Brandon McKissic Florida
McKissic plays with strong physicality and has the ability to be really good at attacking the rim, as well as being effective in transition with the tempo he plays with. He has a quick shot release and is a confident shooter from the perimeter. His ability to shoot, at 42.9%, mixed with physicality will be a great combination at Florida. Additionally, he is capable of playing off the ball basketball and moves with tempo.
Finishing with aggression at the rim will have him draw contact and be able to get to the foul line effectively. His ability to attack downhill in ball screen actions is really effective. As for defensively, his engagement of the basketball is very good being in a position to consistently help. His physicality on the ball is really good and contains the basketball effectively. McKissic will be an impact guard on both ends for Florida.
Caleb Mills Florida State
Caleb Mills will be looking to be a difference-maker for the Florida State offense next season. Mills is a scoring threat from all three levels. He has a very good feel off the dribble and is most effective scoring in the mid-range. Also, in the mid-range, he really likes to go into fadeaways and runners his overall efficiency must improve. His ability to attack off the dribble is really good with the ability to finish with great control. Furthermore, his ability to go at defenders 1v1 is really good, but he needs to improve his movement without the basketball.
Further, his three-point shooting is effective, however, his ability to speed up his shot will allow him to take the next step. As for defensively, his commitment to be a better defender will be key at Florida State especially with the way they consistently defend. Additionally, he needs to improve his urgency on and off the basketball to a leap defensively. Florida State is getting a talented scorer who will bring needed offense and should be one of the best guards in ACC.
Boogie Ellis
Ellis has a scorers mentality with the ability to be really effective from the perimeter as a shooter. He has the ability to score off the bounce and off the catch effectively as he moves without the basketball well. His continued development as someone that can get to the basket more effectively and finish stronger could be key. Next, he primarily is a go-to scorer, but if he was able to evolve his game as more of a playmaker he could move to the point some for his next team. Further, he is really good in transition off the dribble and spotting up as a three.
The addition of Ellis for a team looking for someone who can be a major key in offensive success. Now defensively, he brings good energy and activity to the basketball. His size is a small concern with bigger guards, but his effort is there to be a solid defender for a team. Ellis will be an immediate scorer for a team looking to add offense.
Oscar Tshiebwe Kentucky
Tshiebwe will be adding to Kentucky looking to be the focal point of their frontcourt. Tshiebwe has great physical traits that make him an imposing presence inside. Now, he has the ability to duck in strong in transition and in the half-court for easy scoring opportunities. Further, when Tshiebwe gets two feet in the paint is efficient around the basket and when he gets great post positioning he is tough to contain. His production off the offensive boards is a key component of his activity and success offensively.
Next, his limitations as a mid-range shooter are a concern as he becomes very limited offensively. Offensively he must improve his skill set in the post with footwork and stretching out to the mid-range when necessary. As for defensively, he should be an anchor for the Kentucky defense as a true rim protector. Now, he must improve his mobility to be able to guard on the perimeter in spots. As well as, not being a liability in ball screen coverage. Tshiebwe has the capabilities to be one of the best bigs in the SEC, but he must improve his offensive skill set to truly be a game-changer for Kentucky.
Justin Powell TennesseÂ
Powell had a terrific freshman season at Auburn and will be a coveted transfer with his offensive skill set. First off, Powell proved he is capable of playing off and on the basketball when needed. Next, he moves well without the basketball and allows him to take quick perimeter shots at an effective rate. His shot-making ability being from 3 at 56.0% makes a difficult cover on the perimeter. Also, his size is good which allows him to make shots over defenders and he can get to the basket. Now, he needs to improve his overall strength and finishing to be a more complete scorer.
Powell’s ball security must improve to be a better ball handler and attack more efficiently. As for the defensive end, his size is good and he is active in the passing lanes. His ability to guard the basketball could improve with his quickness, but his length does help make up for his lack of great athleticism at times. Powell is going to be an immediate impact player for Tennesse as a go-to scorer who will only improve towards becoming a complete scorer.
Tre Mitchell
Mitchell is going to be a highly thought-after recruit with his dominant play at UMass. First off, Mitchell has really good size and athleticism with the ability to develop more of a perimeter game than he already has. Next, he is very effective in the post and mid-post with his overall feel and facing up ability. Mitchell’s very good at making mid-range jumpers on a consistent basis. Additionally, his ability to be a pick and pop player and someone in the trail makes him a matchup problem.
Furthermore, his 3pt shooting is making a complete scorer shooting at 37.5% having the ability to attack off the bounce as well. His skill in the post is impressive with his touch and going to his jump hook that’s effective. The overall efficiency that Mitchell plays with makes him an immediate impact offensively and will be a game-changing addition. On the defensive end, he could improve his overall ability to guard multiple positions. As well as, his strength to be able to defend the post more effectively. Mitchell’s ceiling is very high and will take a massive step forward at his next destination.
Kellan Grady Kentucky
Grady has really good size and will bring a scorers mentality to Kentucky. Furthermore, he has to play off the basketball really effectively. Next, he’s solid around the basket being able to finish off of drives and cuts. Additionally, his 3pt shooting is really effective off the catch and is capable of making shots off the dribble. The capabilities of Grady being a threat on and off the basketball will open up for Kentucky offense for others. Kentucky will be looking for Kellan Grady to be a consistent offensive go-to scorer with his shot-making ability. As for the defensive, he has the size and athleticism to be a solid defender. His ability to guard the basketball will be the biggest concern. Grady has the capability to be a key player for Kentucky especially adding to their offense.
