Connecticut 82, Eastern Washington 65
Saturday, December 28, 2013 | 1 p.m. EST | Webster Bank Arena (Bridgeport, CT)
Connecticut 11-1, Eastern Washington 5-6
Recap: Five UConn players scored in double figures to give the Huskies a well-balanced victory over Eastern Washington. Shabazz Napier controlled the tempo of game, finishing with 15 points and 9 assists; Ryan Boatright had 14; Niels Giffey had 13; transfer Lasan Kromah added 12; and sophomore Phillip Nolan scored a career-high 11 points to go along with 6 rebounds and 2 blocks. Eastern Washington guard Tyler Harvey kept the Eagles within striking distance, but striking distance was the best it could do. UConn exposed Eastern Washington’s lack of size, scoring a season-high 40 points in the paint. This was a valuable final tune up before both teams begin conference play.
Previous UConn Evaluations:
NBA Prospects (ranked in order of performance/potential shown):
1. Amida Brimah (FR, UConn): C, 7-0, 217 (Long way to go – purely potential right now)
2. Shabazz Napier (SR, UConn): PG, 6-1, 170
3. DeAndre Daniels (JR, UConn): SF, 6-8, 195
4. Omar Calhoun (SO, UConn): G, 6-5, 195
5. Ryan Boatright (JR, UConn): G, 6-0, 170
Played Well, But Not “NBA Caliber” Right Now
6. Niels Giffey (SR, UConn): SF, 6-7, 205
7. Lasan Kromah (SR, UConn): SF, 6-6, 200
8. Tyler Harvey (SO, Eastern Washington): G, 6-4, 180
9. Venky Jois (SO, Eastern Washington): F, 6-7, 230
10. Phil Nolan (SO, UConn): PF/C, 6-10, 210
NBA Prospects:
1. Amida Brimah — C, 7-0, 217
Freshman, 20 years old
Season (12.9 mpg): 2.8 PPG, 1.9 RPG, 2.8 BPG, 2.4 fouls
Game: 0 points, 2 rebounds
Outlook: After observing Brimah during practice Friday and the game Saturday, it’s clear he’s very raw right now. He’s an elite shot-blocker at the college level, averaging 2.8 blocks in 13 minutes per game, but that’s the extent of his “elite” attributes.
He’s a project offensively, essentially trying to develop an offensive game from scratch (Brimah started playing basketball only three years ago). At practice Friday, Brimah constantly worked on a hook shot over both shoulders, and it seems the coaching staff is intent on making this his go-to move.
Brimah is No. 1 on this list because of physical gifts (7-footer), nimble feet, and eagerness to learn. He runs the floor quickly and takes long strides, and he’s a menacing shot blocker. But he has a long way to go if he wants to be an NBA player: He’ll need to add at least 20 pounds of muscle, and start developing some semblance of an offensive game. The coaching staff at UConn continues to compare Brimah to Hasheem Thabeet, saying they expect Brimah to develop offensively and enter the Draft after his junior season.
Coach Ollie has inserted Brimah into the starting lineup for the last three games, but he’s only played a combined 26 minutes in those games. Brimah’s minutes are inconsistent right now, and will likely vary on a game-to-game basis.
Video: Individual Defense (Blocks)
Brimah has good length and timing to block shots from various spots on the floor. He can also become a terrific help defender in this regard. He’s posting an exceptional 20.8% block percentage (the percentage of opponent field goal attempts Brimah blocks when he’s on the floor).
Video: (Struggling) Post Defense
Brimah is allowing 1.42 points per post-up, which ranks in the bottom 96th percentile nationally, per Synergy Sports. Those statistics are a bit misleading due to the small sample size, but on film it’s apparent that physically mature can take advantage of Brimah on the interior. Opposing big men dip their shoulder into Brimah, gaining leverage and getting close to him as to neutralize his shot blocking threat. He needs to add muscle to hold his ground, and needs to stop gambling for blocks on every play.
Video: Fouling
Brimah is averaging 2.4 fouls in only 13 minutes per game.
Video: Athleticism (raw)
OVERALL
Brimah will like stay at least two more years in college, but the monitoring process begins now. He’s a 7-footer with great defensive instincts and a gradual offensive game. If he can develop a few go-to moves on offense—and if he can put on 25 pounds—he has a chance to be a pro.
