NBA Comparison: Naji Marshall

Strengths: A talented and versatile wing defender who produces steals and blocks at a high rate … Experienced 3-and-D wing who has a huge 7’0 wingspan, which allows him to disrupt a lot of offensive action both on and off the ball … Solid playmaker and ball-handler who averaged three assists per game as a senior at VCU … Blossomed from a 22% shooter in his first two seasons to a 40% shooter from beyond the arc making him a floor-spacing wing with playmaking upside … Has a great feel for the game with the ball in his hands and sees the floor well as a tall initiator … Used his length and high motor to grab six rebounds per game as a senior … Efficient two-point scorer for a wing at 60% on four attempts per game from inside the arc … Rarely gets fatigued and was able to average 32 minutes per game as a senior …

Weaknesses: Not a terrific athlete or ball-handler who could struggle offensively at the next level … Failed to take care of the ball with more playmaking responsibilities as a senior, averaging three turnovers per game to go with his three assists. Will lose all of his playing time if he is this careless with the ball at the next level … Foul trouble was a reoccurring issue as he averaged three fouls per game as a senior. Needs to show a sharper focus on both ends of the floor to stay out of foul trouble and take care of the ball when he is called upon … Doesn’t have a lot of upside and will turn 22 before the regular season starts … On-ball defense could use some improvement as he gets beat off the dribble too often, which will only get worse with faster guards who won’t allow him to catch up for chase-down blocks …

Notes: Measured: 6’4.5” barefoot, 6’5.5” in shoes, 8’7.0” standing reach, 202.6 lbs, 7’0.0” wingspan at the 2022 NBA G-League Elite Camp …Atlantic 10 First Team Selection as a senior and Third Team Selection as a junior … First Team All-Ohio as a junior and senior in high school … Second-round selection by the Grizzlies in 2022 NBA Draft …

Derek Bast 6/23/22