Marcus Carr
Carr is a dynamic scorer who is very good off the bounce with the ability to get to his spots. Now, the biggest aspect for Carr will be the efficiency and taking higher percentage shots. Also, he is very good in transition with a really good ability to get downhill and finish at the rim. Next, Carr has the ability to get others involved effectively and puts pressure on the defense. The improvement on his perimeter jumper will be a major factor for Carr to be a complete dynamic scorer who can take over games consistently.
The use of ball screens for Carr is very effective and his decision-making is good. Further, he has all ability offensively to come in to be the lead for a guard for a team looking to advance in the NCAA tournament. As for his defense, he has the size and length to be a better defender, he must improve on-ball defense against higher level guards. The overall consistent effort on the defensive end is key to be a more improved defender. Carr is going to be in a position to go to a Top 25 team and have a major influence on that team’s success.
Qudus Wahab Maryland
Wahab had a very good Sophomore season as he showed major progression in his game. First off, he is improving in ball screens, and his ability to dive to the rim being a threat. Also, his touch around the basket is good with the potential to be even more efficient. Next, Wahab has good hands which allows him to have many opportunities around the basket and not turning it over. Additionally, his size makes it very difficult to keep him off the glass with his offensive rebounding being a major plus.
As well as, when he has good post positioning he is very effective and tough to contain. His jump hook is a go-to move by Wahab with good efficiency. Now defensively, he will need to continue to improve his mobility in ball screen actions. Also, he is capable of being a good rim protector and must continue to evolve his shot-altering ability. Wahab will be the primary big for Maryland looking to win a Big Ten title.
Fatts Russell Maryland
Russell is a scoring guard who will add to a very good Maryland perimeter with Aaron Wiggins and Eric Ayala. First off, the efficiency of Russell’s game will be something he must improve on at Maryland. Therefore, the shot selection will be key as he shot 23.5% from three and with other guards, he should improve that. Next, his quickness is really effective with the basketball allowing him to get to the basket. The continued growth of his ability to play in the lane and getting others involved will be important.
Further, his ability to score off the dribble is good, his development without the ball would go a long way. As for the defensive end, his activity on the ball is pretty good, and has improved throughout his career defensively. His ability to handle bigger guards and physicality in the Big Ten will be tested. Fatts Russell will bring scoring to Maryland and be a part of a team competing at the top of the Big Ten.
Tyson Walker Michigan State
Walker will be looking to be the resolution for the point guard issues for Michigan State. Now, Walker plays with a really good feel in ball screen situations being able to pull up, get to the basket, and make a play for someone else. Also, he is really good on the open floor with great pace, and feel he can take it all the way to the basket. The finishing around the basket is the best aspect Walker brings with having the control to be consistent at the rim.
His ability to make decisions in the mid-range area is really good and the improved 3pt shooting will be really key in his development. The biggest improvement needed will be his playmaking for others as Michigan State desperately needs that floor general. Defensively, he will need to improve the intensity and physicality to match the Big Ten style of play. The overall activity will need to improve to be an effective defender. Walker has the potential to be dynamic offensively for Michigan State and he will need to lead the way for their offense.
Jayden Gardner
Gardner plays with good physicality around the basket and has a solid touch. Also, his ability to rebound offensive boards is a major part of his overall production. Next, he does a good job of getting a strong post position with duck ins and post pinning to his right hand. The area in which he can improve is his ability to face up and being a stronger threat with the basketball. The physicality he plays with inside is good and he will be a consistent rebounding threat on the post.
Next, the consistent effort of Gardner is a valuable aspect of his game and will vital to his next school. On the defensive end, his ability to guard out on the perimeter and inside will be valued. The intensity and consistent positioning would put a point of improvement for Gardner at his next school. Gardner will have double-double potential at his next school if he finds the right fit.
Jamari Wheeler Ohio State
Wheeler’s size and versatility will be a major key for Ohio State on both ends to improve their perimeter defense especially. Next, the driving ability of Wheeler is good and can be a great tandem next to Justice Sueing. Continued, Wheeler has the ability to make plays in transition as a driver and shooter. Also, he is a good spot-up shooter and will be effective off the basketball with his movement. The fit of Wheeler to Ohio State should be very good with the core that is there. Additionally, his drives to the basket have great control and make him really efficient. As for defensively, his size and length make him a very solid defender. As well, the overall activity he plays with is a great aspect. Jamari Wheeler will be a very solid contributor for Ohio State next season.
Au’Diese Toney Arkansas
Toney will continue to add the plethora of options for Arkansas on the perimeter. Furthermore, his versatility to play multiple positions will be valued. Next, he is capable of playing off the ball really well being in a position to drive and being shot ready. Also, he plays with a really good feel and control he does not get sped up often. The area he could improve in would be finishing more consistently especially through contact. Continued, his ability to be a threat in transition will be effective as a shooter or running lanes for layups. Now defensively, Toney has the ability to defend at a high level if he can improve his lateral movement. As well as, his activity off the ball could improve. Toney will be a major contributor for Arkansas immediately adding to their perimeter.
Timmy Allen
Allen will be a massive contributor to his next school with his size and versatility as a player. Now, he’s good at pushing the ball in transition with the ability to finish directly at the rim. Further, he can play out on the perimeter and post up in the mid-post with the ability to attack the basket. Next, an area of improvement for Timmy Allen is as a perimeter shooter as he’s only shooting 26.8 3pt%. His ability to rebound really adds to his value as an offensive player being able to get easy looks around the rim. As for defensively, Allen has good size and the ability to guard multiple positions. His overall activity could improve to be an even better defender. Allen will have a big impact at his next school being a valuable addition with his versatility and scoring.
Images Courtesy of, Philadelphia Inquirer, University of Houston Athletics, University of Missouri-Kansas City
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