NBA Comparison: Frank Jackson

Strengths: Very steady combo guard who spearheaded Baylor to being one of the big surprise college teams of the season … At 6’3, 190 lbs, has ideal point guard size and the potential to log time at both positions … Thrives in running the pick and roll, showing a solid ability to score and facilitate in those situations … Shooting motion is very good. He has a little bit of a push to his shot, and though it’s not pure, it is consistent and fairly efficient … Led the Baylor Bears, a team heading for a 1 seed in the tourney to their best season ever, and was team’s leading scorer at 16 ppg … Had solid efficiency at 42.1% FG, 38.1% 3P… Ability to knock down the three ball is one of the more enticing aspects of his game, and he should be able to extend his range (to NBA 3) and find similar success in time … Plays a very controlled offensive game, with very good balance and utilizes hesitation moves to create space … Solid physical frame, able to absorb contact and maintain momentum … Scores well in catch and shoot situations … Mature and focused. Doesn’t lose his cool easily … Coachable player, with solid attention to detail … Has some clever runners and ability to get defenders off balance to create space … Showed solid ability to finish in the paint, from an efficiency standpoint, however limited speed/ath limited his attempts at the rim …

Weaknesses: Not a true point guard. Much more of a scorer than a facilitator, and will need to become better at setting teammates up … Below the rim athlete. Lacks size and athleticism as a full time 2-guard … Did not even lead the team in assists (Davion Mitchell was the team leader at 3.8 apg) and had just a 3.1 to 2.4 A/TO ratio … Will need to cut down on turnovers, his ball handling appears to be lacking for a point … Athleticism doesn’t really jump out. Not very explosive, making him just average at both creating space for himself and attacking and finishing at the basket … Average overall speed, and doesn’t have the burst to push the ball up the floor and put pressure on the defense … Lack of speed and athleticism makes him below average in transition, and much better suited for the half court, and specifically PnR game … Wingspan reportedly in the neighborhood of 6’4, so he does not possess much length … His lack of speed/ath also limits his ability to score when he’s not afforded a pick. He must improve upon his ability to score when forced to isolate … Struggles to create space in ISO … Despite his size, doesn’t really play big, and rarely makes athletic plays at the rim … Inability to dunk with ease has cost him baskets when he has more athletic opponents trailing him on the break … Should be able to improve upon his 77.5% FT shooting in sophomore year. Shot 79% as a freshman … Solid defensively as he shows focus and determination, though may struggle to contain bigger more athletic 2s as well as smaller speedier points at the next level … Did not get to the line very often, as he shot just 3 FT per game … Despite solid efficiency scoring around the basket in college, may be in for a rude awakening in finding the same success at the next level at scoring on drives with below average athleticism …

Outlook: Projected as an early-to-mid second rounder for the 2020 NBA draft, Butler has some desirable attributes for the next level and figures to have a chance to catch on as a back up in the league … Plays a steady, smooth game, despite not having flashy, explosive athleticism …

Notes: Native of Reserve, LA … Led Baylor to an impressive 26-4 season where they were in line to be a #1 seed before the COVID-19 virus wiped out postseason play … Baylor also spent much of the season ranked #1 as they went on a huge win streak after losing to Washington in their second game of the year …

Aran Smith 7/9/20