Scouting Report: UConn vs. Rutgers

NBA Prospects

Amida Brimah (FR, UConn): C, 7-0, 217 (Long way to go – purely potential right now)

Shabazz Napier (SR, UConn): PG, 6-1, 170

DeAndre Daniels (JR, UConn): SF, 6-8, 195

Ryan Boatright (JR, UConn): G, 6-0, 170

Next Tier

Niels Giffey (SR, UConn): SF, 6-7, 205

Kadeem Jack (JR, Rutgers): SF/PF, 6-9, 230

Important to Their Team, But Not NBA Caliber

Myles Mack (JR, Rutgers): PG, 5-9, 175

Lasan Kromah (SR, UConn): SF, 6-6, 200

JJ Moore (SR, Rutgers): SF, 6-6, 220, 23 years old

–

NBA Prospects

#35 Amida Brimah — C, 7-0, 217
Freshman, 20 years old

Season (15.3 mpg): 4.1 PPG, 3 RPG, 2.5 BPG, 2.7 Fouls

Game (13 min): 0 PTS, 2 BLK
0-0 FG, 0-2 FT

Outlook:

— Brimah played only 13 minutes. Doesn’t have skill or polish right now, but his physical attributes—size, length, mobility, timing on blocks—give him a very high upside.

— Evaluation starts with defensive prowess; 2.5 blocks 15.3 minutes per game; 17.1% block percentage ranks 1st nationally. Excellent bounce and timing on blocks.

— Looks the part of a developing NBA center defensively. Too skinny right now (217 pounds), but has a stronghold on the paint with his excellent shot blocking ability.

— Unpolished—no offensive moves and poor hand-eye coordination—but has time to add skill to his impressive physical attributes

— Needs to work on catching the ball in the paint, and then implementing one or two “go to” moves. Maybe start with a hook shot?

— Needs to add strength to withstand the “first punch.” Right now, opponents often dip their shoulders into Brimah, getting close to his chest and thus negating his shot blocking ability.

— Brimah is far away from Draft consideration, but he has great upside. UConn assistant Karl Hobbs says Brimah “should be ready to go” by the end of his junior year. The next 12 months are critical in his development.

Video

Brimah vs. Rutgers

#13 Shabazz Napier — PG, 6-1, 170
Senior, 22 years old

Season (34.7 mpg): 17.8 PPG, 6 RPG, 5.3 APG, 1.9 SPG, 2.7 TO
43% FG, 41% three-point (4.7 attempts)

Game (39 min): 26 PTS, 4 AST, 2 REB, 3 STL
8-13 FG, 7-11 three-point

Outlook:

— Terrific “playmaker” on the college level. Quick, shifty guard, able to penetrate and convert difficult shots.

— Crafty handle to create space. Uses a variety of pull-ups, hesitations and ball fakes to get his shot off. Good shooter; made a career-high seven 3′s vs. Rutgers. 42% on jump shots, 41% from 3.

— Candidate for National Player of the Year. Leads UConn in points, assists, rebounds, steals and minutes. Poised vs. pressure, directs offense. Natural leader. High basketball IQ.

— Quick hands to get deflections and steals on defense. Aware defender.

— Terrific pick and roll player (43%, .94 PPP). Reads the defense and gets into creases. Not a great athlete to finish, but can penetrate the lane.

— Elite quickness, but not a great vertical athlete. Concerning for NBA projection.

— Sometimes gets beat off the dribble. Small and skinny  frame.

— Can he be a change-of-pace (reserve) guard at the next level? Is he too small? Certainly has the handle, jump shot and basketball IQ. Good accuracy on passes, too.

Video

4 assists vs. Rutgers

26 points vs. Rutgers

#2 DeAndre Daniels — SF, 6-8, 195
Junior, 22 years old

Season (27.7 mpg): 12.3 PPG, 5.4 RPG, 1.4 BPG
46% FG, 43% three-point (3 attempts)
Only 2.3 FTA

Game (21 min): 7 PTS, 6 REB, 1 AST, 3 Fouls, 2 TO
3-6 FG, 0-1 three-point

Outlook:

— Good size for NBA SF, though he needs to add weight.

