NBA Comparison: Taj Gibson

Strengths: 6’10 big man … Good length … Well-coordinated, fluid, and mobile … Efficient scorer. Can score in the post with good touch on jump hook. Averaged 8.5 points per game while shooting 50% FG% at adidas Nations in 2017. Averaged 9.7 points per game while shooting 48.8% FG% over the adidas Gauntlet in 2017 and averaged 14.1 points per game while shooting 58.6% FG% in 2018. Averaged 10.7 points per game while shooting 50.7% FG% at the NBPA Top 100 in 2018 … Can play inside and out. Faces up and can score from midrange as well as stretch the floor with 3PT range. Has good shot mechanics, high release point, and good arc on shot. Shot a fourth best 54.5% 3PT% at adidas Nations in 2017. Shot 41.7% 3PT% over the adidas Gauntlet in 2017 and 44.4% 3PT% in 2018. Shot 42.1% 3PT% on 2.1 attempts per game at the NBPA Top 100 in 2018 … Good rebounder. Finished tenth in rebounding with 8.5 (2.3 offensive) per game over the adidas Gauntlet in 2017 and finished eighth with 8.8 rebounds per game in 2018, with a second best 2.4 offensive boards per game. Finished fourth with 6.8 rebounds per game at the NBPA Top 100 in 2018 … Good shot blocker. Averaged 1.7 blocks per game over the adidas Gauntlet in 2017 and an eighth best 1.3 blocks per game in 2018 … Solid ball handler at his size and uses either hand. Can take a rebound to the other end of the floor, keeps his dribble live under pressure, and changes direction with the ball … Good passing ability and distributes well in the half-court for his size. Good touch on lob passes. Averaged 3.6 assists to 1.7 turnovers per game over the adidas Gauntlet in 2018. Averaged 2.6 assists to 1.1 turnovers per game at the NBPA Top 100 in 2018 … Good frame that should fill out …

Weaknesses: Well-coordinated but isn’t highly explosive or incredibly quick off the ground, and although mobile, he doesn’t have great speed running the floor. Lacks foot speed, hindering ability to switch and hedge on perimeter defenders at the next levels, tends to drop in pick and roll defensive situations … Has some work to do on his body strength to help him play through contact. Can be stronger with the ball and more aggressive overall. Can play inside more and utilize his size around the basket, stays on the perimeter away from the action at times … Lets the game come to him and doesn’t force his impact but can look to score more … Despite a solid face up game, he can improve as a free throw shooter. Shot 55.6% FT% at adidas Nations in 2017. Shot 53.3% FT% over the adidas Gauntlet in 2017 and 67.2% FT% in 2018 … Older for his class, turns 20 before his freshman season starts …

Outlook: Incoming USC freshman … 2019 McDonald’s All-American … Member of the 2018 adidas Gauntlet Championship Compton Magic team …

Evan Tomes 8/20/19