NBA Comparison: Mario Chalmers

Strengths: A lightning quick guard who improved dramatically throughout his freshman season at Tennessee … Creates a ton of space for himself on the drive with a lightning fast first step and great speed when he gets downhill … Very good mid range shooter and implements a runner well to compensate for his lack of finishing ability at the rim … Became much more confident in his 3-point jumper as the season went on, which brought the most out of him as a slasher and playmaker as well. Shot 57% from the perimeter in the month of March on over four attempts per game … Accurate and crafty passer who is deadly passing to cutting wings and big men in the paint … The Volunteers used a lot of two-big lineups and Chandler frequently found space for one of them to finish at the rim … High level finisher around big men when he is driving to the rim … Capable of leaping above the rim to block shots from behind and contest big men at the rim from help positions … Good anticipation defensively as he averaged over two steals per game on the season, with most coming from jumping passing lanes and scoring in transition … Disruptive defender on and off the ball who can speed up opponents and generate turnovers … Runs the offense with poise and pace and can adjust based on the flow of the game … His speed and shooting give him nice potential and he should benefit from an extremely weak PG class in 2022 … Still only 19 years-old and a solid end to the season could put him in the lottery discussion especially for teams willing to be patient with his transition to the professional game

Weaknesses: Small for a point guard in today’s NBA at 6’1 in shoes despite the solid wingspan (6’5) … On top of his lack of size, has a slight frame making him a bit of a liability on the defensive end … Free throw shooting is a major problem for a point guard who loves to get to the basket and create contact on drives … Chandler only shot 60% on three FT attempts per game, which is not only a problem for wasting possessions when getting to the line, but could suggest his 3-point percentage could be sporadic as well … Shooting motion is a little slow, which could force him to create more separation than others need to in isolations and self-creating opportunities … Lack of size at only 6’ feet is also problematic … Slow adjustment to the college game suggests it could take a few years for him to get accustomed to the professional game, as more successful college guards in previous years have needed adjustment time during their transition … Patience and trust will be needed from the team that drafts him, but Chandler’s intangibles and potential should help them reap the benefits whenever he gets comfortable in the pros … Played off the ball for a lot of freshman season, but it shouldn’t be a big detriment to his draft stock or future as a lead guard as he’s proven in multiple settings that he has lead guard skills …

Notes: 2022 SEC Tournament MVP … All-SEC Second Team … Gold medalist at 2021 FIBA U19 World Cup for USA … Five-star guard who was Gatorade Player of the Year in Kansas and MaxPreps National Player of the Year Finalist … Measured: 5’11.50” barefoot, 6’0.50” in shoes, 8’1.0” standing reach, 172.2 lbs, 6’5.25” wingspan at the 2022 NBA Draft Combine …

Derek Bast 4/9/22

Strengths: 6’0 point guard … Good length with a 6’5 wingspan … Solid build … Quick with the ball and makes moves in the open floor without losing speed … Very good shooter with proper mechanics, arc, and ball rotation. Shot 39.1% 3PT% on 3.3 attempts per game at the U19 World Cup in 2021 … Good shot selection and doesn’t hunt for points … Reliable free throw shooter in high school … Solid passer and ball handler. Doesn’t get rattled under pressure or pick up his dribble early. Makes passes with either hand. Averaged 3.4 assists to 2 turnovers per game at the U19 World Cup in 2021… Good rebounder for position … Very good on ball defender and harasses with active hands. Anticipates and jumps passes. Good defensive commitment and doesn’t get caught watching the action … Always under control …

Weaknesses: Jumps well off one foot but generally shows it in the open floor, plays below the rim in the half-court. Scoring in the paint and finishing at the rim may be an obstacle at the next levels. Averaged 7.7 points per game on 42% FG% at the U19 World Cup in 2021 … Good ball handler but isn’t incredibly creative and doesn’t show a lot of ability to break down the defense. Solid passing ability but doesn’t show a lot of advanced reads as an initiator … Can protect the ball better on drives …

Outlook: Tennessee freshman … Transferred to Sunrise Christian Academy for his senior year … 2021 McDonald’s All-American … Named to the 2021 Jordan Brand Classic … Named to the 2021 Nike Hoop Summit … 2021 Kansas Gatorade Player of the Year … Won Gold at the U19 World Cup in 2021 … 2019 & 2020 Tennessee Mr. Basketball …

Evan Tomes 8/30/21