— Versatile offensive player. Can score from the perimeter or play in the post. Fluid off the ball. Can run off screens, catch and shoot potential. Good cutter; long arms to finish.

— Needs to improve perimeter handle. Committed two careless turnovers vs. Rutgers. On one play, Daniels drove from the perimeter, lost control, and telegraphed a careless jump-pass to a teammate.

—  Developing back to the basket game. Showcased a drop-step hook shot vs. Rutgers. If his post game develops, Daniels has terrific potential as a duel threat on the pick and roll. He can roll to the hoop, or pop out for a jumper.

— Can guard 3′s and some 4′s in college. Long wingspan to contest shots on the perimeter. Just needs to add muscle to compete in the post.

— Slow release on shot is mildly concerning.

— Consistency is an issue. Had 3 points vs. Louisville earlier this season, then 31 the next game. Growing pains, or part of a larger trend?

— Overall, Daniels has NBA size and ability, with a clearly improving game. He will probably stay one more year in college, but his two-way versatility and competitive nature bode well for his future.

Video

vs. Rutgers

Defense vs. Rutgers

#11 Ryan Boatright — PG, 6-0, 170
Junior, 21 years old

Season (31.6): 12.4 PPG, 3.4 RPG, 3.5 APG, 1.7 SPG
39% FG, 39% three-point (3 attempts)

Game (20 min): 6 PTS, 4 AST, 3 RBS, 2 TO

Outlook:

— Boatright is a lead guard who can play on- and-off the ball. Very quick handle and first step, with the ability to penetrate against any defender on the college level.

— Very small and skinny. Stands out.

— Scorer’s mentality despite his small frame. Crossover dribble and elite athleticism help him most. Keeps bigger defenders on their toes with quickness. He gets into the lane and finishes despite his size.

— Lack of strength and size are biggest question marks. At 6-feet, can he play point guard in the NBA? Can he run a team at 6-foot? Also, he often seems like he’s “looking out for himself,” but that won’t fly in the NBA.

— Inconsistent jump shot. Should develop “floater” to score at the basket. Good mid-range game, but needs a floater at his size.

— Needs to add muscle to compete defensively.

— Should stay for his senior season, to show he can distribute the basketball. Will have a bigger role with Napier gone next season. Would like to see him play more point guard.

Video

vs. Rutgers (2 videos)

Defense vs. Rutgers

#5 Niels Giffey — G/F, 6-7, 205
Senior, 23 years old

Season (22.7 mpg): 8 PPG, 3.4 RPG, 2.2 Fouls
56% FG, 50% three-point (2.8 attempts)
40 of 77 made field goals are 3′s

Game (36 min): 16 PTS, 3 AST, 2 REB
6-9 FG, 4-7 three-point

Outlook:

— 23 years old at Draft time.

— Excellent shooter. Good size, shooting form. Moves very well off the ball to get ready for the catch. 40 of 77 made field goals are 3′s.

— Deceptively athletic. Can easily dunk, even through traffic. He can’t create for himself, though, and is wiry thin for a 6-7 forward.

— Plays his role, never complains, and as Coach Ollie says, he’s the “consummate pro.” But at 23 years old, he lacks a well-rounded skill-set. Can he possibly get drafted as a role-playing shooter? Not sure, but the shooting is there. Unsure defensively as well. Can he stay with NBA small forwards?

— Great shooter and good athlete, and presumably there’s some value in that. But Giffey hasn’t shown any “NBA gear,” in terms of playing at a fast pace, and getting his shot off against length. He might’ve already reached his ceiling.

