NBA Comparison: Marcus Morris

Strengths: Versatile, athletic forward that can play either forward spot and can guard up to three positions at the next level … A standout on the defensive end … Can really be disruptive defensively by blocking shots (1.1 /game this season) and grabbing steals (1.9/game) … Excellent anticipation and reflexes to make steals … Instinctual player that can wreak havoc in passing lanes … Natural scorer putting up 17 ppg in just 24 minutes per game … Has good footwork on drives to the basket that allows him to react to how defenders are guarding him and still create space to get his shot off … Impressive ball handler for a combo forward allowing him to create scoring opportunities and utilize his athleticism well on drives to the rim … Extremely effective player in transition – always looks to run … Is aggressive in looking to dunk the ball when going to the rim and can elevate without needing an elongated gather … Shows good strength and plays with solid physicality … Creates contact on his drives to the rim, drawing fouls at a high rate and converts on those opportunities, shooting 80% from the free throw line … Has a quick jump that allows him to contest shots that opponents think are open looks … Rebounds the ball well, particularly on the offensive end … Excellent length with a 7-foot wingspan … Quality rebounder, with very solid 6.6 rebounding numbers in limited minutes off the bench .. Showed a willingness to find ways to contribute as a freshman at Cincinnati with more blocks and assists per game than at LSU, despite playing fewer minutes … Shot needs refinement but knocked down 28-78 three pointers for a solid (36%) clip, though on a fairly low volume (0.8/2.4 per game) …

Weaknesses: Overall approach and game in need of refinement. At times lacks consistency and makes mental errors … Despite shooting a better percentage from three after transferring to LSU, needs to refine his shot mechanics as he currently shoots from beside his head with a low release point … Can be uncomfortable driving to his left … Often relies on straight line speed and athleticism, to get to his spots … Can be a bit erratic and inconsistent on offense … Was a liability in regards to turnovers with 2.2 per game to just 1.0 assists per game … Turns the ball over on 13.5% of his plays … Relies on teammates to create most of his offense within the half court … Needs to further develop his in-between game so that defenders can’t focus solely on stopping him at the rim …

Outlook: Coming from an undisciplined LSU program, it’s hard to know how much better or how different his game would be with more structure and coaching … Eason will really benefit if put in the right situation at the next level … Eason is a high level defender who embraced his role as a sixth man at LSU … If he can refine his three point shot and extend his range, he could be the type of three-and-D player that teams covet on the wing … He rebounds the ball well enough to play the four, especially the way the league plays currently, but his defensive versatility will also allow him to see the floor as a three … As long as he isn’t asked to do too much offensively and can focus on the things he is best at – being a disruptive force on defense and getting out in transition – he should be able to find a role early on in his career … Projected late first round to early second round pick …

Notes: Spent freshman season at Cincinnati before entering transfer portal … Native of Seattle, WA … Averaged 23 pts, 8 rebs, 3 stls and 1.4 blks during his senior (2019-20) season, leading Garfield High to the 3A state championship, and earning the Washington State Player of the Year award … Measured: 6’6.75” barefoot, 6’8.0” in shoes, 8’11.50” standing reach, 217.4 lbs, 7’2.00” wingspan at the 2022 NBA Draft Combine …

Eric Yearian 3/25/22