Robert Hubbs III

From “Revisiting ‘Under the Radar’ College Freshmen”

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Robert Hubbs III | Tennessee
SG, 6-5, 190
18 years old

Season (12 games, 18 mpg): 5 PPG, 1.5 RPG
31% FG, 9-32 three-point

Trending: Unknown

Outlook: Hubbs’ freshman season was cut short due to  injury. After only 12 games, he underwent season-ending surgery on his left shoulder, re-aggravating an injury that has hampered him since high school. Hubbs entered college with pain in his shoulder, wore a soft brace during the year, and finally opted to have surgery. To make matters worse, Hubbs wasn’t eligible to receive a medical redshirt, because he played in more than 30 percent of Tennessee’s games.

Over the course of 12 games, Hubbs averaged 5 points and 1.5 rebounds in 18.3 minutes. Obviously, the numbers aren’t impressive.

That said, during his freshman year, Hubbs occasionally flashed NBA-level potential as a scoring and rebounding shooting guard. At 6-5 and 190 pounds, Hubbs has deep range on his jump shot, and terrific body control to finish off the bounce. He’s a high-level athlete — very long, very fluid, and explosive enough.

But there’s no telling how he will return from a nagging injury. At this point we have to wait and see. A silver lining is that, with Jordan McRae and Antonio Barton graduating in the spring, Hubbs should have his chance next season.

If he makes a full recovery—and that’s a big if—Hubbs can make a huge impact next season. He’s young for his age still, and has the talent that drew me to him a few years ago. He’s too young and talented to already dismiss.

The best case scenario is that Hubbs will return next season, start at SG, and make his mark in the SEC. It’s difficult to project his NBA future at this point, but I can’t dismiss that, either. I’ve seen Hubbs dominate several of the “top freshmen,” and I still believe he’s capable of doing so in college.

Video

3-Point Shooting

— Only 9-32 on the season, but Hubbs smooth form is apparent. He can develop into a reliable 3-point shooter.

Spot Up Makes

— Hubbs flashes “NBA moves” on some plays, but then he appears timid on others. Smooth scorer, but he needs to develop a “mean streak.”

Transition Attempts

— Only 2-9 on the season. I’d like to see him attack the basket more, instead of settling for transition 3’s.

From “‘Under the Radar'” College Freshmen

1) Robert Hubbs, Jr | Tennessee
SG, 6-5, 190

Quick Thoughts: It wasn’t long ago when Hubbs was an unknown prospect, both on the East coast and nationally. This was because a) he’s from Newburn, TN (population 3,500) and he played at little-known Dyer County HS, b) he didn’t play high-major AAU until the summer before his senior year, and c) he has a laid-back personality, shying away from attention and adulation.

In my opinion, Hubbs is the most underrated freshman in the country. I’ve seen him compete on three occasions, each time against completely different players: He had his way against point guard Andrew Harrison, shooting guard Aaron Harrison, and small forwards Troy Williams (Indiana) and Kuran Iverson (Memphis).

A 6-5, 190-pound shooting guard, Hubbs is a smooth scorer with shooting range and next-level body control. He is “long and fluid” — picture a young Tracy McGrady, not in terms of talent but in the sense that when Hubbs leaves the ground he’s acrobatic and athletic enough to figure it out mid-air. Hubbs can score from all three levels (perimeter, mid-range, at the rim). He is also extremely coachable—a well-mannered, I’m here to learn and play hard attitude.

His level of success at Tennessee will, obviously, be more indicative of his NBA potential than the high school circuit was. But in terms of freshmen shooting guards, Hubbs—who is currently ranked the 169th prospect in the 2014 Draft by ESPN’s Chad Ford—is right there with Aaron Harrison (ranked 28), Keith Frazier (91) and Wayne Selden (12).

How He Fits:

Projected Starting Lineup
F — Jarnell Stokes (Jr)
F — Jeronne Maymon (Sr)
G — Jordan McRae (Sr)
G — Josh Richardson (Jr)
G — Antonio Barton (Sr)

Tennessee features a veteran backcourt (particularly playing behind senior Jordan McRae), which means Hubbs will most likely come off the bench early in the season. However, someone close to the Tennessee program recently told me Cuonzo Martin recognizes Hubbs’ immense talent and potential, and regardless if he’s a starter or reserve, Hubbs will be featured in the offense this year.

Also, Tennessee has a dearth of players who can facilitate, so Hubbs may have to create for himself as a freshman, which is not an easy task.

Memphis transfer Antonio Barton is a score-first point guard; Jordan McRae is a ball-dominant shooting guard—he averaged 34 minutes per game and used 27.8% of his team’s shots when on the floor, the highest rate on the team; and Josh Richardson’s role will be as an on-ball defender. Freshman guard Darius Thompson could be the team’s best passer, but to an uncertain extent.

If Hubbs can usurp Richardson or Barton in the starting lineup, or even if he’s given a major bench role, he should emerge on the NBA radar at some point this season.