Video: vs. Rutgers

#11 Kadeem Jack — SF/PF, 6-9, 230
Junior, 21 years old

Season (29.2 mpg): 14.6 PPG, 7 RPG, 1.4 BPG
50% FG, 69% FT

Game (26 min): 9 PTS, 3 REB, 2 STL, 5 TO, 4 Fouls
4-7 FG

Outlook:

— Slender forward who scores on cuts, drop-offs and angles

— Versatile defender; can defend SF and PF

— Good handle to make plays inside 3-point line

— 17% of attempts off cuts; good finisher

— Capable mid-range shooter with room

— All that said, Jack is a power forward trapped in a small forward’s body. He can finish around the basket, but he struggles to create for himself on the perimeter. Instead, he scores on “effort” plays—slashing to the hoop, put-backs, taking the open jump shot, etc.

— He has NBA athleticism, but his lack of perimeter skills relegate him to the interior, which doesn’t bode well for 230-pound player.

— He’s young for his age, so if he can extend his jump shot, we can revisit next season.

Video: vs. Rutgers

#4 Myles Mack — PG, 5-9, 175
Junior, 21 years old

Season (30 mpg): 15 PPG, 15.3 PPG, 2.7 RPG, 4.2 APG
41% FG, 36% three-point (5.7 attempts)

Game: 16 PTS, 5 REB, 6 AST
5-7 FG, 4-6 three-point

Outlook:

— Only 5-9, Mack is a score-first point guard. Can shoot off the pick-and-roll. Catch-and-shoot, or creating in isolation.

— That said, Mack isn’t efficient or reliable. Often jacks up shots early in possessions. Shooting 36% on jumpers, 35% on 3′s.

— He’s a volume shooter who can shoot himself into—or out of—a game.

— Didn’t facilitate much for his teammates.

— Poor finisher at the basket (5-9 height hinders him)

Video:  Mack vs. UConn

Offense

Defense

#20 Lasan Kromah — SF, 6-6, 200
Senior, 22 years old

Season (24 mpg): 7.2 PPG, 3 RPG, 1.2 APG, 1.1 SPG
47% FG, 35% three-point (1.8 attempts)

Game (26 min): 3 PTS, 4 REB, 2 AST, 2 STL, 1 BLK
1-7 FG, 1-3 three-point

*UConn graduate transfer (via George Washington). Kromah had a terrific rookie season at George Washington (2009-10), earning A-10 rookie honors, but he suffered a lisfranc injury during his sophomore season that drastically set him back.

Outlook:

— UConn’s x-factor. Guard’s opposing team’s best player; comes up with timely rebound or steal. Solid athlete, good length, gritty player.

— That said, he doesn’t distinguish himself in any facet of the game. He’s also an average—not elite—athlete.

— Instinctive ability to get to the rim, shoots 47%, and plays with energy.

— But doesn’t stand out in any facet, and he is already 22 years old. I don’t see the NBA in his future.

Video (from previous game report):

Spot-Up Points

Isolation Struggles

Transition

#44 JJ Moore — F, 6-6, 220
Senior, 23 years old

Season (26 mpg): 11 PPG, 3.1 RPG, 1 APG
43% FG, 32% three-point (4 attempts)

Game (29 min): 11 PTS, 0 REB, 0 AST
4-10 FG, 2-7 three-point

*Transferred from Pittsburgh this season

Outlook:

— 23 years old at Draft time.

— Rhythm shooter, but lacks lateral quickness and agility. Slow off-the-ball, and heavy on his feet.

— Not efficient (32% on 3′s).

— Slow off the dribble. Often wanders on the perimeter, and looks for his own shot at the expense of the team.

— Not a threat overall. He’ll score 11 points, but will also have 0 rebounds and 0 assists, and shoot 4-10 from the field.

Video: vs.UConn

Connecticut 69, Rutgers 63

Wednesday, March 6, 2014 | 7 p.m. ET | Gampel Pavilion (Austin, TX)

Connecticut 24-6, Rutgers 11-19

Recap: Shabazz Napier had 26 points and 4 assists, and Niels Giffey contributed a career-high 16 points to give UConn a 69-63 victory. Napier shot 7-10 from 3-point range, and made timely shots to maintain the lead down the stretch. Rutgers kept the game close with second-chance points, winning the rebounding margin 37-28, but it was to no avail. Myles Mack scored 16 points, but Rutgers has now lost five of the last six. Conversely, UConn has won seven of eight.

