings presented are merely suggestions. Potential's are not listed because they should be clear by reading the report. Not all players mentioned are necessarily in the upcoming draft.
Nicolas Batum
Batum has been in the eyes of many international scouts for some years now. He's made strides playing with his team in French improving his strength and his court awareness. Batum will undoubtably be one of the best athletes in whatever draft he declares for. His athleticism allows him to be an agressive defender and a very efficient slasher. His jumpshot will never be great considering his form, but it has been effective enough. Likely a top 5 pick in the upcoming draft, and a future All Star.
Possible Ratings: B C+ C B C
Alexis Ajinca
This guy is 7'1" with a 7'9" wingspan. That fact alone makes scouts salivate. But then you get to the other fact that he's 215lbs and about as strong as your average SG. His length matched with impressive athleticism for a 7 footer allows him to be an effective weak side defender. He isn't a great post defender due to his strength, and isn't quick enough to defend 90% of the ABCA SF's. It wouldn't be too hard to figure out given the preceeding information that Ajinca is a lot more comfortable facing up. He actually has considerable range from outside, hitting a 3 pointer every now and then. A mystery where he will go, given his unique skill set.
Possible Ratings: C B- C- B- C+
Danilo Gallinari
Definitely one of the most intriguing players ever produced by Italy, Gallinari will make an impact as soon as hit hits the NBA. Danilio is a 6'9" forward (playing PF in Italy) with the skills of a guard. Not overly athletic, the best way to describe him is crafty. He handles the ball extremely well for his size allowing him to score off the dribble despite not being overly quick. He will never be a great defender, but is good at jumping the passing lanes and creating steals. Gallinari's slashing isn't his only ability, as he's been known to win a few 3 point contests. He's a very smart player, but the biggest question is how well will his athleticism, or lack thereof, translate to the league.
Possible Ratings: B- B- C+ C+ C
Victor Claver
Claver is talented, but his biggest problem is by far his consistancy. He can absolutely stun you one game with his quick 1st step and slashing ability, then come out another game turning the ball over and struggling with his shot. Claver is a good shooter for a 6'9" player, but he doesn't have much range on his shot. He's also a solid defender because he has good lateral quickness, but isn't always agressive with his D. Very average rebounder. Fringe lotto pick, mainly because he can't escape questions about his consistancy.
Possible Ratings: B- C+ C- B- C
Omri Casspi
The Isreali guard should fit in well with an up-tempo team. To be 6'8", he runs the floor fluidly and can create plays with the ball. Don't be fooled into thinking he's just another soft Euro, he has been known to go to the hole strong and finish with a nice dunk. He has a considerable amount of leaping ability. Can hit the 3, but makes his living hitting mid-range jumpers. Casspi also has a tendancy to gamble for steals and end up getting beat because of it. A very unmotivated rebounder. He knows he's talented, and that can sometimes get to his head. His assurance in his skills makes some scouts doubt his will to improve.
Possible Ratings: C+ B- C B- C-
Ricky Rubio
He's been playing professional ball in Spain since he was 14, and boy can he play. His recent 2 inch growth spurt positions him as a SG in the ABCA, but his past experience as a PG will certainly help. Regardless of when he comes out (he will be eligible for the '10 draft), Rubio will be the best defensive guard. He is excellent at denying the ball, frustrating defenders, and creating turnovers. Turnovers that lead to him having incredible steal per game numbers. I probably should mention that he's ambidextrous. Not very strong, but quick enough to penetrate well. He could use some work on his long range shot, but his mid-range is improving. Some scouts say he's the next Dejan Bodiroga of the ABCA, except with lockdown defense. Top 5 pick, period.
Possible Ratings: B- C+ B- B+ C-
Tim Ohlbrecht
Germany first gave us Dirk, and now we get Ohlbrecht. Tim has defenitely modeled his game after Dirk, as he is a 7 foot three point shooter. Like Dirk, scouts wish he would spend more time playing the post because he is a crafty scorer downlow. Ohlbrecht's range has also drawn a lot of praise, and he is a threat to hit the 3 if left open. A solid athlete, Tim loves to face up defenders but can struggle mightily putting the ball on the floor. One thing that seperates him from Dirk is his ability to effect games in other ways than offense. Ohlbrecht is an excellent rebounder and has great timing as a shot blocker. His shot blocking skills make up for the fact that he's a weak man-to-man defender. Could be a star in the league, or just a solid role player.
Possible Ratings: C+ B- D+ C+ B
Petteri Koponen
He's 6'5", weighs 195lbs, and he's coming out of.....FINLAND? Most scouts were just as surprised but his abilities make his country of origin irrelevant. Koponen's size isn't his only admirable attribute, rather scouts are drawn to his willingness to find the open man. Despite possessing an effective outside jumper, Koponen only uses it as a last resort and will never be a big scorer. Known to use his head to look for weaknesses in an opponent, rather than use athleticism or strength. Struggles defensively against more athletic defenders. Has a high basketball IQ, a true student of the game.
Possible Ratings: C B- B- C+ C-
Artem Zabelin
As the late great Old Dirty Bastard once said, "Oh baby I like it rawww." Zabelin is just that, he's completely unpolished. He has the height (7'1"), but not the size (215lbs). He desperately needs to add some strength to be effective in the low post. Has made strides with on his jumpshot and hits relatively well for a 7 footer. Solid shotblocker due to long wingspan. Zabelin can move well for his size and make the extra pass. Has center size, but may never have a center's skill set. A risky pickup that could pay off big time.
Possible Ratings: C+ C+ C C+ C+
