Strengths: Explosive athlete with unique combination of power and quickness … Possesses an extraordinary wingspan, with Georgia Tech official website claiming a 9-1 standing reach … Tremendous leaping ability … Frequent target of the alley-oop pass and seemingly nothing is out of reach. Soft hands allow him to corral passes most bigs would muff … Runs the floor like a gazelle showing great speed from baseline to baseline … Finishes with power around the rim – a dunking machine … Has made dramatic advancements in his post game repertoire and footwork … Features a drop step into the lane for a mini right hook and quick spins to either side of the floor … Cat quick in the post. Displays a deft touch with his left hand around the basket, almost inclined to use his off hand … Has a nice looking stroke out to 12-15 feet, but does not appear overly comfortable … Appears relaxed at the free throw line shooting 73% early on … An absolute vacuum on both the offensive and defensive backboards. Averaging 8.3 rebounds through his first seven collegiate games in 24 minutes of action (4.4 def and 3.9 off) …  A shot blocking menace (5 per game as a HS senior and 2 per game early this season) … Alters countless other attempts … His mere presence makes opponents think twice before driving inside … Not a boastful personality, but rather allows his game to do the talking … Excellent student and quick learner. 

Weaknesses: Has done a good job adding bulk to his frame, but needs to continue to get stronger … Needs to increase trajectory on his jumper and increasing his range would be beneficial … Ball handling is decent for a big, but must be improved to augment his face up game … Continued advancement of his footwork and comfort level in the post … Seems to predetermine moves rather than reacting to the defense … Does not handle double teams well … Needs to slow the game down and not panic … Not a great passer out of the post. Has relied heavily on his athletic gifts up to this stage against inferior competition … Needs to work harder and understand court positioning … Can be lazy at times defensively and on the boards depending on his length and leaping ability … Stands too upright and his lateral movement is sloppy … His conditioning has been questioned, often tiring in the latter stages of games.

Notes: Took home the MVP award at both the Jordan Brand Classic and McDonald’s All-American game.

Adam Ganeles 12/11/09

Strengths: An elite level athlete with skills to play either forward position … He has the athleticism and quickness to guard on the perimeter, and also the length and strength to play inside … Just a high school junior, he’s already one of the top handful of high school players in the country … Tremendous shot blocker, his huge wingspan and great explosiveness and timing make him a superb shot blocker … Plays aggressively, not afraid of contact Has a great frame, adding another 15-20 good pounds will be no problem … Very fluid athlete, runs the court well … He is strongest playing inside, rebounding and defensively, skills that will be a benefit regardless of the position he ultimately ends up at … Has solid post skills, with the strength to finish after contact … Has the ability to face the basket and create or shoot … Solid range out to 12 feet, doesn’t extend further than that right now as he never needs to …

Weaknesses: Still needs to work on conditioning. By the end of the adidas Super 64, he was really dragging missing most of the semi-final game against Indiana Elite … Developing his perimeter skills (ball handling, passing and outside shooting) will serve him well, as he looks like more of a natural small forward for the NBA level … All of these skills have good potential, just need polishing … Must gain better consistency, play at a high level at all times … Can be a little mechanical offensively …

Notes: Plays for the same AAU team that Josh Smith played for, he has a similar type of game and is very athletic but not quite the freak show that Smith is …

Aran Smith – 8/7/2007

NBADraft.net Interview

SEASON	TEAM	MIN	PTS	REB	AST	TO	A/T	STL	BLK	PF	FG%	FT%	3P%	PPS
2009-2010	GT	27.5	12.4	8.4	1	2.5	0.41	0.9	2.1	2.6	0.611	0.629		1.53
Per Game	GT	27.5	12.4	8.4	1	2.5	0.41	0.9	2.1	2.6	0.611	0.629		1.53

SEASON	TEAM	GP	MIN	FG	FGA	FTM	FTA	3PM	3PA	PTS	OFF	DEF	TOT	AST	TO	STL	BLK	PF
2009-2010	GT	36	989	179	293	90	143		1	448	108	195	303	37	90	32	74	94
Totals	GT	36	989	179	293	90	143		1	448	108	195	303	37	90	32	74	94