2. Shabazz Napier — PG, 6-1, 170
Senior, 22 years old
Season (34 mpg): 15.4 PPG, 6.3 RPG, 5.9 APG, 1.9 SPG
Game: 15 points, 9 assists
Outlook: Napier is one of the most consistent players—and leaders—in the country. He contributes in nearly every statistical category, has a National Championship under his belt, and has a tremendous basketball IQ across the board. Skill-wise, Napier has some attributes that I think could translate to the NBA. Tight handle, excellent first step and the ability to quickly change direction. He has a developing jumper, and defensively he’s held his own vs. bigger guards this season.
The question marks with Napier stem from a 6-1 frame, below-average explosiveness, and a penchant to jack up questionable shots.
STRENGTHS
Court Vision
He averages 6 assists per game, and his 33.6% assist percentage (the number of teammate field goals Napier assisted while he’s on the floor) ranks 44th in the country.
Yes, Napier is a good passer, but he also doesn’t excel in any specific facet of passing — it seems he has better “open court” vision than, say, pick-and-roll passing, or drive-and-kick passing. Thus, I think his assist numbers are a somewhat misleading. His court vision is certainly a strength, but it should be taken with a grain of salt because Napier is a scorer by nature.
Video: Court Vision
Pick-and-Roll Scoring
Napier is shifty with the ball. He can change direction on a dime and attack the paint with ease. He also has a smooth pull-up jump shot, using his handle to break down the defense and then pull-up at the opportune moment.
Video: Scoring
Video: Pick-and-Roll
Napier is scoring a solid .95 points per pick-and-roll possession. Balanced pick and roll attack — takes jumper on 51% of P-n-Rs, and drives on 30% of them.
He reads the defense, creates an opening and capitalizes. Some say he’s too prone to shooting on the P-n-R, but I think it’s a positive because at 6-1 he’ll have to shoot from outside should he make the NBA.
Isolation Scoring
19% of Napier’s offense is in isolation, where he’s posting a solid 1.03 points per attempt. He shoots a jumper on 60% of his isolation attempts, and drives to the basket 40% of the time.
He’s effective either way, which is why I think Napier will be able to score in the NBA. My concern is, if you’re a 6-1 scoring guard, you need to be a terrific athlete, something Napier is not.
Video: Isolation (jump shot)
Napier rocks defenders to sleep and then pulls up for a jumper. He can do this against bigger defenders as well, as evidenced by his work on 6-5 swingman CJ Wilcox below. In both shooting and driving situations, Napier never loses his handle or footing – he has great control.
It’s quite impressive, at least on the college level.
Video: Isolation (drives)
Napier keeps his dribble low, and has the full arsenal in terms of ball handling — crossover, stutter-step, head fakes…everything. He’s reminiscent of his former teammate Kemba Walker in this facet of the game.
However, he doesn’t have the athleticism that Kemba had. Can his craftiness compensate at the next level?
Off Screens
Video: Off Screens
Although only 6% of Napier’s shot attempts come off screens, he’s shown the ability run off screens and free himself for a shot/drive. I think this is something Kevin Ollie will use more as the season progresses, maybe allowing Ryan Boatright to handle the ball and then let Napier run off perimeter.
Napier is effective off screens mostly because he can finish when he has momentum. He catches the ball, pivots forward and zips through the defense with ease.
NEEDS TO IMPROVE
Shot Selection? / Athleticism and Explosiveness
Napier is prone to taking off-balance, ill-advised shots early in possessions. He falls in love with jumpers, and although it works from time to time, this “tunnel vision” is not efficient. While it’s true Napier has to take these shots for UConn to be successful, more prudent shot selection is necessary if he wants to play in the League.
He lacks the athleticism and explosiveness you’d ideally want to see in a 6-1 guard. The reason that, say, Nate Robinson or Ty Lawson are successful is because they have extraordinary athletic gifts (jumping/speed). Napier is not an exceptional athlete.
Containing Penetration
Napier isn’t a great man-to-man defender. Quicker guards get him off balance and can penetrate against him. This may be the biggest concern—can he guard NBA point guards?