Full Box Score

Previous UConn Game Reports

vs. Eastern Washington: http://collegelayup.com/?p=1306
vs. Yale: http://collegelayup.com/?p=531
vs. Maryland: http://collegelayup.com/?p=467

Previous Rutgers Game Reports

vs. Louisville: http://collegelayup.com/?p=1442
vs. Temple: http://collegelayup.com/?p=1437

*Ages calculated at time of 2014 Draft

*If the videos do not appear, please “refresh” the webpage once

NBA Prospects

Amida Brimah (FR, UConn): C, 7-0, 217 (Long way to go – purely potential right now)

Shabazz Napier (SR, UConn): PG, 6-1, 170

DeAndre Daniels (JR, UConn): SF, 6-8, 195

Ryan Boatright (JR, UConn): G, 6-0, 170

Next Tier

Niels Giffey (SR, UConn): SF, 6-7, 205

Kadeem Jack (JR, Rutgers): SF/PF, 6-9, 230

Important to Their Team, But Not NBA Caliber

Myles Mack (JR, Rutgers): PG, 5-9, 175

Lasan Kromah (SR, UConn): SF, 6-6, 200

JJ Moore (SR, Rutgers): SF, 6-6, 220, 23 years old

–

NBA Prospects

#35 Amida Brimah — C, 7-0, 217
Freshman, 20 years old

Season (15.3 mpg): 4.1 PPG, 3 RPG, 2.5 BPG, 2.7 Fouls

Game (13 min): 0 PTS, 2 BLK
0-0 FG, 0-2 FT

Outlook:

— Brimah played only 13 minutes. Doesn’t have skill or polish right now, but his physical attributes—size, length, mobility, timing on blocks—give him a very high upside.

— Evaluation starts with defensive prowess; 2.5 blocks 15.3 minutes per game; 17.1% block percentage ranks 1st nationally. Excellent bounce and timing on blocks.

— Looks the part of a developing NBA center defensively. Too skinny right now (217 pounds), but has a stronghold on the paint with his excellent shot blocking ability.

— Unpolished—no offensive moves and poor hand-eye coordination—but has time to add skill to his impressive physical attributes

— Needs to work on catching the ball in the paint, and then implementing one or two “go to” moves. Maybe start with a hook shot?

— Needs to add strength to withstand the “first punch.” Right now, opponents often dip their shoulders into Brimah, getting close to his chest and thus negating his shot blocking ability.

— Brimah is far away from Draft consideration, but he has great upside. UConn assistant Karl Hobbs says Brimah “should be ready to go” by the end of his junior year. The next 12 months are critical in his development.

Video

Brimah vs. Rutgers

Shot Blocking

Fouling

Offensive athleticism (raw)

#13 Shabazz Napier — PG, 6-1, 170
Senior, 22 years old

Season (34.7 mpg): 17.8 PPG, 6 RPG, 5.3 APG, 1.9 SPG, 2.7 TO
43% FG, 41% three-point (4.7 attempts)

Game (39 min): 26 PTS, 4 AST, 2 REB, 3 STL
8-13 FG, 7-11 three-point

Outlook:

— Terrific “playmaker” on the college level. Quick, shifty guard, able to penetrate and convert difficult shots.

— Crafty handle to create space. Uses a variety of pull-ups, hesitations and ball fakes to get his shot off. Good shooter; made a career-high seven 3′s vs. Rutgers. 42% on jump shots, 41% from 3.

— Candidate for National Player of the Year. Leads UConn in points, assists, rebounds, steals and minutes. Poised vs. pressure, directs offense. Natural leader. High basketball IQ.

— Quick hands to get deflections and steals on defense. Aware defender.

— Terrific pick and roll player (43%, .94 PPP). Reads the defense and gets into creases. Not a great athlete to finish, but can penetrate the lane.

— Elite quickness, but not a great vertical athlete. Concerning for NBA projection.

— Sometimes gets beat off the dribble. Small and skinny  frame.

