NBA Comparison: Kyle Kuzma

Strengths: The less heralded freshman Baylor forward, Sochan has flown up draft boards in recent weeks because of his rare physical traits and perceived versatility and upside … Perfect length and build for the modern forward, with the agility and verticality to cover every position … Can be utilized as a defensive chess piece, swarming smaller guards or using his long arms as a useful weak side rim protector … Still raw in certain basketball skills, but his youth (19 on draft day) and athleticism point to a very high ceiling … Got better as the season progressed, becoming a more consistent offensive weapon for the Bears, averaging 12.25 points over his final eight games, including hitting 17 twice over that stretch … The American born, Polish forward is a stellar rebounder despite his position, grabbing 9.1 rebounds per 36 minutes … Flashed some self-creation in smaller role (9.2 ppg in 25 minutes), but mostly scored off of assists … Could be a high-level scorer in a few years if he can build on a solid three-point shooting form … Has the length, strength and burst to attack the rim, generating scoring chances, especially while on the fast break … A high motor on the glass and in transition … One of the best defenders in the class despite his youth … 1.3 steals per game … Almost two assists per game even with limited time with the ball in his hands … Shows a good feel for the game …

Weaknesses: Most lottery picks have more scoring production and efficiency while in college than Sochan, who shot just 47% from the floor, 30% from deep and 60% from the free throw line … Those numbers need to see a dramatic increase to be a useful offensive player at the next level … Can struggle with turnovers trying to create offense, turning the ball over four times in five games this season … Fouls attackers too often, and doesn’t go straight up near the rim … Needs to use his 7’0 wingspan to deter drivers rather than fouling … Will probably take a season or two to get consistent minutes because of his lack of polish and experience … Poor offensive advanced stats … Has very intriguing potential, but also has low floor because of his putrid shooting and efficiency on offense … Not a threat in the post while matched up against smaller defenders … Hasn’t yet discovered best use of his elite athleticism to score around the rim … His success could be contingent upon landing with a quality organization that excels in developing young players …

Notes: Pronounced “So-Han” … Born in Guymon, Oklahoma … Comes from Polish descent … Sochan’s mother Aneta was a Polish basketball player … Played for the Polish Men’s National Team at EuroBasket 2022 qualification prior to his freshman season at Baylor … Played for powerhouse La Lumiere School in La Porte, Indiana as a junior in high school and went to Europe for a season before returning to USA and attending Baylor …

Michael Hopp 4/9/22