NBA Comparison: Samuel Dalembert

Strengths: 6’11.75 center … Good size and length with a 7’3.75 wingspan and 9’0.5 standing reach … Good mobility and athleticism … Explosive and quick off the ground, measured the highest standing vertical at the Nike Hoop Summit at 30 inches … Runs the floor well … Good coordination and fluidity … Shoots a high percentage within close, 58% over the Nike EYBL … Hits 3s in warm up situations with time to set up showing nice potential as a shooter … Solid foundation for a post-game … Good footwork at this stage. Shows a fade away in the post that he uses sparingly right now … Doesn’t force his offense. Passes out of the post. Buys into his role as a big man … Stays within his scoring range, doesn’t step out to the perimeter … Stays ready for a pass when a guard penetrates to dump off to him … Good shot blocker, averaged 2.1 per game over the Nike EYBL … Good rebounder. Gets good lift and secures with two hands … Good stroke from the free throw line … Big frame and strength level …

Weaknesses: Can be passive at times … Lacks a consistent motor and intensity, “Laid back” … Doesn’t always assert himself … Can drift in and out of the action … Can be more physical … Has trouble finishing with contact or in traffic … Post game is raw … Needs work on his jump hook and lacks consistent touch inside. Is limited to simply catching and finishing most of the time … Lacks awareness and feel for the game. Gets out of position defensively. Struggles defending one on one especially in isolation … Leaves his feet on defense too much … Doesn’t handle double teams well. Tries to put the ball down in traffic. Needs to keep the ball high in the post and after rebounds … Limited face up game. Has much room to expand his range …

Outlook: Incoming Kentucky freshman … Played in the McDonald’s All American Game, Jordan Brand Classic, and Nike Hoop Summit … Richards is still a work in progress. He has a good combination of size, length, and athleticism but has a way to go into utilizing his physical tools and talent to consistent on court production … Averaged 11.9 points and 8.7 rebounds over the Nike EYBL.

Notes: Measured at 6’10, 217 lbs, with a 7’2 wingspan at the 2014 Nike Elite 100 … Measured 6’11.5’’ in shoes, with a 7’2’’ wingspan and 227 lbs at the 2015 Nike Basketball Academy

Evan Tomes 7/14/17