— Can he be a change-of-pace (reserve) guard at the next level? Is he too small? Certainly has the handle, jump shot and basketball IQ. Good accuracy on passes, too.

Video

4 assists vs. Rutgers

26 points vs. Rutgers

#2 DeAndre Daniels — SF, 6-8, 195
Junior, 22 years old

Season (27.7 mpg): 12.3 PPG, 5.4 RPG, 1.4 BPG
46% FG, 43% three-point (3 attempts)
Only 2.3 FTA

Game (21 min): 7 PTS, 6 REB, 1 AST, 3 Fouls, 2 TO
3-6 FG, 0-1 three-point

Outlook:

— Good size for NBA SF, though he needs to add weight.

— Versatile offensive player. Can score from the perimeter or play in the post. Fluid off the ball. Can run off screens, catch and shoot potential. Good cutter; long arms to finish.

— Needs to improve perimeter handle. Committed two careless turnovers vs. Rutgers. On one play, Daniels drove from the perimeter, lost control, and telegraphed a careless jump-pass to a teammate.

—  Developing back to the basket game. Showcased a drop-step hook shot vs. Rutgers. If his post game develops, Daniels has terrific potential as a duel threat on the pick and roll. He can roll to the hoop, or pop out for a jumper.

— Can guard 3′s and some 4′s in college. Long wingspan to contest shots on the perimeter. Just needs to add muscle to compete in the post.

— Slow release on shot is mildly concerning.

— Consistency is an issue. Had 3 points vs. Louisville earlier this season, then 31 the next game. Growing pains, or part of a larger trend?

— Overall, Daniels has NBA size and ability, with a clearly improving game. He will probably stay one more year in college, but his two-way versatility and competitive nature bode well for his future.

Video

vs. Rutgers

Defense vs. Rutgers

#11 Ryan Boatright — PG, 6-0, 170
Junior, 21 years old

Season (31.6): 12.4 PPG, 3.4 RPG, 3.5 APG, 1.7 SPG
39% FG, 39% three-point (3 attempts)

Game (20 min): 6 PTS, 4 AST, 3 RBS, 2 TO

Outlook:

— Boatright is a lead guard who can play on- and-off the ball. Very quick handle and first step, with the ability to penetrate against any defender on the college level.

— Very small and skinny. Stands out.

— Scorer’s mentality despite his small frame. Crossover dribble and elite athleticism help him most. Keeps bigger defenders on their toes with quickness. He gets into the lane and finishes despite his size.

— Lack of strength and size are biggest question marks. At 6-feet, can he play point guard in the NBA? Can he run a team at 6-foot? Also, he often seems like he’s “looking out for himself,” but that won’t fly in the NBA.

— Inconsistent jump shot. Should develop “floater” to score at the basket. Good mid-range game, but needs a floater at his size.

— Needs to add muscle to compete defensively.

— Should stay for his senior season, to show he can distribute the basketball. Will have a bigger role with Napier gone next season. Would like to see him play more point guard.

Video

vs. Rutgers (2 videos)

Defense vs. Rutgers

#5 Niels Giffey — G/F, 6-7, 205
Senior, 23 years old

Season (22.7 mpg): 8 PPG, 3.4 RPG, 2.2 Fouls
56% FG, 50% three-point (2.8 attempts)
40 of 77 made field goals are 3′s

Game (36 min): 16 PTS, 3 AST, 2 REB
6-9 FG, 4-7 three-point

Outlook:

— 23 years old at Draft time.

— Excellent shooter. Good size, shooting form. Moves very well off the ball to get ready for the catch. 40 of 77 made field goals are 3′s.

— Deceptively athletic. Can easily dunk, even through traffic. He can’t create for himself, though, and is wiry thin for a 6-7 forward.

— Plays his role, never complains, and as Coach Ollie says, he’s the “consummate pro.” But at 23 years old, he lacks a well-rounded skill-set. Can he possibly get drafted as a role-playing shooter? Not sure, but the shooting is there. Unsure defensively as well. Can he stay with NBA small forwards?