3. DeAndre Daniels — SF, 6-8, 195
Junior, 22 years old
Season (28.2 mpg): 13.1 PPG, 4.5 RPG, 1.4 BPG, 50% shooting
Game: 8 points, 4 rebounds
Outlook: After averaging 21 points and 9 rebounds during the last four games of his sophomore season, Daniels hasn’t fully capitalized the way I thought he would this year.
He has NBA size (6-8, 7-foot wingspan) and versatility, and I think he has more upside than most other small forwards, but Daniels needs to play with more aggression and intensity if he’s ever going to realize his upside.
Daniels is both skilled and versatile offensively—he has the athleticism to score in transition, and the skill to score in spot-up situations. He’s presumably in rare group of players who can shoot 43% from 3-point range and 65% around the basket. He’s taken the biggest stride in his interior face-up game. However, he still lacks a mean streak, and disappears for long stretches of time.
Defensively, he can guard both shooting guards and small forwards. His two-way potential is very intriguing.
In terms of improvement, Daniels has to 1) continue developing a few “go to” moves on the interior, 2) improve his handle on the perimeter, 3) add muscle to his 195 pound frame, and 4) play with more aggression. Bigger players often bully Daniels, which is frustrating because it’s difficult to evaluate his skills when he automatically gets out-muscled.
STRENGTHS
Offensive Versatility
Video: Versatility as a Screener
20% of Daniel’s baskets come as a pick-and-roll screener, where he’s posting a solid 1.11 points per possession. He’s effective because of his versatility — he can both “roll to the hoop” or “pop to the perimeter,\” which creates mismatches. He’s also showcased the ability to put those two attributes together — Daniels often pop to the perimeter, then drive to the basket.
Video: Spot-Up
Slow release is a little concerning for me.
Video: Cuts and Transition
Daniels doesn’t need the ball to be effective, which makes him even more valuable as a scorer. He’s a deft slasher who catches the ball in stride and finishes at the basket.
Video: 3-Point Shooting
Perhaps the most noticeable improvement in Daniels’ game has been his outside shooting. He shot 24% from 3-point range as a freshman, 30% as a sophomore, and now 43% as a junior. Slow release, but he’s more confident and his improvement is apparent.
Perimeter Defense
Daniels is holding opponents to 27% shooting on jump shots. His 7-foot wingspan allows him to play off his man but still contest. Daniels needs to get stronger, but he has the length to defend NBA small forwards.
NEEDS TO IMPROVE
Interior Game
Video: Post-Up Struggles
Daniels’ skinny frame makes it hard for him to establish himself in the paint. Because of this, he often fades away as to avoid contact and get a clean look at the basket
Right now, Daniels’ back-to-the-basket game is a work in progress. He’s clearly uncomfortable, and doesn’t pose a consistent threat. Adding muscle will make it easier.
Video: Developing Interior Game
OVERALL
Daniels is a skilled forward with NBA size and versatility. He can be effective from various spots on the floor, and can defend multiple positions. The problem is, he often disappears for long periods of time—even for an entire half. He certainly has the talent and versatility, but he needs to string together a series of productive performances.
4. Omar Calhoun — G, 6-5, 195
Sophomore, 20 years old
Season (21.3 mpg): 8.5 PPG, 2.3 RPG, 29% from 3-point range
Game: 12 points, 6 rebounds
Outlook: I first saw Calhoun as a high school senior, where he flourished at point guard and scored 36 points vs. Archie Goodwin. I thought he would have an opportunity to handle the ball at UConn, but that hasn’t been the case. His ball handling is not at a level where he can create for himself, let alone command an offense.
Thus, Calhoun’s been relegated to the wing, where he tries to drive and finish at the rim. But his jump shot continues to hold him back. He seemed to be clicking earlier in the year, but has regressed and has been removed from UConn’s starting lineup the past two games.
Aggressive guard who finishes through contact, but needs to improve his jump shot, and needs to find an identity on defense.
If he can correct his jump shot, Calhoun has potential to be a strong lead guard in college, and an NBA prospect as a junior/senior.
