NBA Comparison: TJ Warren

Strengths: 6’8.5 forward … Good length for position with a 7’1.5 wingspan … Scoring mentality and instincts. Creates offense for himself. Plays well in isolation, one on one situations, and in the half-court. Uses screens well as a ball handler. Attacks gaps and can get to the basket off the dribble. Protects the ball well on drives. Uses spins and eurosteps to avoid the defense. Solid floater. Averaged 13.4 points per game over the Nike EYBL in 2016, 14.1 points per game in 2017, and 17.2 points per game in 2018 … Has shooting range out to the three-point line … Uses size well and can post up smaller perimeter players. Uses a fadeaway from midrange … Aggressive driver and doesn’t shy away from contact. Draws a lot of fouls and plays well through contact with solid strength. Shot 6.1 free throws per game over the Nike EYBL in 2018 … Good rebounder for position. Averaged 5.9 rebounds per game (2.1 offensive) over the Nike EYBL in 2016 and eight rebounds per game (2.3 offensive) in 2018 … Blocks shots well for position. Averaged 1.1 blocks per game over the Nike EYBL in 2018 …

Weaknesses: Isn’t very explosive as an athlete, more of a below the rim finisher. Has heavy feet. Lacks quickness, especially laterally, limiting him defensively … Can improve shooting efficiency. Shot 40.4% FG% over the Nike EYBL in 2016 and 40.1% FG% in 2018 … Solid shooting form but can improve outside shooting. Only shot 23.5% 3PT% over the Nike EYBL in 2016, 33.3% 3PT% in 2017, and 21.8% 3PT% in 2018 … Can improve as a free throw shooter. Shot 57.6% FT% over the Nike EYBL in 2016, 62% FT% in 2017, and 64.3% FT% in 2018. Shot 40% FT% at the NBPA Top 100 in 2017 … Can improve as a ball handler and playmaker. Averaged 2.2 assists per game to 2.6 turnovers per game over the Nike EYBL in 2018 … Can move more off the ball; doesn’t score much off curls, cuts, or any off ball movement that leads to easy baskets. Doesn’t get involved with the offense much until the ball’s in his hands, tends to try to create everything himself. Doesn’t contribute a heavy amount in areas outside of scoring and the isolation opportunities will be fewer at the next levels, as well as improving efficiency and shooting range …

Outlook: Incoming LSU freshman … Scored ten points (4-6 FG), grabbed seven rebounds, and passed out four assists in the 2019 McDonald’s All-American Game … Scored 18 points, grabbed seven rebounds, and recorded two steals in the 2019 Jordan Brand Classic … Alabama Gatorade Player of the Year and Mr. Basketball in 2018 and 2019 …

Evan Tomes 8/12/19

Notes: Younger brother of former Indiana basketball player, Christian Watford