— Great shooter and good athlete, and presumably there’s some value in that. But Giffey hasn’t shown any “NBA gear,” in terms of playing at a fast pace, and getting his shot off against length. He might’ve already reached his ceiling.

Video: vs. Rutgers

#11 Kadeem Jack — SF/PF, 6-9, 230
Junior, 21 years old

Season (29.2 mpg): 14.6 PPG, 7 RPG, 1.4 BPG
50% FG, 69% FT

Game (26 min): 9 PTS, 3 REB, 2 STL, 5 TO, 4 Fouls
4-7 FG

Outlook:

— Slender forward who scores on cuts, drop-offs and angles

— Versatile defender; can defend SF and PF

— Good handle to make plays inside 3-point line

— 17% of attempts off cuts; good finisher

— Capable mid-range shooter with room

— All that said, Jack is a power forward trapped in a small forward’s body. He can finish around the basket, but he struggles to create for himself on the perimeter. Instead, he scores on “effort” plays—slashing to the hoop, put-backs, taking the open jump shot, etc.

— He has NBA athleticism, but his lack of perimeter skills relegate him to the interior, which doesn’t bode well for 230-pound player.

— He’s young for his age, so if he can extend his jump shot, we can revisit next season.

Video: vs. Rutgers

#4 Myles Mack — PG, 5-9, 175
Junior, 21 years old

Season (30 mpg): 15 PPG, 15.3 PPG, 2.7 RPG, 4.2 APG
41% FG, 36% three-point (5.7 attempts)

Game: 16 PTS, 5 REB, 6 AST
5-7 FG, 4-6 three-point

Outlook:

— Only 5-9, Mack is a score-first point guard. Can shoot off the pick-and-roll. Catch-and-shoot, or creating in isolation.

— That said, Mack isn’t efficient or reliable. Often jacks up shots early in possessions. Shooting 36% on jumpers, 35% on 3′s.

— He’s a volume shooter who can shoot himself into—or out of—a game.

— Didn’t facilitate much for his teammates.

— Poor finisher at the basket (5-9 height hinders him)

Video:  Mack vs. UConn

Offense

Defense

#20 Lasan Kromah — SF, 6-6, 200
Senior, 22 years old

Season (24 mpg): 7.2 PPG, 3 RPG, 1.2 APG, 1.1 SPG
47% FG, 35% three-point (1.8 attempts)

Game (26 min): 3 PTS, 4 REB, 2 AST, 2 STL, 1 BLK
1-7 FG, 1-3 three-point

*UConn graduate transfer (via George Washington). Kromah had a terrific rookie season at George Washington (2009-10), earning A-10 rookie honors, but he suffered a lisfranc injury during his sophomore season that drastically set him back.

Outlook:

— UConn’s x-factor. Guard’s opposing team’s best player; comes up with timely rebound or steal. Solid athlete, good length, gritty player.

— That said, he doesn’t distinguish himself in any facet of the game. He’s also an average—not elite—athlete.

— Instinctive ability to get to the rim, shoots 47%, and plays with energy.

— But doesn’t stand out in any facet, and he is already 22 years old. I don’t see the NBA in his future.

Video (from previous game report):

Spot-Up Points

Isolation Struggles

Transition

#44 JJ Moore — F, 6-6, 220
Senior, 23 years old

Season (26 mpg): 11 PPG, 3.1 RPG, 1 APG
43% FG, 32% three-point (4 attempts)

Game (29 min): 11 PTS, 0 REB, 0 AST
4-10 FG, 2-7 three-point

*Transferred from Pittsburgh this season

Outlook:

— 23 years old at Draft time.

— Rhythm shooter, but lacks lateral quickness and agility. Slow off-the-ball, and heavy on his feet.

— Not efficient (32% on 3′s).

— Slow off the dribble. Often wanders on the perimeter, and looks for his own shot at the expense of the team.

— Not a threat overall. He’ll score 11 points, but will also have 0 rebounds and 0 assists, and shoot 4-10 from the field.

Video: vs.UConn