Video: Scoring (recent)
Video: Off the Dribble Struggles
Video: Missed Field Goals
Defending
Calhoun’s 6-5 frame, quick feet and physicality allow him to guard all three perimeter positions. He can dig into his man, and has the length to contest perimeter shots. However, he’s slow on his feet, and struggles to contain quicker guards.
5. Ryan Boatright — PG, 6-0, 170
Junior, 21 years old
Season (30 mpg): 12.1 PPG, 3.8 RPG, 3.5 APG
Game: 14 points, 3 rebounds, 2 assists
Outlook: Boatright is a lead guard who can play on- and-off the ball in college. He has a scorer’s mentality despite his small frame. His crossover dribble—along with deceptive athleticism—is his best skill, and it’s what keeps bigger defenders on their toes. He gets into the lane and finishes despite his size. He’s also improved his 3-point shooting, though not with consistency.
All things considered, scoring is not an issue with Boatright — but strength and size are. At 6-feet, can he play point guard in the NBA? He’s relieved Shabazz Napier in “running the team” duties this season, but only periodically. Also, Boatright often seems like he’s “looking out for himself,” but that won’t fly in the NBA.
Maybe he can be a spark-plug reserve in the NBA—similar to, say, JJ Barea—but I’m not sure. If he can finish around the basket with more consistency, Boatright will make a case as a spark-plug scorer who can distribute the basketball when needed.
STRENGTHS
Scoring (Shooting, Driving, Finishing in Transition … well-rounded)
Video: Scoring
Boatright is quick and shifty around the basket, and can contort his body to convert difficult layups and runners (1.23 points per possession on runners ranks in the top 3% nationally). As mentioned, his perimeter shooting has also improved this season. A killer crossover helps in both driving and shooting the basketball.
Video: Recent scoring
Video: Spot-up Scoring
Video: Isolation Scoring
Video: Transition Scoring
Boatright is good, but not great, finishing in transition. He’s inconsistent, in the sense that his makes and misses consist of the same shot attempts. Like, sometimes he converts difficult layups in the open court, but other times he’ll miss those same shots. Thus, he’s shooting 51% in transition, and posting an average 1.2 points per transition attempt.
NEEDS TO IMPROVE
Pick-and-Roll Passing
30% of Boatright’s offense comes out of the pick-and-roll.
He doesn’t set up teammates for open looks, as nearly 85% of his pick-and-roll passes are to spot-up shooters, which in reality means a simple pass to the wing. Boatright posts a 24.6% assist rate, compared to Shabazz Napier’s 33.6 rate. This is partially because Napier is UConn’s primary ball handler, but it doesn’t absolve Boatright. He needs to get into the paint and create for the screener/big man, to show he’s more than a scorer.
Video: Pick-and-Roll Passing (every P-n-R pass he’s thrown this season)
Containing Penetration
Boatright clearly has trouble containing penetration. He struggles to maintain balance, getting beat off the dribble, in addition to looking out of position off the ball. Opponents are only shooting 42% against Boatright “around the basket,” but on film it’s clear Boatright gets beat, regardless of whether or not the offensive player converts the basket.
Video: Containing Penetration
—
Played Well, But Not “NBA Caliber” Right Now
6. Niels Giffey — G/F, 6-7, 205
Senior, 23 years old
Season (21.1 mpg): 9 PPG, 3.3 RPG, 64% 3-pointers
Game: 13 points, 4 rebounds, 3 steals, 3 blocks
Outlook: Giffey is a terrific and efficient 3-point shooter with athleticism. He can’t create for himself, though, and is wiry thin for a 6-7 forward.
Giffey is shooting an exceptional 63% on jump shots this season, and his 1.833 points per jump shot attempt is the best mark in college basketball. Furthermore, his 1.4 points per possession overall ranks second in the country (min. 50 possessions). Giffey does his job, never complains, and as Coach Ollie says, he’s the “consummate pro.”
But at 23 years old and lacking a well-rounded skill-set, can he possibly get drafted? I honestly have no idea, but I’m including him in this list solely because of his shooting ability. I don’t see the skill or upside for the NBA, but I can’t say that Giffey isn’t worth second round consideration. He falls short in most categories, but he’s a shooter with solid athleticism, and presumably there’s some value in that.
