NBA Comparison: Billy Owens

Strengths: 6’9.5 versatile forward … Good size and length (7’0.5 wingspan) especially for position … Very coordinated and fluid … Good hands. Good athleticism … Can finish above the rim … Can score from multiple spots on the floor. Shoots from midrange and three. Can shoot off the catch or dribble … Can score off step backs. Shoots well from the free throw line. Good touch within close, even shows a floater … Can score in isolation and create for himself. Can put the ball on the floor and get to the rim. Has a variety to his scoring with a combination of a presence in the paint and perimeter threat … Can score in the post as well as face up and shoot from outside … Can make good passes when focused and not forcing … Rebounds well. Can take defensive rebounds from end to end … Can impact the game in multiple statistical categories … Good confidence and aggression. Not afraid to get physical in the paint … Draws a lot of fouls … Made noticeable improvements filling out his body throughout high school … Has a diverse game that allows him to play alongside others to avoid logjams at any position …

Weaknesses: Doesn’t have a great feel for the game … Can improve overall in efficiency … Tends to take the same shots whether the game just tipped off or it’s a close in the final minutes … Can improve decision making and doesn’t always play within the flow of the offense … Can have tunnel vision for the basket and forces his offense. Handles the ball well enough occupy the defense but not enough to break down the defense. Tends to hold the ball and over dribbles at times leading into double teams and traps. Can be turnover prone, finished with a 1:2 assist to turnover ratio over the Nike EYBL … Drifts to the perimeter and falls in love with the three at times, sometimes settles for contested shots … Could utilize his size advantage in the post more often … Although post play and jump shooting are both part of his game he doesn’t excel at either yet … Can commit better defensively … Not much of a shot blocker, only averaged 0.5 blocks per game over the Nike EYBL … Older for his class, will turn 21 around the start of the NBA season without college experience and only played three games in the Adriatic League with BC Igokea …

Outlook: Well traveled high school career: freshman year at St. John Bosco, sophomore year at Prime Prep, junior year at Advanced Prep International, and senior year at Oak Hill Academy … Played in the McDonald’s All-American Game and Jordan Brand Classic … There is no question to Preston’s tools and talent. Understanding “when and why” will help him produce more by doing less/keeping it simple … Averaged 14.7 points and 7.3 rebounds per game while shooting 51.5% from the field over the Nike EYBL.

Notes: Measured 6’10.5’’ in shoes, with a 7’0.5’’ wingspan and 233 lbs at the 2015 Nike Basketball Academy

Evan Tomes 6/18/18

July 15, 2013