NBA Comparison: Greivis Vasquez

Strengths: Ideal size for the point guard position with a 6’5’’ frame … Passing is better than most combo guards entering the draft, averaging 5.4 assists his junior season … Plays with incredible efficiency … Quick decision-making ability … Efficient three-point shooter, shooting nearly 40% over his career … One of his biggest strengths is his lock-down defense … Uses his size to his advantage when guarding both on and off the ball … He is lengthy enough to guard multiple positions … Great awareness that allows him to beat offensive players to the spot … Uses hesitation moves to get into the lane … Can effectively score at the rim with either hand … One of the better spot-up shooters in college basketball … Fouls at a very low rate … Handles the ball well … Turns over the ball less than 15% of possessions … Despite a lack of athleticism, he is a big-time shooter that creates plays for himself and his teammates … Makes up for physical shortcomings with great intagibles … Shows the ability to make those around him better … Plays with a lot of confidence and swagger … Has a competitive edge and knocks down shots in tough moments … Raises his level of play in big situations … Reliable free throw shooter (Hovering around 80% for his career) … Solid rebounder for a point guard at 4.0 per game … Can post up smaller players …

Weaknesses: Possesses less than ideal physical tools … Lacks the speed and athleticism that is prominent in the NBA … He is often slower than every ACC guard he has competed against … Has a difficult time creating separation on offense … Struggles to keep up with extremely quick players on defense … His subpar athleticism will likely be exposed at the next level … Often shoots spot-up jumers, but must improve shooting off-the-dribble if he wants to succeed … Needs to add some strength and muscle … Does not have as high of a ceiling as most of the prospects entering the draft because of his lower-athletic ability …

Outlook: While Ty Jerome’s below-average speed and athleticism will likely prevent him from being a stand-out player in the NBA, he has the mental makeup to succeed … He has enough awareness and a high IQ that is capable of snagging a starting point guard spot or running a second unit … Projected to be a solid backup who can score, defend and provide much-needed energy off the bench … Virginia’s run in the NCAA tournament will certainly silence many doubters and possibly secure Jerome a first round pick in the NBA Draft …

Notes: 6’5’’ in shoes, with a 6’2.5’’ wingspan and 184 lbs at the 2015 Nike Basketball Academy … NBA scouts were impressed with his basketball IQ and tenacity at the 2018 Chris Paul Camp … Received offers from Princeton, Davidson, Temple, but ultimately was the best fit for Tony Bennett’s system at Virginia …  Had a career-high 14 assists on March 4th against Syracuse … Averaged 24.7 points, 8.0 rebounds and 5.0 assists as a senior at Iona Preparatory School before season-ending hip surgery in 2015-16 … Named to the All-ACC Tournament second team in 2018-19 …

Kailey Jackson 4/1/19