NBA Comparison: Craig Brackins

Strengths: Strong, athletic big man who operated mainly out of the post, though flashed potential in other areas … Near prototype PF size, has measurables that should have him on par with standard NBA big men … One of the NCAA’s premier shot blockers over the past three seasons, great timing and ability to contest … Strong over his left shoulder, with a nice hook shot and some ability to create solid position with the dribble once he has the ball close … Did considerable work on his body during his time at Bowling Green … Showed much more of a jump shot as well, as he even made his way out to the long range at times his senior season, going 18-43 (41.9% 3PT) … Also improved his FT shooting from low 60’s as a sophomore to over 70% his last two seasons … Showed some nice things in the pick-and-pop, plus has some potential in the pick-and-roll as well … Does run the floor pretty well for a big man, gives good effort getting up and down the court … Solid rebounder, very willing to fight for position, seeks contact on the box out … Was dangerous off of his own misses as an offensive rebounder, plus having the ability to play above the rim certainly did not hurt … Managed to average more blocks than fouls, which is a sign of his not being too wild in looking to swat shots … Figured out better shots to take during his 2nd season as a high usage player, was much more efficient in his senior year than the year previous … Active and focused defender, seems to relish that side of the ball, provides teammates help and gives genuine effort to contest shots where most might give up … Showed some potential in defending the pick-and-roll, does well to hedge screens and makes sure he has a hand in the shooters face …

Weaknesses: Jump shot is still a bit inconsistent, face-up part of his game is still a work in progress … Played mostly center during college, with Bowling Green playing a lot of zone, the likely position change will take an adjustment … Very much strong hand dominant, will need to work on his right hand for fear of teams leaning on it … Not incredibly quick laterally, can still have issues with quicker players … Rarely if ever asked to create his own shot, not really a player who is going to do much of that … Ball skills still need improvement … Managed to stay out of foul trouble on a pretty consistent basis in college, will be much tougher to do so in the NBA … Still can be stifled by double teams, was not the best passer while in college … Playing in the MAC, did not have a huge chance to face players with his size and athleticism … While he was definitely a big difference maker in college, never truly broke out in senior year, possibly Bowling Green’s playing style?

Notes: Late bloomer and had no offers as a HS Senior … Played one season at Moraine Valley Community College … Named an NJCAA Division II All-American, averaging 19.3 points, 9.3 rebounds, and 5.2 blocks per game … Broke the Bowling Green single season blocked shots record with 73 as a sophomore, despite playing 18.8 mpg (broke his own record as a junior, with 88 blocks) … Named to the All-Mid American Conference 3rd team in 2013-14 … Named to the All-MAC 1st Team and won MAC Defensive Player of the Year in 2014-15 … Also named to the NABC District 14 All-District 1st Team … Finished his three years at Bowling Green with 1,089 points (11.5 ppg), 652 rebounds (6.9 rpg) and 244 blocks (2.6 bpg) … Averaged 14.7 ppg, 8 rpg and 2.7 bpg in 28.8 mpg as a senior … Averaged 14.7 ppg, 7.7 rpg, 3.7 bpg and 2 spg in a little over 25 mpg at the 2015 Portsmouth Invitational Tournament … Measured at 6’9.5 (with shoes, 6’8.25 without shoes), 242.8 lbs with a 7’1.5 wingspan and 9’0 standing reach at the 2015 NBA Draft Combine … One of the more impressive big man leapers at this year’s combine, with his All-Tournament performance at Portsmouth helping his draft stock really take off … His shooting mechanics are certainly not broken, with a tad more arc and repetition he could be pretty effective … Solid physically, definitely seems to fit the profile of a NBA big man … His ability as a shot blocker has made him a valuable commodity, with other aspects of his game making him even more intriguing … Has solidified as a strong 2nd round pick and with workouts could be a possibility for teams at the end of the 1st

Michael Visenberg 6/23/15