Grayson Allen

McDonald’s All-American Recap: 

Allen is a 6-4 shooting guard with a pure jump shot and the ability to finish above the rim. In the half court, he can catch-and-shoot, or shot fake and get to the rim in one dribble. In transition, he has terrific bounce to fill lanes and finish above the rim. Allen showcased his jumping ability to win the Dunk Contest Tuesday night (I wasn’t present).

That being said, Allen is an undersized SG at 6-4, and he isn’t skilled or quick enough to compensate for his lack of height.  In other words, although Allen is a good 3-point shooter and athlete, he struggles to make an impact in the half court. Allen will seize a shooting opportunity if he’s left open, but aside from catch-and-shooting, he struggles to contribute.

He played a supporting role on his Each 1 Teach 1 AAU team, coming off the bench as a catch-and-shoot “x-factor.” He’ll play that same role at Duke, and I expect him to excel in his role.

But as a 6-4 shooting guard, he needs a tighter handle and some semblance of an in-between/pull-up game. He’ll struggle as a shooter once he faces longer and more athletic defenses. I don’t think he’ll have the opportunity to play the point at Duke, so he’s kind of relegated to the shooting guard position. Let’s see if Allen can develop a pull-up jumper, and gradually improve his handle.

McDonald’s All-American Preview:

With good size at 6-4, Allen is a polished straight-line shooter and an underrated athlete. He can shoot it off screens and on the catch, and he can rise-and-stop with excellent shooting mechanics.

Allen has a high basketball IQ, plays within the team—he came off the bench for Each 1 Teach 1, yet he distinguished himself enough to earn a Duke scholarship—and he has a beautiful jump shot. He can shoot it, or with a quick first step, he can get to the rim and dunk it.

But Allen will have to prove he can do it consistently in college; he was great when called upon in high school, but again, his touches were limited. He was passive at times, and often went through entire games without making an impact. His jump shot and bounce make him capable, but the jury is still out on Allen’s long-term potential.

Nike Global Challenge 2013 (Washington D.C.): Allen is a deceptively athletic shooting guard with unlimited range on his jumpshot. He knocks down open jumpshots, and is not afraid to drive in the lane and dunk through traffic. He’ll take two dribbles, plant and take off. A great get for Duke.

Nike Peach Jam 2013 (North Augusta, SC): Allen has unlimited range on a picture-perfect jumpshot. He is a perimeter player who can create off the dribble and also catch-and-shoot. More than just a shooter, though. Allen knows how to score effectively and efficiently—he came off the bench for E1T1 team, but excelled in his role and got a scholarship to Duke.

The exciting part of Allen’s game is underrated athleticism. He gets above the rim with ease. High-major prospect with nice upside as a shooting guard. Not NBA level right now, but his development is just beginning.