Video: Shooting
Video: Deceptive Athleticism
Video: Scoring (recent)
7. Lasan Kromah — SF, 6-6, 200
Senior, 22 years old
Season (18.1 mpg): 6.2 PPG, 2.2 RPG
Game: 4 points, 4 rebounds
*UConn graduate transfer (via George Washington). Kromah had a terrific rookie season at George Washington (2009-10), earning A-10 rookie honors, but he suffered a lisfranc injury during his sophomore season that drastically set him back.
Outlook: Kromah is a unique player because he possess a lot of “good” skills, but doesn’t distinguish himself in any facet of the game. If you had to narrow it down, though, it’s Kromah’s instinctive ability to get to the rim that stands out.
He’s a 6-6 wing who gets to the rim on the college level. He shoots 51% from the field and always plays with energy.
Again – solid across the board, but doesn’t stand out in any facet of the game.
Video: Transition
Video: Spot-Up Points
Video: Isolation Struggles
8. Tyler Harvey — G, 6-4, 180
Sophomore, 20 years old
Season (35.6 mpg): 20.2PPG, 4.1 RPG, 1.9 APG
Game: 19 points, 4 rebounds
Outlook: Harvey is a wiry thin scoring guard with terrific range on his jump shot. He’s one of the best scorers in the country regardless of conference, as he’s scored 30 at Weber State, 28 at Washington, 30 vs. Seattle, 20 at St. Mary’s and 19 at UConn. The numbers are a bit inflated, though, as Harvey attempts 20% of his team’s shots at 14 attempts per game.
Yes he can score, but he’s not an NBA player.
Firstly, he doesn’t appear to have NBA athleticism. Secondly, most of his shots were off-balance, imprudent attempts. He’s also overly reliant on his 3-point shot, and it’s tough to evaluate his driving ability when 75% of his shots are jumpers.
If he can continue to score the ball at a high level, and then pick up his assist numbers, maybe we’ll revisit down the line.
STRENGTHS
Shooting / Isolation
He’s not an NBA athlete, and doesn’t have great size, but Harvey is crafty with the ball and makes plays.
Video: Shooting
Video: Isolation
Video: Questionable Shot Selection
9. Venky Jois — F, 6-7, 230
Sophomore, 20 years old
Season (29.9 mpg): 12.4 PPG, 8.0 RPG, 2.7 APG
Game: 2 points, 7 rebounds, 3 assists
Outlook: The Big Sky Freshman of the Year last season, Jois is a strong and athletic post presence with a penchant for rebounding. Developing touch around the basket, but his range beyond 10 feet is limited right now — 75% of his shots have come in the paint this season. He didn’t play well vs. UConn, but he has proven his rebounding ability and overall talent in the past.
STRENGTHS
“Around the Basket” Scoring
75% of Jois’ attempts this season have come in the paint, and he’s posting a solid a 1.13 points per play “around the basket.” He has the strength to finish through contact, and often will put his head down and attack the rim.
Put-Backs (Crashing boards)
He averages 8.1 rebounds per game, and when you look at the film, Jois is always around the basket when a rebound is imminent. He competes with bigger players due to his combination of strength and athleticism down low.
NEEDS TO IMPROVE
Shooting
Jois lacks polish outside the paint. He’s posting a below average .68 points per jump shot attempt, which ranks in the bottom 70th percentile nationally. He’ll attempt a 3-pointer at times, but he’s struggled to shoot the ball thus far in the season.
10. Phillip Nolan — PF/C, 6-10, 210
Sophomore, 20 years old
Season (14.3 mpg): 4.1 PPG, 2.8 RPG, 2.5 fouls
Game: 11 points, 6 rebounds, 2 blocks
Outlook: Simply put, Nolan lacks the muscle and skill right to be considered a prospect right now. But he’s included here because he’s athletic and young. Nolan recorded a career-high 11 points to go along with 6 rebounds, 2 blocks and contagious energy. His offense production is solely on “put-backs,” and he is raw in terms of creating for himself.
Again: right now Nolan is not an NBA prospect, but with two and a half years remaining, his development is worth monitoring.
Video: Offensive Put-Backs
Video: Post Defense
Video: Raw Offensively
*Ages calculated at time of 2014 NBA Draft